Polk County, Texas Key Demographic Statistics (2023 Estimates)

Key demographic statistics summarized from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS).

Total Population
51,780
Median Age
43.9 years
Median Household Income
$59,066
Median Property Value
$154,000
Bachelor's Degree+
13.41%
Uninsured Rate
15.8%
Total Households
18,575
Total Workers
18,627
Citizenship Rate
97.5%
Total Veterans
3,827
Top Veteran Era
Vietnam Era Only
Poverty Rate
15.5%
Families in Poverty
2,048
SNAP Recipients
16.50%
Households w/ SNAP
3,065

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates

Polk County, Texas Demographics: Age & Gender Distribution (2023)

Population pyramid for Polk County, Texas showing male vs female age distribution based on 2023 ACS data.
Figure: Population distribution by age and sex in Polk County, Texas. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates.

Key Demographic Indicators for Polk County, Texas

The following statistics highlight Polk County, Texas population and median age, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.

Total Population
51,780
Median Age (Total)
43.9 years
Median Age (Male)
42.4 years
Median Age (Female)
45.6 years

Polk County, Texas Age Distribution Comparison with Texas 2023

Compare Polk County, Texas age demographics with Texas to understand regional demographic patterns.

Table: Comparative age and dependency ratio analysis between Polk County, Texas and Texas, 2023
MetricPolk County, TexasTexasDifference
Median Age43.9 yrs35.9 yrs +8.0 yrs
Under 5 years5.10%6.24% -1.1pp
Children (5–17 years)15.26%18.23% -3.0pp
Young Adults (18–24)7.41%9.77% -2.4pp
Middle-aged (35–54)24.93%26.61% -1.7pp
Seniors (65+)18.92%13.95% +5.0pp
Total Dependency Ratio64.6862.40 +2.3

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
64.68
Youth Dependency Ratio
33.52 Population under 18 relative to working age (18-64).
Old-Age Dependency Ratio
31.16 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, Texas Demographics: Racial and Ethnic Composition (2023)

Pie chart showing the racial and ethnic composition of Polk County, Texas based on 2023 ACS data.
Figure: Racial and ethnic breakdown of Polk County, Texas. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates.

Diversity & Cultural Composition of Polk County, Texas

The racial makeup and ethnic composition of Polk County, Texas are detailed below, drawing from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 ACS Estimates.

Diversity Index Score
45.93
Diversity Tier
moderate
Definition
The probability that two individuals chosen at random will be from different racial or ethnic groups.

Diversity Comparison with Texas

Compare Polk County, Texas racial and ethnic demographics with Texas to understand regional diversity patterns.

Polk County, Texas Diversity

45.93

moderate
Texas Diversity

67.60

high
Diversity Differential: Polk County, Texas is 21.67 points less diverse than Texas.

Racial and Ethnic Composition Comparison

Table: Comparative racial and ethnic composition between Polk County, Texas and Texas, 2023
Racial/Ethnic GroupPolk County, TexasTexasDifference
White Alone (Non-Hispanic)71.42%37.78% +33.6pp
Hispanic or Latino (Any Race)15.06%40.27% -25.2pp
Black/African American Alone7.84%11.98% -4.1pp
Two or More Races3.96%3.29% +0.7pp
American Indian and Alaska Native Alone1.04%0.17% +0.9pp
Asian Alone0.61%6.04% -5.4pp
Some Other Race Alone0.05%0.41% -0.4pp
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander Alone0.01%0.06% -0.0pp
Diversity Index Score45.9367.60 -21.67

Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher Diversity Index Scores (green) indicate greater racial/ethnic diversity.


Polk County, Texas Economic Demographics: Household Income Statistics (2023)

Line chart showing household income distribution brackets for Polk County, Texas based on 2023 ACS data.
Figure: Household income distribution in Polk County, Texas. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates.

Economic Snapshot for Polk County, Texas

The following data illustrates the financial landscape of Polk County, Texas, based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.

