Polk County, North Carolina Real Estate Search
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Polk County, North Carolina
Polk County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. As of the 2010 census, the population was 20,510.[1] Its county seat is Columbus.[2] The county was formed in 1855 from parts of Henderson County and Rutherford County. It was named for William Polk, a colonel in the American Revolutionary War. The Tryon International Equestrian Center, close to the community of Mill Spring will be the location of the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games.[3]
Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 239 square miles (620 km2), of which 238 square miles (620 km2) is land and 0.7 square miles (1.8 km2) (0.3%) is water.[4] It is the fifth-smallest county in North Carolina by total area.
The county's largest body of water is Lake Adger, located about 5 miles (8.0 km) north of Columbus. Lake Adger is a reservoir formed by the damming of the Green River, which flows from west to east across the county.
The northern extent of the river's watershed forms the northern border of the county.
The elevation in the county ranges from just under 800 feet (240 m) near the confluence of the Green River and Broad River to over 3,200 feet (980 m) on Tryon Peak and Wildcat Spur, the highest peak in the county. Polk County is divided into two physiographic regions; the Blue Ridge Mountains in the western third of the county and Piedmont for the eastern two-thirds. Since it is in a transition zone between the two regions, Polk County is often referred to as being in the foothills.
Adjacent counties:
Rutherford County - northeast
Spartanburg County, South Carolina - south-southeast
Greenville County, South Carolina - south-southwest
Henderson County - west
Demographics
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1860 | 4,043 | — | |
| 1870 | 4,319 | 6.8% | |
| 1880 | 5,062 | 17.2% | |
| 1890 | 5,902 | 16.6% | |
| 1900 | 7,004 | 18.7% | |
| 1910 | 7,640 | 9.1% | |
| 1920 | 8,832 | 15.6% | |
| 1930 | 10,216 | 15.7% | |
| 1940 | 11,874 | 16.2% | |
| 1950 | 11,627 | −2.1% | |
| 1960 | 11,395 | −2.0% | |
| 1970 | 11,735 | 3.0% | |
| 1980 | 12,984 | 10.6% | |
| 1990 | 14,416 | 11.0% | |
| 2000 | 18,324 | 27.1% | |
| 2010 | 20,510 | 11.9% | |
| Est. 2016 | 20,334 | [5] | −0.9% |
| U.S. Decennial Census[6] 1790-1960[7] 1900-1990[8] 1990-2000[9] 2010-2013[1] |
|||
As of the census[10] of 2000, there were 18,324 people, 7,908 households, and 5,337 families residing in the county. The population density was 77 people per square mile (30/km²). There were 9,192 housing units at an average density of 39 per square mile (15/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 92.26% White, 5.89% Black or African American, 0.19% Native American, 0.24% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.63% from other races, and 0.76% from two or more races. 3.01% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
As of the census[10] of 2000 the largest self-reported ancestry groups were:[11]
- English - 17%
- Irish - 13%
- German - 13%
- Scotch-Irish - 7%
- African - 5.89%
- Scottish - 4%
- Italian - 3%
There were 7,908 households out of which 23.50% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.30% were married couples living together, 7.90% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.50% were non-families. 28.90% of all households were made up of individuals and 15.00% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.28 and the average family size was 2.78.
In the county, the population was spread out with 20.10% under the age of 18, 5.80% from 18 to 24, 24.20% from 25 to 44, 26.30% from 45 to 64, and 23.60% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45 years. For every 100 females there were 90.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.10 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $36,259, and the median income for a family was $45,096. Males had a median income of $29,375 versus $23,070 for females. The per capita income for the county was $19,804. 10.10% of the population and 6.40% of families were below the poverty line. 11.70% of those under the age of 18 and 8.80% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.
Transportation
Major highways
The interchange for I-26 and the US 74 freeway is located in Columbus. