Polk City, Iowa · Des Moines metro
Living in Polk City, Iowa. A town square by the lake.
Polk City sits on the north side of Saylorville Lake, about 16 miles north of downtown Des Moines. About 6,630 people live here (2025 Census estimate), up about 20% since 2020. The city is in the North Polk Community School District, and the city’s portion of the property tax rate is $11.00 per $1,000.
01 / At a glance
Polk City by the numbers.
| Population | 6,630 (Census estimate, July 2025). 5,543 in the 2020 Census. |
|---|---|
| Growth | Up about 20% from 2020 to 2025 |
| County | Polk |
| Schools | North Polk Community School District (North Polk High School is in Alleman). Check by address. |
| City tax rate | $11.00 per $1,000, FY2027, unchanged from FY2026 (city portion only) |
| Median home value | $414,800 (Census survey, 2020 to 2024) |
| Median household income | $164,389 (Census survey, 2020 to 2024) |
| Getting downtown | About 16 miles to downtown Des Moines. Average commute about 24 minutes. |
| Public transit | No DART fixed-route bus. Plan on driving. |
Census figures are estimates. Home values and incomes are 5-year Census survey averages, not today’s prices. For current prices in your range, I pull live MLS numbers.
02 / Living here
What it’s like to live in Polk City.
Schools
North Polk Community School District serves Polk City, Alleman, Elkhart, Sheldahl and northern Ankeny. The high school is in Alleman. Voters approved a 2020 bond with nearly 88% yes that paid for an elementary school in Polk City. Acreages around town can fall in other districts, so I check every address.
Getting around
Downtown Des Moines is about 16 miles south, and Ankeny’s shopping and I-35 are a short drive east. The average commute is about 24 minutes. There is no DART fixed-route bus, so plan on a car for work, school and errands.
The lake and the square
Big Creek State Park, next to Saylorville Lake, has the largest beach in Iowa’s state park system, plus boat ramps and disc golf. The Saylorville Marina and the Tournament Club of Iowa golf course are close by. Polk City has the only town square in Polk County, home to the Four Seasons Festival, Fall Fest and Light Up Polk City.
Growth
The city issued 458 building permits in 2025, up from 300 in 2024, including 68 new homes. Antler Ridge, Big Creek Commons and Four Seasons are adding lots, and Gateway Crossings is a 78-acre mixed-use site. The city is building the first phase of a 57-acre regional park and plans a new water tower, and the Polk City Junction Trail will link the High Trestle and Neal Smith trails.
03 / What I tell clients
Before you buy or sell in Polk City.
- Acreages often have a private well and septic system. Iowa requires a septic inspection by a DNR-certified inspector before the sale, and I always recommend testing the well water too.
- Near the lake, check the flood map and the property line. Much of the shoreline is Corps of Engineers or state park land, so a “lake view” lot is not the same as lake access.
- Compare the whole tax bill. The city estimates its share on an average $416,137 home at about $2,039 for FY2027. The county, schools and other levies come on top.
- Read the covenants in newer subdivisions for HOA dues, fence and outbuilding rules before you plan a shop or a pool.
04 / Homes for sale
Search homes for sale in Polk City.
Type Polk City in Location and pick it from the list. Results open in a new tab on my RE/MAX Revolution search site, where you can save a search and get new-listing alerts.
05 / Tours and articles
What I’ve seen in Polk City.
-
Should I List My Polk City Home in the Winter or Wait for Spring?
If you are ready to sell your Polk City home now, listing in winter is often better than waiting for spring, because…
-
Is Polk City a Good Fit for First-Time Buyers Who Commute to Des Moines or Ankeny?
Polk City works well for first-time buyers who commute to Ankeny or the north side of Des Moines, and it can work…
-
Is It Worth Paying More to Live Near Saylorville Lake in Polk City?
Living near Saylorville Lake in Polk City is worth paying more if you will actually use the lake, the trails, and the…
-
Do Polk City Homes Have Wells and Septic Systems, and What Does That Mean for a First-Time Buyer?
Most homes inside Polk City limits are on city water and sewer, but many acreages and rural homes just outside town use…
-
Should First-Time Buyers in Polk City Care More About Layout or Finishes?
Layout matters more than finishes for a first-time buyer in Polk City, almost every time. Finishes are cheap to change and layout…
-
What Is My Home Worth in Polk City, and How Do I Find Out?
If you are trying to figure out what your Polk City home is actually worth, here is a straight answer and a…
06 / Common questions
Living in Polk City, answered.
Is Polk City a good place to live?
Buyers usually choose Polk City for a small-town square, Saylorville Lake and Big Creek State Park next door, North Polk schools and room to spread out on larger lots and acreages, while still being about 16 miles from downtown Des Moines.
How far is Polk City from Des Moines?
About 16 miles north of downtown Des Moines, on the north side of Saylorville Lake. The average commute for residents is about 24 minutes (Census).
What school district is Polk City in?
Polk City is in the North Polk Community School District, which also serves Alleman, Elkhart, Sheldahl and northern Ankeny. North Polk High School is in Alleman. Confirm the district for any acreage outside town.
What are property taxes like in Polk City?
The city portion is $11.00 per $1,000 for FY2027, unchanged from FY2026. The city estimates its share on an average $416,137 home at about $2,039. Polk County, school and other levies are added on top.
Do Polk City homes have wells and septic systems?
Homes inside town are generally on city services, but many acreages around Polk City have a private well and septic system. Iowa requires a septic inspection by a DNR-certified inspector before a property with a septic system is sold.
How much do homes cost in Polk City?
The Census survey puts the median owner-occupied home value at $414,800 (2020 to 2024 average). Prices move faster than that survey, so for today’s numbers in your price range, text me and I’ll pull live MLS data.
Sources (checked November 2026): Census QuickFacts · Polk City FY2027 budget presentation · Greater Des Moines Partnership · North Polk 2020 bond · Big Creek State Park (Iowa DNR) · Iowa DNR septic Time of Transfer · Polk City projects (KDSM). Information is believed reliable but not guaranteed; confirm school district and taxes for any specific address.
Buying or selling in Polk City?
Let’s talk it through.
Call or text me at 515-606-1227. No pressure, ever.