Polk County
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- Population
- 790,694
- Area
- 1,798.14 sq mi (4,657.15 km²), 212.27 sq mi water
- Median age
- 39.5
- Households
- 289,425
- Persons per household
- 2.7
- Median household income
- $65,978
- Median house value
- $266,500
Demographics: 2020–2024 ACS
Polk County, smack dab in the center of Florida, is a place where nature, history, and urban development meet. The county seat, Bartow, is steeped in history, with museums and buildings showcasing Polk County's past. Lakeland, the largest city, offers a vibrant cultural scene with art, parks, and even a yearly swan festival! Polk County's got natural beauty in spades, too. Hike or bike through rolling hills and citrus groves, or explore the shores of Lake Okeechobee. If you're more of a water enthusiast, you can go fishing or boating in this scenic region.
Cities & Towns in Polk County
Local News
Daily Ridge
Published September 10Lake Wales, Frostproof and Winter Haven Nonprofit Programs Among Those Receiving Over $700,000 From GiveWell Community Foundation
By Carl Fish Polk County, Florida – Ninety-three nonprofit organizations serving Polk County are receiving a combined $717,537 through GiveWell Community Foundation’s 2026 Impact Polk grant program. Sara Hallett with GiveWell Community Foundation said the grants will support…
Daily Ridge
Published September 11Polk County Football Preview Week 4
By Ethan Jones: With another week of action-packed football, we are now moving fast through the season as we head into Week 4. The early-season excitement is still there, but the stakes are beginning to rise. Teams have a better idea of who they are and what they need to improve…
Daily Ridge
Published September 10POLK COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL HIGHLIGHTS
Bartow Sweeps Lake Wales; Winter Haven Tops McKeel 3-1 Yellow Jackets hit 7-0 on Tuesday, then fell to Strawberry Crest on Wednesday and sit at 7-1. Winter Haven takes a four-set road win in Lakeland. By Daily Ridge Staff POLK COUNTY, Fla. — Sept. 10, 2026 Polk County volleyball…
Daily Ridge
Published September 11Detectives Say Lakeland Woman’s Ring Was Consistent With Injuries Found On 3-Month-Old Baby
On Thursday, September 10, 2026, PCSO deputies arrested 42-year-old Jessica Vlasac of Lakeland, charging her with aggravated child abuse (F1) resulting in the death of a 3-month-old infant who was in her care. According to the affidavit, at approximately 11:58 p.m. on Sunday,…
Daily Ridge
Published September 11Lake Wales Considers Purchasing $65K in Equipment for Fleet Maintenance Operations
Lake Wales Considers Purchasing $65K in Equipment for Fleet Maintenance Operationsby James Coulter As the City takes on responsibility for maintaining and repairing its vehicle fleet from the County, Lake Wales city commissioners will consider purchasing the necessary equipment.…