Special Interest
Housing in Polk County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Polk County averages $855/month for a 2‑bedroom in 2024, compared to the Minnesota median of $1,280 and the national median of $1,413. Local renters spend approximately 32% of household income on rent, equal to the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Polk County FMR Area are $931 for a studio, $937 for 1‑bedroom, $1,175 for 2‑bedroom, $1,634 for 3‑bedroom, and $1,971 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $320 increase for a 2-bedroom in Polk County shows a 37% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Polk County was 3.1% in 2024, compared to Minnesota at 3.0% and the national rate of 4.0%.
