2023 Polk County, Oregon Demographics | Comprehensive Overview
Data and insights for Polk County, Oregon, including population, age & gender distribution, race & ethnicity, median & household income distribution, property value distribution, educational attainment, health insurance coverage, nativity & citizenship, commuting & transportation, employment, veteran service, poverty & income and SNAP/food stamp recipients. Based on 2023 American Community Survey Estimates.
Polk County, Oregon Key Demographic Statistics (2023 Estimates)
Key demographic statistics summarized from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates
Polk County, Oregon Demographics: Age & Gender Distribution (2023)

Key Demographic Indicators for Polk County, Oregon
The following statistics highlight Polk County, Oregon population and median age, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Population
- 88,553
- Median Age (Total)
- 37.6 years
- Median Age (Male)
- 37.0 years
- Median Age (Female)
- 38.2 years
Polk County, Oregon Age Distribution Comparison with Oregon 2023
Compare Polk County, Oregon age demographics with Oregon to understand regional demographic patterns.
| Metric | Polk County, Oregon | Oregon | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Age | 37.6 yrs | 40.8 yrs | -3.2 yrs |
| Under 5 years | 5.28% | 4.62% | +0.7pp |
| Children (5–17 years) | 16.81% | 14.70% | +2.1pp |
| Young Adults (18–24) | 12.04% | 8.48% | +3.6pp |
| Middle-aged (35–54) | 23.42% | 26.87% | -3.4pp |
| Seniors (65+) | 18.78% | 19.90% | -1.1pp |
| Total Dependency Ratio | 69.11 | 64.52 | +4.6 |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. "yrs" indicates years. The dependency ratio measures the burden on working-age population (18-64) to support dependents (under 18 and 65+).
Dependency Ratios Analysis
- Total Dependency Ratio
- 69.11
- Youth Dependency Ratio
- 37.36 Population under 18 relative to working age (18-64).
- Old-Age Dependency Ratio
- 31.76 Population 65+ relative to working age (18-64).
A higher ratio indicates a greater financial and social burden on the working population to support non-working age groups.
Polk County, Oregon Demographics: Racial and Ethnic Composition (2023)

Diversity & Cultural Composition of Polk County, Oregon
The racial makeup and ethnic composition of Polk County, Oregon are detailed below, drawing from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Diversity Index Score
- 41.17
- Diversity Tier
- moderate
- Definition
- The probability that two individuals chosen at random will be from different racial or ethnic groups.
Diversity Comparison with Oregon
Compare Polk County, Oregon racial and ethnic demographics with Oregon to understand regional diversity patterns.
Polk County, Oregon Diversity
41.17
moderateOregon Diversity
47.73
moderateRacial and Ethnic Composition Comparison
| Racial/Ethnic Group | Polk County, Oregon | Oregon | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| White Alone (Non-Hispanic) | 74.94% | 70.14% | +4.8pp |
| Hispanic or Latino (Any Race) | 15.20% | 15.51% | -0.3pp |
| Two or More Races | 5.59% | 6.30% | -0.7pp |
| Asian Alone | 1.77% | 4.83% | -3.1pp |
| American Indian and Alaska Native Alone | 1.09% | 0.62% | +0.5pp |
| Black/African American Alone | 0.52% | 1.84% | -1.3pp |
| Some Other Race Alone | 0.48% | 0.42% | +0.1pp |
| Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander Alone | 0.41% | 0.34% | +0.1pp |
| Diversity Index Score | 41.17 | 47.73 | -6.56 |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher Diversity Index Scores (green) indicate greater racial/ethnic diversity.
Polk County, Oregon Economic Demographics: Household Income Statistics (2023)

Economic Snapshot for Polk County, Oregon
The following data illustrates the financial landscape of Polk County, Oregon, based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Median Household Income
- $81,318 (Adjusted for inflation)
- Total Households Analyzed
- 32,574
Income Comparison with Oregon
Compare Polk County, Oregon household income with Oregon to understand regional economic patterns.
Polk County, Oregon
$81,318
Oregon
$85,220
Income Distribution Comparison
| Income Bracket | Polk County, Oregon | Oregon | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $20,000 | 12.08% | 10.69% | +1.4pp |
| $20,000 to $34,999 | 8.49% | 9.42% | -0.9pp |
| $35,000 to $49,999 | 10.30% | 9.55% | +0.8pp |
| $50,000 to $74,999 | 15.23% | 14.75% | +0.5pp |
| $75,000 to $149,999 | 32.20% | 32.48% | -0.3pp |
| $150,000 or more | 21.70% | 23.12% | -1.4pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in high-income brackets (green) indicate greater affluence compared to Oregon.
Polk County, Oregon Real Estate Demographics: Property Values (2023)