Median Household Income
$59,066 (Adjusted for inflation)
Total Households Analyzed
18,575

Income Comparison with Texas

Compare Polk County, Texas household income with Texas to understand regional economic patterns.

Polk County, Texas

$59,066

Texas

$79,721

Income Differential: Polk County, Texas's median household income is $20,655 lower (25.9% below) than Texas.

Income Distribution Comparison

Table: Comparative household income distribution between Polk County, Texas and Texas, 2023
Income BracketPolk County, TexasTexasDifference
Less than $20,00015.25%11.15% +4.1pp
$20,000 to $34,99913.26%9.84% +3.4pp
$35,000 to $49,99914.91%10.04% +4.9pp
$50,000 to $74,99919.24%16.29% +2.9pp
$75,000 to $149,99927.19%29.96% -2.8pp
$150,000 or more10.15%22.73% -12.6pp

Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in high-income brackets (green) indicate greater affluence compared to Texas.


Polk County, Texas Real Estate Demographics: Property Values (2023)

Line chart showing property value distribution for owner-occupied homes in Polk County, Texas based on 2023 ACS data.
Figure: Property value distribution in Polk County, Texas. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates.

Real Estate Market Snapshot for Polk County, Texas

The following data highlights the distribution of owner-occupied housing values in Polk County, Texas, based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.

Median Property Value
$154,000
Total Properties Analyzed
14,395 (Owner-occupied units)

Property Value Comparison with Texas

Compare Polk County, Texas property values with Texas to understand regional real estate market patterns.

Polk County, Texas

$154,000

Texas

$313,200

Property Value Differential: Polk County, Texas's median property value is $159,200 lower (50.8% below) than Texas.

Property Value Distribution Comparison

Table: Comparative property value distribution between Polk County, Texas and Texas, 2023
Value BracketPolk County, TexasTexasDifference
Less than $25,0007.03%3.17% +3.9pp
$25,000 to $49,9997.84%2.41% +5.4pp
$50,000 to $99,99918.03%5.74% +12.3pp
$100,000 to $199,99928.98%14.87% +14.1pp
$200,000 to $499,99931.68%51.35% -19.7pp
$500,000 to $999,9996.27%20.43% -14.2pp
$1,000,000 or more0.17%2.04% -1.9pp

Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in high-value brackets (green) indicate more expensive real estate compared to Texas.


Polk County, Texas Educational Attainment Statistics (2023)

Treemap chart illustrating educational attainment levels for adults 25+ in Polk County, Texas based on 2023 ACS data.
Figure: Educational breakdown in Polk County, Texas. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates.

Education Snapshot for Polk County, Texas

The following statistics represent the educational background of residents aged 25 and older in Polk County, Texas, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.

High School Graduate or Higher
81.79%
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
13.41%
Total Population Analyzed (25+)
37,405

Education Level Comparison with Texas

Compare Polk County, Texas educational attainment with Texas to understand regional education patterns.

Bachelor's+ in Polk County, Texas

13.41%

Bachelor's+ in Texas

35.16%

College Education Rate: Polk County, Texas's bachelor's degree or higher attainment rate is 21.7 percentage points lower than Texas.

Detailed Education Level Comparison

Table: Comparative educational attainment between Polk County, Texas and Texas, 2023
Education LevelPolk County, TexasTexasDifference
Less than HS18.21%13.31% +4.9pp
HS Graduate38.59%24.36% +14.2pp
Some College/Associate's29.79%27.17% +2.6pp
Bachelor's Degree9.06%22.10% -13.0pp
Graduate/Professional4.35%13.07% -8.7pp
HS Graduate or Higher81.79%86.69% -4.9pp

Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in advanced education levels (green badges) indicate higher educational attainment compared to Texas.


Polk County, Texas Health Insurance Coverage Statistics (2023)

Pyramid chart showing health insurance coverage distribution by age and sex in Polk County, Texas based on 2023 ACS data.
Figure: Health insurance coverage gaps in Polk County, Texas. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates.

Healthcare Coverage Snapshot for Polk County, Texas

The following data illustrates the health coverage landscape of Polk County, Texas, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.

Overall Uninsured Rate
15.8%
Total Uninsured Population
7,604
Total Civilian Population
48,155

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 Texas

Compare Polk County, Texas health insurance coverage with Texas to understand regional healthcare access patterns.

Uninsured in Polk County, Texas

15.8%

Uninsured in Texas

16.7%

Coverage Gap Differential: Polk County, Texas's uninsured rate is 0.9 percentage points lower (better coverage) than Texas.

Uninsured Rates by Age and Sex

Table: Comparative uninsured rates between Polk County, Texas and Texas, 2023
Age GroupPolk County, TexasTexas
MaleFemaleMaleFemale
Under 1811.3%9.6%13.9%13.3%
18-34 years28.9%36.4%28.8%24.9%
35-64 years23.2%16.2%19.6%17.3%
65+ years0.0%0.1%1.7%1.5%

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, Texas Nativity & Citizenship Statistics (2023)

Treemap showing population distribution by nativity and citizenship status in Polk County, Texas based on 2023 ACS data.
Figure: Citizenship status breakdown in Polk County, Texas. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates.

Citizenship Snapshot for Polk County, Texas

The following data details the citizenship status and nativity of the population in Polk County, Texas, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.

U.S. Citizenship Rate
97.5% (Native-born + Naturalized)
Naturalized Citizens
1,115 (Foreign-born individuals who acquired citizenship)
Non-Citizen Residents
1,289

Citizenship Comparison with Texas

Compare Polk County, Texas citizenship and nativity with Texas to understand regional immigration and naturalization patterns.

Citizenship in Polk County, Texas

97.5%

Citizenship in Texas

89.3%

Citizenship Rate Differential: Polk County, Texas's citizenship rate is 8.2 percentage points higher than Texas.

Nativity and Citizenship Comparison

Table: Comparative nativity and citizenship distribution between Polk County, Texas and Texas, 2023
Nativity/Citizenship StatusPolk County, TexasTexasDifference
Born in the United States94.5%79.8% +14.7pp
Born in PR or U.S. Territories0.1%0.4% -0.3pp
Born abroad of American parent(s)0.7%1.4% -0.7pp
U.S. citizen by naturalization2.2%7.7% -5.5pp
Not a U.S. citizen2.5%10.7% -8.2pp
Total U.S. Citizens97.5%89.3% +8.2pp

Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher naturalization rates (green) indicate greater immigrant integration compared to Texas.


Polk County, Texas Commuting & Transportation Statistics (2023)

Treemap chart illustrating how workers in Polk County, Texas commute to work based on 2023 ACS data.
Figure: Commute mode split in Polk County, Texas. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates.

Commuter Snapshot for Polk County, Texas

The following data details the commuting habits of the workforce in Polk County, Texas, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.

Drove to Work (Car/Truck/Van)
90.2%
Public Transportation Usage
0.1%
Work From Home Rate
5.4%
Total Workers Analyzed
18,061

Transportation Comparison with Texas

Compare Polk County, Texas commuting patterns with Texas to understand regional transportation preferences.

Drove in Polk County, Texas

90.2%

Drove in Texas

82.6%

Driving Rate Differential: Polk County, Texas has a 7.6 percentage points higher driving rate than Texas.

Commute Mode Comparison

Table: Comparative commuting patterns between Polk County, Texas and Texas, 2023
Transportation MethodPolk County, TexasTexasDifference
Car, truck, or van90.2%82.6% +7.6pp
Public transportation0.1%1.0% -0.9pp
Bicycle0.1%0.2% -0.1pp
Walked1.5%1.6% -0.1pp
Taxicab, motorcycle, or other2.8%1.7% +1.1pp
Worked from home5.4%12.9% -7.5pp

Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher public transit or work-from-home rates (green) indicate more diverse commuting options compared to Texas.


Polk County, Texas Employment by Class of Worker (2023)

Bar chart showing employment distribution by class of worker (Private, Government, Self-Employed) in Polk County, Texas based on 2023 ACS data.
Figure: Workforce composition in Polk County, Texas. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates.

