RentData

Average Rent in Polk County, GA Rents rising 1.1% YoY

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 43,365

Data review: HUD FY2025Sources: HUD, Zillow, Census, BLSMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Polk County, GA has rental prices ranging from $707/month to $1,238/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $712/month — 49% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $55,308/year, spending $712/month on a 1-bedroom represents 15% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Polk County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $934/month, Polk County ranks #44 most expensive of the 114 cities tracked in Georgia — pricier than 52% of all US cities in our data.

The Polk County Rental Market

The Polk County, GA area has a population of about 43,365 and 36% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Polk County, GA have risen by $10/month (1.1%) over the past year, from $924 to $934. Rents have remained relatively stable year over year, indicating a balanced rental market in the area.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Polk County, GA without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $28,480. The local median household income of $55,308 exceeds that threshold by $26,828, making Polk County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Polk County, GA has an unemployment rate of 3.1%, 0.8 percentage points below the national average of 3.9%. Strong employment conditions typically sustain rental demand, as workers relocate to the area and local residents maintain stable housing.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2025
Studio
$707
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$712
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$934
1.1% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,177
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,238
Affordable
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Is Polk County, GA Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Affordability Index(30% income rule)

To rent a 2BR
$37,360/year
Local median income: $55,308
To buy a median home
/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $934/month and 20% down on a home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in GAlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Atlanta$1,591$1,653$1,830$2,205
Augusta$868$1,039$1,175$1,545
Chattanooga$1,231$1,284$1,426$1,796
Savannah$1,324$1,431$1,584$2,131
Talbot County$723$767$905$1,268
Stewart County$770$817$964$1,161

Rent or Buy in Polk County?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Polk County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$934/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏢 Rent

Renting appears to be the better financial choice for this scenario.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $934/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Polk County

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Polk County

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💵Rent Affordability in Polk County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in GA

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⚖️Compare Polk County

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📋GA Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections