Polk City, IA
Population 5,833 · Iowa
About Polk City, IA
Polk City is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 5,833 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $163,000 per year, which is 117% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Polk City features a median home value of $385,000, which is 57% above the national median of $244,900. This places Polk City in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $746, 36% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,059 total housing units, 90% are owner-occupied (1,828 units) and 10% are renter-occupied (204 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Polk City shows an unemployment rate of 2.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 5.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Polk City have an average one-way commute time of 24.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
47.2% of Polk City residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 2.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.2% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Polk City Ranks in Iowa
Cost of Living in Polk City, IA
Compared to national averages, Polk City has a median household income of $163,000 (117% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $385,000, which is 57% above the national median. Monthly rent at $746 is 36% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Polk City's income is 140% above the state average of $67,947, and home values are 191% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Polk City, IA?
Polk City offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $163,000, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $746/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.0%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 47.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 5.5%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 24.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $385,000. However, Polk City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Polk City has a population of 5,833 with a median age of 37 years. Compare Polk City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Polk City
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Estherville | 5,865 | $54,624 | $96,300 | Compare |
| Oelwein | 5,878 | $49,821 | $96,800 | Compare |
| Asbury | 5,949 | $130,071 | $312,400 | Compare |
| Maquoketa | 6,105 | $56,039 | $126,800 | Compare |
| Anamosa | 5,553 | $56,167 | $164,900 | Compare |
| Red Oak | 5,542 | $52,996 | $91,600 | Compare |
| DeWitt | 5,535 | $84,474 | $223,100 | Compare |
| Independence | 6,149 | $72,250 | $156,900 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Iowa
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Polk City With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Polk City
What is the population of Polk City, IA?
The population of Polk City, IA is 5,833 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Polk City?
The median household income in Polk City, IA is $163,000 per year, which is 117% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Polk City?
The median home value in Polk City, IA is $385,000, which is 57% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Polk City?
The median monthly rent in Polk City, IA is $746, which is 36% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Polk City?
The unemployment rate in Polk City, IA is 2.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Polk City, IA a good place to live?
Polk City offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 5,833 and a median age of 37, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Polk City, IA?
47.2% of residents in Polk City aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Polk City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Polk City, IA: median home value is $385,000 (57% above national), median rent is $746/month, and median household income is $163,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Polk City?
The poverty rate in Polk City, IA is 5.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Polk City, IA?
Polk City's population is 2.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.2% Asian, and 0.4% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.