Workforce Snapshot for Polk County, Texas

The following statistics categorize the civilian employed population aged 16 and over in Polk County, Texas by their employment sector, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.

Total Employed Civilian Population
18,627
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 Texas

Compare Polk County, Texas employment patterns with Texas to understand regional workforce composition differences.

Government Employment in Polk County, Texas

6.9% (M) / 11.7% (F)

Government Employment in Texas

5.9% (M) / 8.2% (F)

Employment Sector Comparison

Table: Comparative employment sector distribution between Polk County, Texas and Texas, 2023
Employment SectorPolk County, TexasTexasDifference
Private For-Profit (Combined)M: 39.5%
F: 28.9%
M: 41.5%
F: 31.4%
M: -2.0pp
F: -2.5pp
Private Non-ProfitM: 2.0%
F: 2.4%
M: 2.2%
F: 3.9%
M: -0.2pp
F: -1.5pp
Government (All Levels)M: 6.9%
F: 11.7%
M: 5.9%
F: 8.2%
M: +1.0pp
F: +3.5pp
Self-EmployedM: 5.6%
F: 2.3%
M: 4.1%
F: 2.7%
M: +1.5pp
F: -0.4pp

Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. M = Male, F = Female. Green badges indicate higher government employment compared to Texas.

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, Texas Veteran Population & Service Statistics (2023)

Bar chart showing the distribution of veterans by period of military service in Polk County, Texas based on 2023 ACS data.
Figure: Veteran service eras in Polk County, Texas. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates.

Veteran Community Snapshot for Polk County, Texas

The following data details the civilian veteran population aged 18 and over in Polk County, Texas, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.

Total Civilian Veterans
3,827
Primary Service Era
Vietnam Era Only
1,516 veterans (39.6%)

Veteran Population Comparison with Texas

Compare Polk County, Texas veteran demographics with Texas to understand regional veteran service patterns.

Total Veterans in Polk County, Texas

3,827

Total Veterans in Texas

1,408,009

Primary Service Era Comparison:
  • Polk County, Texas: Vietnam Era Only (39.6%)
  • Texas: Vietnam Era Only (26.8%)

Service Period Distribution Comparison

Table: Comparative veteran service period distribution between Polk County, Texas and Texas, 2023
Service PeriodPolk County, TexasTexasDifference
Vietnam Era Only39.6%
(1,516)
26.8%
(376,739)
+12.8pp
Between Gulf War & Vietnam20.0%
(767)
13.4%
(189,138)
+6.6pp
Post-9/11 Only14.7%
(562)
21.9%
(308,463)
-7.2pp
Gulf War Only9.3%
(356)
16.3%
(229,425)
-7.0pp
Post-9/11 + Gulf War5.9%
(224)
10.2%
(143,699)
-4.3pp
Between Vietnam & Korean5.4%
(207)
4.6%
(64,629)
+0.8pp
Korean War Only2.8%
(107)
3.1%
(44,125)
-0.3pp
Gulf War + Vietnam1.6%
(62)
1.8%
(26,002)
-0.2pp
Vietnam + Korean0.3%
(13)
0.5%
(7,234)
-0.2pp
WWII Only0.3%
(13)
0.7%
(10,231)
-0.4pp

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, Texas Family Poverty & Income Statistics (2023)

Bar chart showing family distribution by income-to-poverty ratio in Polk County, Texas, based on 2023 ACS data.
Figure: Family economic status in Polk County, Texas. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates.

Family Economic Security Snapshot for Polk County, Texas

The following data categorizes families in Polk County, Texas by their income relative to the federal poverty threshold, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.

Families Below Poverty Line (<100%)
15.5% (2,048 families)
Families Near Poverty (100-199%)
39.3% (5,195 families)
Families with Secure Income (200%+)
45.2% (5,965 families)

Poverty Rate Comparison with Texas

Compare Polk County, Texas poverty levels with Texas to understand regional economic disparities.

