Polk County, Texas

Polk County: County in Texas, United States

About

Polk County is a county located in the U.S. state of Texas. As of the 2010 census, the population was 45,413 and a population density of 16 people per km². After 10 years in 2020 county had an estimated population of 52,995 inhabitants. Its county seat is Livingston. The county was created 178 years ago in 1845.

Polk County is located in east Texas, between Houston and Lake Livingston. The county seat is Livingston. With a population around 50,000, Polk County is known for timber, lakes, and natural scenery.

History of Polk County

Polk County was established in 1846 following Texas statehood. It was named for President James K. Polk.

The county's early economy relied on agriculture, specifically cotton. Lumbering took off in the late 1800s as rail lines connected the densely forested area to markets.

In the 1900s, the formation of Lake Livingston boosted fishing tourism and recreation.

Economy and Industry in Polk County

Today, major employers in Polk County include:

  • The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe and their casino resort
  • Lumber and wood product manufacturing
  • Eastex Telephone Cooperative providing services across four counties
  • Polk County School District

Outdoor recreation also thrives thanks to ample lakes, parks, and preserves.

Attractions and Things to Do in Polk County

Top attractions in Polk County include:

  • Lake Livingston for boating, swimming, fishing and water sports
  • Alabama-Coushatta Reservation with a museum and annual pow wow
  • The Big Thicket National Preserve with hiking, camping, canoeing
  • Historic towns like Corrigan with antique shops and cafes
  • Annual events like the Trinity Neches Livestock Show

From pine forests to resort lakes, Polk County showcases the nature, history, and livelihood of East Texas.

Polk County locator map
Location of Polk County on Texas map.

Quick Facts about Polk County

Population : 52,995 (2020)
Country : United States of America
State : Texas (United States)
Different from : Polk County
Area : 2874 km2
Water as percent of area : 4.74%
Land as percent of area : 95.26%
Named for : James K. Polk
Capital : Livingston
Establishment : January 01, 1846
Time Zone : Central Time Zone
Local time : 11:23:18 (21st December 2024)
Density : 18 Pop. per km² as of 2020
Population growth : 14.31% (2010-2020)
Polk County Texas Court House image
Polk County Texas Court House
Polk County Texas Court House image
Polk County Texas Court House image

Geography

Polk County is located at 30°47'34"N 94°49'48"W (30.7927200, -94.8300200). It has 5 neighbors: Liberty County, Angelina County, Hardin County, San Jacinto County and Trinity County.

Polk County map

Click "full screen" full screen map icon to open full mode. View satellite images

The largest city of Polk County is Onalaska with a population of 3,167. Other cities include, Corrigan population 1,702, Goodrich population 338 and Seven Oaks population 131. See all Polk County cities & populated places.

Polk County Populated Places

Cities, towns, neighborhoods & other populated places in Polk County.

City Name Population Title
West Livingston 8,071 Census designated place
Livingston 5,503 Texan town
Onalaska 3,167 City in Polk County, Texas, United States
Corrigan 1,702 City in Polk County, Texas, United States of America
Goodrich 338 City in Texas, United States
Seven Oaks 131 City in Polk County, Texas, United States

Polk County has 5 neighbours.

  • Livingston

Demographics

The population of Polk County increased by 14.31% in 10 years.

Year Population % Change Method
2010 45,413 - census
2011 45,580 0.37% estimation process
2012 45,510 -0.15% estimation process
2013 45,522 0.03% estimation process
2014 45,813 0.64% estimation process
2015 46,613 1.72% estimation process
2016 47,656 2.19% estimation process
2017 48,990 2.72% estimation process
2018 49,955 1.93% estimation process
2019 51,353 2.72% estimation process
2020 52,995 3.1% estimation process

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People born in Polk County (2)

People born in Polk County, including recording artist; country and western singer, songwriter, and pianist Moon Mullican, football player Olen Underwood, .

List

Other places with the same name (12)

Texas Other Counties (more counties)

County Name Population Title
Harris County 4,738,253 County in Texas, United States
Dallas County 2,635,888 County in Texas, United States
Houston 2,316,120 The fourth most populous city in the United States and the center of the Houston metropolitan area.
Tarrant County 2,123,347 County in Texas, United States
Bexar County 2,026,823 County in Texas, United States
San Antonio 1,567,118 The seventh most populous city in the United States and the center of the San Antonio metropolitan area.
Dallas 1,343,266 The ninth most populous city in the United States and the center of the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area.
Travis County 1,300,503 County in Texas, United States
Collin County 1,072,069 County in Texas, United States
Austin 995,484 The eleventh most populous city in the United States and the center of the Austin metropolitan area.
Fort Worth 927,720 The twelfth most populous city in the United States and the center of the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area.
Denton County 919,324 County in Texas, United States
Montopolis 912,791 A neighborhood located in Austin, Texas.
Hidalgo County 875,200 County in New Mexico, United States
El Paso County 841,286 County in Texas, United States
Fort Bend County 839,706 County in Texas, United States