Real Estate Market Snapshot for Polk County, Oregon
The following data highlights the distribution of owner-occupied housing values in Polk County, Oregon, based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Median Property Value
- $419,500
- Total Properties Analyzed
- 21,040 (Owner-occupied units)
Property Value Comparison with Oregon
Compare Polk County, Oregon property values with Oregon to understand regional real estate market patterns.
Polk County, Oregon
$419,500
Oregon
$497,500
Property Value Distribution Comparison
| Value Bracket | Polk County, Oregon | Oregon | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $25,000 | 1.96% | 1.63% | +0.3pp |
| $25,000 to $49,999 | 1.71% | 1.48% | +0.2pp |
| $50,000 to $99,999 | 1.72% | 2.19% | -0.5pp |
| $100,000 to $199,999 | 4.00% | 4.01% | -0.0pp |
| $200,000 to $499,999 | 56.66% | 41.17% | +15.5pp |
| $500,000 to $999,999 | 33.18% | 46.87% | -13.7pp |
| $1,000,000 or more | 0.77% | 2.65% | -1.9pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in high-value brackets (green) indicate more expensive real estate compared to Oregon.
Polk County, Oregon Educational Attainment Statistics (2023)

Education Snapshot for Polk County, Oregon
The following statistics represent the educational background of residents aged 25 and older in Polk County, Oregon, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- High School Graduate or Higher
- 91.81%
- Bachelor's Degree or Higher
- 30.63%
- Total Population Analyzed (25+)
- 58,331
Education Level Comparison with Oregon
Compare Polk County, Oregon educational attainment with Oregon to understand regional education patterns.
Bachelor's+ in Polk County, Oregon
30.63%
Bachelor's+ in Oregon
37.84%
Detailed Education Level Comparison
| Education Level | Polk County, Oregon | Oregon | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than HS | 8.19% | 7.70% | +0.5pp |
| HS Graduate | 23.82% | 22.67% | +1.1pp |
| Some College/Associate's | 37.36% | 31.79% | +5.6pp |
| Bachelor's Degree | 18.71% | 22.93% | -4.2pp |
| Graduate/Professional | 11.92% | 14.92% | -3.0pp |
| HS Graduate or Higher | 91.81% | 92.30% | -0.5pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in advanced education levels (green badges) indicate higher educational attainment compared to Oregon.
Polk County, Oregon Health Insurance Coverage Statistics (2023)

Healthcare Coverage Snapshot for Polk County, Oregon
The following data illustrates the health coverage landscape of Polk County, Oregon, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Overall Uninsured Rate
- 5.1%
- Total Uninsured Population
- 4,458
- Total Civilian Population
- 87,824
The uninsured rates vary significantly by demographic group. Children under 18 and seniors aged 65+ generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs like Medicaid/CHIP and Medicare.
Health Insurance Coverage Comparison with Oregon
Compare Polk County, Oregon health insurance coverage with Oregon to understand regional healthcare access patterns.
Uninsured in Polk County, Oregon
5.1%
Uninsured in Oregon
5.2%
Uninsured Rates by Age and Sex
| Age Group | Polk County, Oregon | Oregon | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | Female | Male | Female | |
| Under 18 | 2.5% | 3.5% | 2.5% | 3.0% |
| 18-34 years | 9.6% | 4.2% | 11.3% | 7.6% |
| 35-64 years | 8.0% | 7.6% | 7.7% | 5.6% |
| 65+ years | 0.7% | 0.3% | 0.5% | 0.3% |
Note: Lower uninsured rates indicate better health insurance coverage. The 18-34 age group typically has the highest uninsured rates, while seniors 65+ have near-universal coverage through Medicare.
Polk County, Oregon Nativity & Citizenship Statistics (2023)

Citizenship Snapshot for Polk County, Oregon
The following data details the citizenship status and nativity of the population in Polk County, Oregon, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- U.S. Citizenship Rate
- 97.3% (Native-born + Naturalized)
- Naturalized Citizens
- 2,617 (Foreign-born individuals who acquired citizenship)
- Non-Citizen Residents
- 2,405
Citizenship Comparison with Oregon
Compare Polk County, Oregon citizenship and nativity with Oregon to understand regional immigration and naturalization patterns.
Citizenship in Polk County, Oregon
97.3%
Citizenship in Oregon
95.1%
Nativity and Citizenship Comparison
| Nativity/Citizenship Status | Polk County, Oregon | Oregon | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Born in the United States | 93.5% | 88.6% | +4.9pp |
| Born in PR or U.S. Territories | 0.3% | 0.1% | +0.2pp |
| Born abroad of American parent(s) | 0.6% | 1.2% | -0.6pp |
| U.S. citizen by naturalization | 3.0% | 5.1% | -2.1pp |
| Not a U.S. citizen | 2.7% | 4.9% | -2.2pp |
| Total U.S. Citizens | 97.3% | 95.1% | +2.2pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher naturalization rates (green) indicate greater immigrant integration compared to Oregon.
Polk County, Oregon Commuting & Transportation Statistics (2023)