Poverty Rate in Polk County, Texas

15.5%

Below poverty line
Poverty Rate in Texas

10.1%

Below poverty line
Poverty Rate Differential: Polk County, Texas has a 5.4 percentage points higher poverty rate than Texas.

Income-to-Poverty Ratio Distribution Comparison

Table: Comparative family income-to-poverty ratio distribution between Polk County, Texas and Texas, 2023
Income CategoryPolk County, TexasTexasDifference
Below Poverty (<100%)15.5%
(2,048)
10.1%
(783,776)
+5.4pp
Near Poverty (100-199%)39.3%
(5,195)
30.5%
(2,356,959)
+8.8pp
Economic Security (200%+)45.2%
(5,965)
59.4%
(4,598,804)
-14.2pp
Detailed Breakdown
Below 50% of Poverty6.3%4.4% +1.9pp
50-74% of Poverty4.4%2.5% +1.9pp
75-99% of Poverty4.8%3.2% +1.6pp
100-124% of Poverty3.2%3.5% -0.3pp
125-149% of Poverty3.4%3.7% -0.3pp
150-174% of Poverty7.2%3.9% +3.3pp

Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Red badges indicate higher poverty; green badges indicate lower poverty compared to Texas.

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, Texas SNAP/Food Stamps Statistics (2023)

Stacked bar chart showing SNAP recipient household composition by presence of children in Polk County, Texas, based on 2023 ACS data.
Figure: SNAP household demographics in Polk County, Texas. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates.

SNAP Participation Snapshot for Polk County, Texas

The following data details household participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Polk County, Texas, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.

Total Households Receiving SNAP
3,065 (16.50% of all households)
Recipient Households with Children
1,846 (60.23% of recipients)
Total Households Analyzed
18,575

SNAP Participation Comparison with Texas

Compare Polk County, Texas SNAP participation with Texas to understand regional food assistance needs.

SNAP Participation in Polk County, Texas

16.50%

3,065 households
SNAP Participation in Texas

10.29%

1,178,046 households
SNAP Participation Differential: Polk County, Texas has a 6.21 percentage points higher SNAP participation rate than Texas.

SNAP Household Composition Comparison

Table: Comparative SNAP recipient household composition between Polk County, Texas and Texas, 2023
Household TypePolk County, TexasTexas
With ChildrenNo ChildrenWith ChildrenNo Children
Married-Couple Family26.66%
(817)
7.28%
(223)
20.15%
(237,403)
8.04%
(94,684)
Male Householder, No Spouse9.07%
(278)
2.09%
(64)
5.61%
(66,035)
3.45%
(40,683)
Female Householder, No Spouse24.50%
(751)
4.99%
(153)
28.30%
(333,373)
8.40%
(98,956)
Nonfamily Households0.00%
(0)
25.42%
(779)
0.60%
(7,087)
25.45%
(299,825)
Total SNAP Recipients3,065
(16.50% of households)
1,178,046
(10.29% 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.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The age breakdown for Polk County, Texas is as follows: Under 5: 5.10%, Ages 5–17: 15.26%, Ages 18–24: 7.41%, Ages 25–34: 11.25%, Ages 35–54: 24.93%, Ages 55–64: 17.14%, and 65 or older: 18.92%.

The racial and ethnic composition of Polk County, Texas is dominated by: White Alone (Non-Hispanic): 71.42%, Hispanic or Latino (Any Race): 15.06%, Black/African American Alone: 7.84%. The complete breakdown includes 8 distinct racial and ethnic categories.

The median household income in Polk County, Texas is $59,066. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the area, meaning half of households earn more than this amount and half earn less.

The household income distribution in Polk County, Texas is: Very Low Income (under $20,000): 15.25%, Low Income ($20,000-$34,999): 13.26%, Lower Middle Income ($35,000-$49,999): 14.91%, Middle Income ($50,000-$74,999): 19.24%, Upper Middle Income ($75,000-$149,999): 27.19%, High Income ($150,000+): 10.15%.

Approximately 24.62% of households in Polk County, Texas earn over $100,000 annually. This includes households earning between $100,000 and $124,999, $125,000 and $149,999, $150,000 and $199,999, and $200,000 or more.

