RANK #665 / 996 · POP 50,536 · TX
PROJECTED GROWTH: +0.2%
Polk County, Texas, is defined by Lake Livingston, one of the largest lakes in Texas, offering 450 miles of shoreline and extensive water recreation opportunities like fishing, boating, and swimming. Located in the East Texas Timberlands, approximately 75 miles northeast of Houston, the county seat of Livingston serves as a central hub. The area features rolling hills and pine forests, providing a rural atmosphere. Commutes to Houston are possible via US Highway 59/I-69. The Alabama-Coushatta Indian Reservation, the oldest in Texas, is also located in Polk County.
Life in Polk County often appeals to retirees and families seeking a quieter lifestyle. The economy has historically relied on timber, with new investments in wood product manufacturing continuing this trend. Healthcare is another expanding sector, with facilities like CHI St. Luke's Health Memorial Livingston serving the growing population. Tourism and hospitality around Lake Livingston also contribute to the local economy, with opportunities for camping, fishing, and various water sports. Public education is provided by several independent school districts, including Livingston, Onalaska, and Corrigan-Camden.
Above national median (4.7x)
Below national median
Prices declining
Moderate climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 5.3x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Corrigan OSB Manufacturing Facility
Corrigan OSB, L.L.C. (RoyOMartin)
|
$211M | Under Construction |
|
Umbriel Solar Facility
Longroad Energy
|
$202M | Operating |
|
Segno Solar Facility
Entergy Texas, Inc. (ETI)
|
$170M | Proposed |
|
Broadband and Fiber Infrastructure Expansion
Polk County, Eastex Telephone
|
$50M | Completed |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Polk County has a Boom Town Index score of 33/100, ranking #665 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +3.8% and a median household income of $57,315, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Polk County is $151,100 with median rent at $920/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3793, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +2.4% year-over-year. Job growth: +3.8%. Home values changed -2.5% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 10.13% of Polk County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.