Commuter Snapshot for Polk County, Oregon
The following data details the commuting habits of the workforce in Polk County, Oregon, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Drove to Work (Car/Truck/Van)
- 78.7%
- Public Transportation Usage
- 0.6%
- Work From Home Rate
- 16.0%
- Total Workers Analyzed
- 39,811
Transportation Comparison with Oregon
Compare Polk County, Oregon commuting patterns with Oregon to understand regional transportation preferences.
Drove in Polk County, Oregon
78.7%
Drove in Oregon
74.5%
Commute Mode Comparison
| Transportation Method | Polk County, Oregon | Oregon | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car, truck, or van | 78.7% | 74.5% | +4.2pp |
| Public transportation | 0.6% | 2.4% | -1.8pp |
| Bicycle | 0.7% | 1.3% | -0.6pp |
| Walked | 2.9% | 3.4% | -0.5pp |
| Taxicab, motorcycle, or other | 1.1% | 1.3% | -0.2pp |
| Worked from home | 16.0% | 17.1% | -1.1pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher public transit or work-from-home rates (green) indicate more diverse commuting options compared to Oregon.
Polk County, Oregon Employment by Class of Worker (2023)

Workforce Snapshot for Polk County, Oregon
The following statistics categorize the civilian employed population aged 16 and over in Polk County, Oregon by their employment sector, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Employed Civilian Population
- 40,523
- Private Sector (Profit & Non-Profit)
- Includes For-Profit and Non-Profit organizations
- Government Workers
- Includes Local, State, and Federal employees
- Self-Employed Workers
- Includes own not incorporated business workers
Employment Sector Comparison with Oregon
Compare Polk County, Oregon employment patterns with Oregon to understand regional workforce composition differences.
Government Employment in Polk County, Oregon
10.7% (M) / 12.3% (F)
Government Employment in Oregon
6.3% (M) / 8.5% (F)
Employment Sector Comparison
| Employment Sector | Polk County, Oregon | Oregon | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private For-Profit (Combined) | M: 37.0% F: 26.5% | M: 38.4% F: 29.2% | M: -1.4pp F: -2.7pp |
| Private Non-Profit | M: 2.8% F: 4.8% | M: 3.7% F: 7.1% | M: -0.9pp F: -2.3pp |
| Government (All Levels) | M: 10.7% F: 12.3% | M: 6.3% F: 8.5% | M: +4.4pp F: +3.8pp |
| Self-Employed | M: 3.0% F: 2.9% | M: 3.5% F: 3.1% | M: -0.5pp F: -0.2pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. M = Male, F = Female. Green badges indicate higher government employment compared to Oregon.
Definitions: "Private sector" includes employees of for-profit and non-profit companies. "Government" includes all local, state, and federal employees. "Self-employed" refers to those operating their own unincorporated businesses.
Polk County, Oregon Veteran Population & Service Statistics (2023)

Veteran Community Snapshot for Polk County, Oregon
The following data details the civilian veteran population aged 18 and over in Polk County, Oregon, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Civilian Veterans
- 6,206
- Primary Service Era
- Vietnam Era Only
1,874 veterans (30.2%)
Veteran Population Comparison with Oregon
Compare Polk County, Oregon veteran demographics with Oregon to understand regional veteran service patterns.
Total Veterans in Polk County, Oregon
6,206
Total Veterans in Oregon
252,530
- Polk County, Oregon: Vietnam Era Only (30.2%)
- Oregon: Vietnam Era Only (35.4%)
Service Period Distribution Comparison
| Service Period | Polk County, Oregon | Oregon | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vietnam Era Only | 30.2% (1,874) | 35.4% (89,294) | -5.2pp |
| Between Gulf War & Vietnam | 18.1% (1,121) | 15.7% (39,685) | +2.4pp |
| Post-9/11 Only | 16.8% (1,044) | 14.7% (37,095) | +2.1pp |
| Gulf War Only | 10.0% (620) | 12.9% (32,539) | -2.9pp |
| Between Vietnam & Korean | 7.7% (479) | 7.1% (18,044) | +0.6pp |
| Post-9/11 + Gulf War | 7.3% (452) | 5.5% (13,782) | +1.8pp |
| Korean War Only | 4.0% (250) | 5.0% (12,544) | -1.0pp |
| Gulf War + Vietnam | 2.9% (182) | 1.1% (2,805) | +1.8pp |
| Vietnam + Korean | 1.5% (93) | 0.5% (1,355) | +1.0pp |
| WWII Only | 0.7% (41) | 1.4% (3,569) | -0.7pp |
| Post-9/11 + Gulf War + Vietnam | 0.5% (32) | 0.3% (759) | +0.2pp |
| Korean + WWII | 0.3% (18) | 0.1% (301) | +0.2pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Comparisons show relative proportions of veteran populations by service era.
Note: Periods of service include World War II (Dec 1941–Dec 1946), Korean War (Jul 1950–Jan 1955), Vietnam Era (Aug 1964–Apr 1975), Gulf War (Aug 1990–Aug 2001), and Post-9/11 (Sept 2001 or later). Veterans may have served in multiple eras.
Polk County, Oregon Family Poverty & Income Statistics (2023)