The median property value for owner-occupied housing units in Polk County, Texas is $154,000. This represents the midpoint of all property values in the area, meaning half of homes are valued above this amount and half are valued below. The median is a better indicator of typical home values than the average because it is not skewed by extremely high or low property values.

The property value distribution for owner-occupied housing units in Polk County, Texas is: Less than $25,000: 7.03%, $25,000-$49,999: 7.84%, $50,000-$99,999: 18.03%, $100,000-$199,999: 28.98%, $200,000-$499,999: 31.68%, $500,000-$999,999: 6.27%, $1,000,000 or more: 0.17%.

There are 14,395 owner-occupied housing units in Polk County, Texas. This represents homes that are owned by the people living in them, as opposed to rental properties or vacant units.

Approximately 6.45% of owner-occupied housing units in Polk County, Texas are valued over $500,000. This includes properties valued between $500,000 and $749,999, $750,000 and $999,999, $1,000,000 and $1,499,999, $1,500,000 and $1,999,999, and $2,000,000 or more.

In Polk County, Texas, 13.41% of the population aged 25 and older holds a bachelor's degree or higher. This includes those with bachelor's degrees as well as those with graduate or professional degrees.

The educational attainment breakdown for Polk County, Texas (population 25+) is: Less than high school graduate: 18.21%, High school graduate (including equivalency): 38.59%, Some college or associate's degree: 29.79%, Bachelor's degree: 9.06%, Graduate or professional degree: 4.35%.

In Polk County, Texas, 81.79% of the population aged 25 and older has completed at least a high school education. This includes high school graduates, those with some college, associate's degrees, bachelor's degrees, and graduate degrees.

In Polk County, Texas, 15.8% of the population lacks health insurance coverage. This represents 7,604 individuals out of a total population of 48,155 people.

The uninsured rates vary by age group in Polk County, Texas. For young adults (18-34 years), 28.9% of males and 36.4% of females lack coverage. In the 35-64 age group, 23.2% of males and 16.2% of females are uninsured. These working-age populations typically face different coverage challenges than children or seniors.

Children under 18 in Polk County, Texas have uninsured rates of 11.3% for males and 9.6% for females. Seniors aged 65 and older, who are typically covered by Medicare, have uninsured rates of 0.0% for males and 0.1% for females. These age groups generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs.

In Polk County, Texas, 97.5% of the population are U.S. citizens. This includes native-born citizens and naturalized citizens. Out of a total population of 51,780 people, 50,491 are U.S. citizens.

Polk County, Texas has 1,115 naturalized U.S. citizens, representing 2.2% of the total population. These are foreign-born individuals who have gone through the naturalization process to become U.S. citizens.

The nativity and citizenship breakdown for Polk County, Texas is: 94.5% were born in the United States, 0.1% were born in Puerto Rico or U.S. Island Areas, 0.7% were born abroad of American parent(s), 2.2% are foreign-born naturalized U.S. citizens, and 2.5% are foreign-born non-citizens.

In Polk County, Texas, 90.2% of workers commute by car, truck, or van, making it the most common means of transportation to work. Out of 18,061 total workers, 16,285 use personal vehicles for their commute.

17 workers in Polk County, Texas use public transportation (excluding taxicabs) to commute to work, representing 0.1% of all workers. This includes buses, subways, light rail, commuter trains, and ferries.

Alternative commute methods in Polk County, Texas include: 5.4% work from home, 1.5% walk to work, 0.1% bicycle, and 2.8% use other means such as taxicabs or motorcycles. These alternatives to driving alone help reduce traffic congestion and environmental impact.

"Class of worker" refers to the type of employer or work arrangement for employed civilians aged 16 and over in Polk County, Texas. It categorizes workers into private sector (for-profit and non-profit), government (local, state, and federal), self-employed, and unpaid family workers. This classification helps understand the employment structure and economic composition of the workforce.

