Polk County, Iowa

Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,533 km² (592 mi²). 1,475 km² (569 mi²) of it is land and 58 km² (23 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 3.81% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 374,601 people, 149,112 households, and 96,624 families residing in the county. The population density is 254/km² (658/mi²). There are 156,447 housing units at an average density of 106/km² (275/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 88.34% White, 4.84% African American, 0.27% Native American, 2.63% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 2.22% from other races, and 1.66% from two or more races. 4.40% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 149,112 households out of which 32.20% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.00% are married couples living together, 10.30% have a female householder with no husband present, and 35.20% are non-families. 28.10% of all households are made up of individuals and 8.60% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.45 and the average family size is 3.04.

In the county the population is spread out with 25.70% under the age of 18, 9.40% from 18 to 24, 32.20% from 25 to 44, 21.50% from 45 to 64, and 11.10% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 34 years. For every 100 females there are 94.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 90.70 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $46,116, and the median income for a family is $56,560. Males have a median income of $37,182 versus $28,000 for females. The per capita income for the county is $23,654. 7.90% of the population and 5.30% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 9.70% are under the age of 18 and 6.40% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Alleman
• Altoona
• Ankeny
• Bondurant
• Carlisle
• Des Moines
• Elkhart
• Johnston
• Pleasant Hill
• Polk City
• Runnells
• Saylorville
• Windsor Heights