Polk County, North Carolina
5 public bodies govern here, 1 school district is based here, and USDA lists 3 farmers markets. Everything below says where it came from.
In four numbers
- People
- 19,891
- Median household income
- $67,758
- ±6,109
- Unemployed
- 5.1%
- 471 of 9,291 in the labour force
- Homes with broadband
- 84.8%
- 7,615 of 8,976 households
U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020-2024; read 2026-09-26. Percentages worked out here from the two counts shown.
Who governs here
County government 1
| Name | People | Office | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| County of Polk | 19,656 (2021) | Po Box 308, Columbus | Website |
Cities, towns and villages 3
Special districts 1
| Name | What it does | Office | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polk Soil and Water Conservation District | Soil and water conservation | Po Box 455, Mill Spring | Website |
U.S. Census Bureau, 2022 Census of Governments, Government Units List (published August 2023); the file read 2026-09-26. Offices are placed by county; a special district’s territory can cross county lines. Each body posts its own meetings on its website where the Census records one.
School districts based here
Polk County Schools
School district7 schools
125 E Mills Street, Columbus, NC, 28722
Its website — where its board posts meetings. Federal record.
National Center for Education Statistics, Common Core of Data 2024-25; read 2026-09-26.
Farmers markets
Columbus Farmers Market
40 Courthouse Square, Columbus, NC
SNAP / EBT
Submitted by the market; USDA record last changed 2025-07-29. USDA listing
Columbus Winter Market
135 Locust Street, Columbus, NC
SNAP / EBT
Submitted by the market; USDA record last changed 2025-07-29. USDA listing
Saluda Tailgate Market
214 East Main Street, Saluda, NC
SNAP / EBT
Submitted by the market; USDA record last changed 2025-07-30. USDA listing
USDA National Farmers Market Directory; read 2026-09-26.