According to the American Community Survey, Polk County, Texas has 18,627 employed civilians aged 16 and over. The private for-profit sector employs the largest share of workers, with 39.5% of male workers and 28.9% of female workers in this category.

In Polk County, Texas, there are 1,293 male government workers and 2,171 female government workers. Government employment includes local, state, and federal positions. This represents 6.9% of male workers and 11.7% of female workers.

Self-employment in Polk County, Texas includes 1,044 males (5.6%) and 428 females (2.3%). Self-employed workers operate their own businesses that are not legally incorporated.

In Polk County, Texas, 3,065 households (16.50% of all households) received SNAP/Food Stamps benefits in the past 12 months. Out of 18,575 total households, these families rely on this federal nutrition assistance program to help purchase food.

Of the SNAP-receiving households in Polk County, Texas, 1,846 (60.23%) have children under 18 years. These families face additional nutritional needs and food security challenges as they work to provide adequate nutrition for growing children.

SNAP recipients in Polk County, Texas include diverse household types. Among households with children, 751 (24.50%) are headed by a female householder with no spouse present, while 817 (26.66%) are married-couple families. The program also serves households without children, including seniors, disabled individuals, and working adults facing economic challenges.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, is a federal program that provides nutrition assistance to low-income individuals and families. Eligibility is based on household income, resources, and size. In Polk County, Texas, SNAP helps eligible households purchase nutritious food at authorized retailers. The program aims to alleviate hunger and improve nutrition and health outcomes for vulnerable populations.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey, there are 3,827 civilian veterans aged 18 and over living in Polk County, Texas. These individuals have served on active duty in the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard. This number does not include those with only National Guard or Reserves training without active duty service.

The most common period of military service for veterans in Polk County, Texas is Vietnam Era Only, with 1,516 veterans (39.6% of all veterans) who served during this period. The second most common period is Between Gulf War & Vietnam, with 767 veterans (20.0%).

"Period of service" categorizes veterans based on when they served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces. Major periods include World War II (December 1941-December 1946), the Korean War (July 1950-January 1955), the Vietnam Era (August 1964-April 1975), the Gulf War (August 1990-August 2001), and Post-9/11 (September 2001 or later). Veterans may have served during multiple periods. Understanding the distribution of service periods helps communities in Polk County, Texas provide appropriate services and support to their veteran population.

Veterans who served during the Gulf War era (1990-2001) and Post-9/11 era (2001-present) represent approximately 51.5% of all veterans in Polk County, Texas. These more recent-era veterans, totaling around 1,971 individuals, often have different service experiences and support needs compared to veterans of earlier conflicts. They may benefit from targeted programs addressing issues such as transition to civilian life, employment assistance, and access to VA healthcare services.

In Polk County, Texas, 2,048 families (15.5% of all families) live below the federal poverty line. This means their household income is less than 100% of the poverty threshold established by the U.S. Census Bureau, which varies by family size and composition. Out of 13,208 total families, these households face significant economic challenges meeting basic needs.

"Income-to-poverty ratio" measures how a family's income compares to the federal poverty threshold. A ratio of 1.00 (100%) means the family's income equals the poverty line. Below 1.00 indicates poverty, while ratios above 1.00 show income levels relative to poverty. For example, a ratio of 2.00 (200%) means the family earns twice the poverty threshold. In Polk County, Texas, this data helps identify not just families in poverty, but also those who are economically vulnerable despite being above the official poverty line.

Beyond families living in poverty, Polk County, Texas has 5,195 families (39.3%) with incomes between 100% and 199% of the poverty level. These families are often called 'near poverty' or low-income households. Specifically, 1,828 families (13.8%) have incomes between 100% and 149% of poverty. While technically above the poverty line, these families often struggle with housing costs, healthcare, childcare, and other expenses, making them economically vulnerable.

In Polk County, Texas, 838 families (6.3%) live in extreme poverty, with incomes below 50% of the federal poverty threshold. These families face severe economic hardship and often require comprehensive assistance programs. On the other end of the spectrum, 5,965 families (45.2%) have incomes at least 200% above the poverty level, indicating greater financial stability and economic security.