Polk County
TN · Pop. 17,702 · Suburban County
Polk County, Tennessee covers 435 square miles with a population of 17,702 and a density of 40.7 people per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, corn, soybeans. The median home price is $136,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.56%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 7b with a 197-day growing season, average summer highs of 87.8°F and average winter lows of 29.8°F. Annual rainfall averages 53.8 inches, and with drought risk rated high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Copper Basin Medical Center is 10.5 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 79.8% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, tornado risk is high, wildfire risk is very high, drought risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 197-day growing season in USDA zone 7b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.56% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $136,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Copper Basin Medical Center, with an emergency room, is just 10.5 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A low unemployment rate of 3.8% reflects a stable local job base.
Cons
- Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
- Broadband reaches only 79.8% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
- The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.
At a glance
Polk County, TN is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 77/100
- Median home price
- $136k
- Property tax
- 0.56%
- Growing season
- 197 days (zone 7b)
- Annual rainfall
- 53.8"
- Broadband
- 79.8%
- Nearest hospital
- Copper Basin Medical Center, 10.5 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Polk County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Polk County?
- Polk County is in USDA hardiness zone 7b with a 197-day growing season, average summer highs of 87.8°F, and average winter lows of 29.8°F. The established crops are hay, corn, soybeans.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $136,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.56%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 79.8% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Copper Basin Medical Center is 10.5 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore Tennessee Resources
Partner links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
LandWatch
Browse rural land, farms, and ranches for sale across every state.
Lands of America
The largest listing site for rural property — farms, ranches, hunting land, and timberland.
AcreTrader
Invest in farmland online — vetted properties with passive income potential.
More counties in Tennessee
All Tennessee countiesNearby counties
The closest counties to Polk County by distance, including across state lines.
Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
Your brand here — Reach our audience of professional directory owners and boost your sales.