Polk County, North Carolina
6 ZIP codes · Avg score 70/100 · Grade B · Updated 2026-06-04
In current tracking cycles, Polk County — spanning 6 ZIP codes — records above-average water quality outcomes; the county's compliance history over recent years shows few departures from federal standards.
How Polk County Compares
How Polk County Compares
Polk County scores 3 points below the North Carolina state average (73/100) and 2 points above the national average (68/100).
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-04
ZIP Code Risk Map
Water Quality Map: Polk County, North Carolina
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Key Risk Factors
Health risk index: 15.1 (asthma 10.5%, diabetes 14.1%)
Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $1,287, driven primarily by flood
Infrastructure: 0.318% avg pipe failure probability
52.8% of homes built before 1978 (lead paint era)
County Health Indicators vs National Average
Black markers indicate national averages. Source: CDC PLACES, Census ACS.
Infrastructure Overview
Sources: Census ACS (housing age), EPA SDWIS (infrastructure risk model), state bridge inspection data.
Compound Risk Breakdown
Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $1,287
Bar widths proportional to share of total annual risk cost. Source: compound risk model (FEMA, EPA, USGS).
Housing Age Distribution
20,157 housing units in Polk County
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034 (Year Structure Built).
Water Safety Affordability
How much it costs to fix water issues relative to home values in Polk County
Remediation costs are relatively manageable for most homeowners in Polk County, representing a small fraction of property value.
Remediation includes water filtration, lead abatement, radon mitigation, and flood protection where applicable. Source: Census ACS, EPA SDWIS.
Health Outcomes vs National Average
CDC PLACES data for Polk County residents
Black markers = national averages. Red = above national avg. Green = below. Source: CDC PLACES, Census ACS.
Water Systems with Most Violations
Top 5 systems in Polk County ranked by EPA violation count.
| # | Water System | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Polk County Water System | 838 | 15 |
| 2 | Columbus Town of | 2,489 | 14 |
| 3 | TRYON, TOWN OF | 5,494 | 14 |
| 4 | The Brow Condominiums | 96 | 11 |
| 5 | Brights Creek Water System | 99 | 4 |
16 total water systems serve Polk County.
All ZIP Codes in Polk County
6 ZIP codes tracked in Polk County.
| # | ZIP Code | City | Safety Score | Grade | Violations | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 28756 | Mill Spring | 81 | B | 4 | $275K |
| 2 | 28139 | Rutherfordton | 77 | B | 3 (1 health) | $195K |
| 3 | 28782 | Tryon | 77 | B | 3 (1 health) | $290K |
| 4 | 28722 | Columbus | 66 | C | 11 (1 health) | $278K |
| 5 | 28773 | Saluda | 63 | C | 0 | $360K |
| 6 | 28750 | Lynn | 53 | D | 0 | — |
Recommended Buyer Guides for Polk County
Where county records show a lead exceedance or pre-1978 housing concentration, lead-specific filters and test kits move toward the top of the list.
- Best Lead Paint Test Kits — 52.8% of homes built before 1978
- Best Under-Sink Reverse Osmosis Systems — Multi-contaminant removal at the kitchen tap
- Best Sump Pumps — Flood is the top compound risk factor
- Best Mold Test Kits — Flood-driven moisture and mold risk
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Polk County, North Carolina
Overview
Polk County in North Carolina covers 6 ZIP codes with an average Home Safety Score of B (70/100).
4 of 6 ZIP codes have recorded EPA violations. 3 health-based violations have been documented.
← Back to North Carolina water quality report
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Home values: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (median estimates by ZCTA)
Updated daily.