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 $676/month for a 2‑bedroom in 2024, compared to the Tennessee median of $1,189 and the national median of $1,413. Local renters spend approximately 31% of household income on rent, below the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Polk County FMR Area are $905 for a studio, $1,001 for 1‑bedroom, $1,313 for 2‑bedroom, $1,687 for 3‑bedroom, and $1,738 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $637 increase for a 2-bedroom in Polk County shows a 94% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Polk County was 3.8% in 2024, compared to Tennessee at 3.4% and the national rate of 4.0%.
