Cost of living in Polk County, NC
Population 19,689 · Last updated May 21, 2026
Cost breakdown
Single person, by category, per month.
Rent in Polk County
Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.
Source: HUD FMR FY2025
Income and earnings in Polk County
Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.
Home values in Polk County
Average values reported by homeowners.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
Energy costs in Polk County
Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.
Source: EIA
Healthcare in Polk County
Insurance premiums and coverage rates.
Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.
Taxes in Polk County
State and local tax rates for North Carolina.
Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.
Transportation in Polk County
Commute patterns and estimated costs.
Source: ACS
Monthly cost estimates for Polk County
What it costs to live in Polk County each month.
- Rent $841
- Energy $187
- Water $55
- Groceries $327
- Transport $320
- Healthcare $480
- Federal tax $403
- State tax $130
- Rent $1,046
- Energy $224
- Water $65
- Groceries $542
- Transport $420
- Healthcare $864
- Federal tax $668
- State tax $229
- Rent $1,335
- Energy $280
- Water $75
- Groceries $822
- Transport $520
- Healthcare $1,350
- Childcare $1,200
- Federal tax $668
- State tax $229
Frequently asked questions about Polk County
Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.
What is the average rent in Polk County?
In Polk County, NC, a one-bedroom apartment averages $841 per month, a two-bedroom averages $1,046 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,335 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.
What is the average salary in Polk County?
In Polk County, NC, the average household income is $61,005 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $34,699 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
What is the cost of living in Polk County?
The estimated cost of living in Polk County, NC is approximately $2,743 per month for a single person, $4,058 for a couple, $6,479 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.
What is the sales tax rate in Polk County?
The combined sales tax rate in Polk County, NC is 7.00%, which includes the North Carolina state rate of 4.75% plus an average local rate of 2.25%.
Is Polk County an affordable place to live?
Based on the data, a single person in Polk County, NC would need approximately $2,743 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $61,005 per year ($5,084 per month). Polk County has a moderate cost of living relative to local earnings.
How much does healthcare cost in Polk County?
The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Polk County, NC is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 9.7% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.
What are house prices in Polk County?
The average home value in Polk County, NC is $281,100, with average annual property taxes of $1,627, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
How does Polk County compare to other areas?
You can compare Polk County, NC with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Polk County is in North Carolina.
Other counties in North Carolina
Browse the full list of counties in North Carolina, ranked by cost of living.
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About this data
All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.
- HUD FMR FY2025
- ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
- EIA
- ACS + national avg
- ACS
- USDA + BEA RPP