Demographics

As of 2023, Polk County, TX, has an estimated population of 51,594. Approximately 20% are under 18, and 20% are 65 or older, with a median age of about 41. The gender distribution is nearly even: 51% female, 49% male. Racially, the county is 73% White, 14% Black or African American, 8% Hispanic or Latino, 1% Native American, and 0.5% Asian, with 3.5% identifying as two or more races.

Elections

Polk County, TX, has around 34,000 residents, with about 22,000 registered voters as of 2024. The county conducts primary, general, and special elections, with recent results showing Republicans securing 70% of the vote in major races. Polling locations include sites in Livingston, Corrigan, and Goodrich, typically totaling 12 across the county. Key issues include education funding, healthcare access, and property taxes. Elections are administered by the Polk County Elections Office. The area is predominantly Republican, though Democratic turnout averages 25–30%. Voter registration is available online and at county offices.

Education, Employment and Housing

Polk County, TX, has 29 public and 3 private schools, including Livingston High School and Corrigan-Camden High School. The high school graduation rate is around 88%. About 12% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average school test scores range from 42-48% proficiency in reading and math. Safety measures include controlled access and resource officers. Adult education is offered via Angelina College and GED programs. Schools provide extracurriculars, career and technical education, and special education support.

As of 2022, Polk County, TX, had an employment rate of approximately 54%. Top industries include health care and social assistance (15%), retail trade (13%), and educational services (10%). The most common occupation types are office and administrative support (12%), sales (11%), and management (9%). About 83% of the workforce commutes by car, with a mean travel time of 32 minutes. While 71% work within the county, many commute to neighboring counties such as Harris and Montgomery for employment opportunities.

Polk County, TX, has a homeownership rate of approximately 75%, with a median home value around $180,000 in 2023. The median rent is about $900 per month. Property values have steadily increased by roughly 5% annually over the past few years. Housing types are mainly single-family homes, with some manufactured and mobile homes. Notable neighborhoods in Livingston and Goodrich offer both rural and suburban options. The county’s average property tax rate is about 1.6%, making it more affordable than many urban Texas counties.

County Crime & Safety

Polk County, TX, has a crime rate slightly above the national average. According to 2022 statistics, the county reported approximately 2,750 incidents per 100,000 residents, with property crime being more common than violent crime. The violent crime rate stands at 320 per 100,000, while property crime reaches around 2,430 per 100,000. Local law enforcement encourages residents to report suspicious activity promptly, which has aided in maintaining consistent clearance rates. Overall, while Polk County faces crime challenges, community vigilance and proactive policing help support safety initiatives.