Family Economic Security Snapshot for Polk County, Oregon
The following data categorizes families in Polk County, Oregon by their income relative to the federal poverty threshold, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Families Below Poverty Line (<100%)
- 8.5% (1,910 families)
- Families Near Poverty (100-199%)
- 27.8% (6,222 families)
- Families with Secure Income (200%+)
- 63.7% (14,281 families)
Poverty Rate Comparison with Oregon
Compare Polk County, Oregon poverty levels with Oregon to understand regional economic disparities.
Poverty Rate in Polk County, Oregon
8.5%
Below poverty linePoverty Rate in Oregon
7.3%
Below poverty lineIncome-to-Poverty Ratio Distribution Comparison
| Income Category | Polk County, Oregon | Oregon | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below Poverty (<100%) | 8.5% (1,910) | 7.3% (78,494) | +1.2pp |
| Near Poverty (100-199%) | 27.8% (6,222) | 25.2% (269,670) | +2.6pp |
| Economic Security (200%+) | 63.7% (14,281) | 67.5% (724,010) | -3.8pp |
| Detailed Breakdown | |||
| Below 50% of Poverty | 3.7% | 3.3% | +0.4pp |
| 50-74% of Poverty | 1.6% | 1.7% | -0.1pp |
| 75-99% of Poverty | 3.2% | 2.3% | +0.9pp |
| 100-124% of Poverty | 3.0% | 2.2% | +0.8pp |
| 125-149% of Poverty | 2.8% | 3.0% | -0.2pp |
| 150-174% of Poverty | 3.8% | 2.9% | +0.9pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Red badges indicate higher poverty; green badges indicate lower poverty compared to Oregon.
Definition: The "Income-to-Poverty Ratio" measures a family's income against the federal poverty threshold. A ratio below 1.00 means the family is in poverty. Ratios between 1.00 and 1.99 indicate low income ("near poverty"), while ratios of 2.00 or higher suggest greater economic security.
Polk County, Oregon SNAP/Food Stamps Statistics (2023)

SNAP Participation Snapshot for Polk County, Oregon
The following data details household participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Polk County, Oregon, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Households Receiving SNAP
- 6,166 (18.93% of all households)
- Recipient Households with Children
- 2,778 (45.05% of recipients)
- Total Households Analyzed
- 32,574
SNAP Participation Comparison with Oregon
Compare Polk County, Oregon SNAP participation with Oregon to understand regional food assistance needs.
SNAP Participation in Polk County, Oregon
18.93%
6,166 householdsSNAP Participation in Oregon
16.37%
285,506 householdsSNAP Household Composition Comparison
| Household Type | Polk County, Oregon | Oregon | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| With Children | No Children | With Children | No Children | |
| Married-Couple Family | 19.46% (1,200) | 10.64% (656) | 14.83% (42,336) | 9.99% (28,514) |
| Male Householder, No Spouse | 4.74% (292) | 2.11% (130) | 3.83% (10,932) | 3.40% (9,715) |
| Female Householder, No Spouse | 20.26% (1,249) | 6.20% (382) | 16.08% (45,905) | 8.91% (25,430) |
| Nonfamily Households | 0.60% (37) | 36.00% (2,220) | 1.02% (2,916) | 41.95% (119,758) |
| Total SNAP Recipients | 6,166 (18.93% of households) | 285,506 (16.37% of households) | ||
Note: Percentages represent the share of SNAP-receiving households in each category. Higher percentages in households with children often indicate targeting of families with greater nutritional needs.
About this data: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food assistance to low-income families. Households with children often face higher participation rates due to eligibility guidelines prioritizing child nutrition. "Nonfamily households" typically refer to individuals living alone or with unrelated roommates.