Market Snapshot
Report generated March 2026
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 19,689 ↑ 1.9% since 2020 |
| Median Household Income | $61,005 18% below national median |
| Median Home Value | $281,100 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.3% |
| Median Age | 54.4 years |
| Housing Vacancy Rate | 20.3% |
| Total Land Sales (Past 12 Months) | 200 transactions |
| Active Listings | 200 properties |
| Avg Days on Market | 325 days |
Rural Land Sales (1+ Acres) (Feb 2026 – Mar 2026)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Price/Acre | $22,000 |
| Recent Sales | 175 transactions |
| Avg Days on Market | 337 days |
| Avg Parcel Size | 10.30 acres |
| Active Listings | 178 properties |
Recent Rural Land Sales
| Date | Acres | Price | $/Acre | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 2026 | 1.90 | $150,000 | $78,947 | Columbus |
| Mar 2026 | 1.19 | $32,500 | $27,311 | Saluda |
| Mar 2026 | 1.64 | $28,000 | $17,073 | Columbus |
| Feb 2026 | 20.23 | $112,500 | $5,561 | Tryon |
| Feb 2026 | 13.78 | $70,000 | $5,080 | Columbus |
| Feb 2026 | 2.20 | $150,000 | $68,182 | Mill Spring |
| Feb 2026 | 3.87 | $150,000 | $38,760 | Mill Spring |
| Feb 2026 | 3.91 | $31,500 | $8,056 | Lake Lure |
| Feb 2026 | 20.00 | $332,240 | $16,612 | Mill Spring |
| Feb 2026 | 10.54 | $220,000 | $20,873 | Rutherfordton |
Suburban/Urban Land Sales (Under 1 Acre) (Oct 2025 – Mar 2026)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Lot Price | $32,500 |
| Recent Sales | 25 transactions |
| Avg Days on Market | 237 days |
| Avg Parcel Size | 0.70 acres |
| Active Listings | 22 properties |
Recent Suburban/Urban Land Sales
| Date | Acres | Price | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 2026 | 0.69 | $25,000 | Columbus |
| Mar 2026 | 0.64 | $34,000 | Mill Spring |
| Mar 2026 | 0.70 | $30,000 | Columbus |
| Feb 2026 | 0.52 | $79,500 | Tryon |
| Jan 2026 | 0.59 | $6,100 | Mill Spring |
| Jan 2026 | 0.77 | $12,500 | Mill Spring |
| Jan 2026 | 0.79 | $12,500 | Mill Spring |
| Jan 2026 | 0.56 | $27,500 | Columbus |
| Nov 2025 | 0.75 | $41,000 | Tryon |
| Oct 2025 | 0.82 | $32,500 | Saluda |
County Profile
| Demographic | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Population (2023) | 19,689 |
| Population (2020) | 19,328 |
| Population Growth | 1.87% |
| Median Household Income | $61,005 |
| Median Home Value | $281,100 |
| Total Housing Units | 10,949 |
| Vacant Housing Units | 2,222 |
| Housing Vacancy Rate | 20.3% |
| Median Age | 54.4 |
| Bachelor's Degree or Higher | 3,163 (16.1%) |
| Unemployment Rate (BLS) | 3.1% |
Market Overview
Polk County, North Carolina has a population of 19,689, which has grown 1.87% since 2020. The median household income is $61,005, below the national median of $74,580 by 18.2%. With a median home value of $281,100 and an unemployment rate of 3.1%, the local economy is moderate. The housing vacancy rate of 20.3% suggests soft market conditions. Polk County remains a key area for land acquisition in North Carolina. Recent rural land sales show a median price of $22,000 per acre, with properties averaging 10.30 acres. There are currently 200 active land listings in the county.
Related Resources
Nearby County Reports
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current population of Polk County, North Carolina?
As of the 2023 American Community Survey, Polk County has a population of 19,689. The county has grown 1.87% since the 2020 Census, indicating a growing community.
What is the median household income in Polk County?
The median household income in Polk County is $61,005, which is 18.2% below the national median of $74,580.
Is Polk County growing or shrinking?
Polk County is growing. The population has increased 1.87% since 2020.
What is the housing market like in Polk County?
The median home value in Polk County is $281,100. The housing vacancy rate is 20.3%, which suggests soft market conditions. The unemployment rate is 3.1%, indicating a moderate local economy. Recent rural land sales (1+ acres) show a median price of $22,000 per acre. Suburban/urban lots under 1 acre have a median lot price of $32,500.
Does Reelvest buy land in Polk County, North Carolina?
Yes! Reelvest Properties buys vacant land throughout North Carolina, including Polk County. We make cash offers within 24-48 hours, close in 14-30 days, and pay all closing costs. Get your free cash offer today.
Data Sources: Market data reflects recent vacant land transactions in the county. Demographic data from U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (2023), Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025). Updated monthly.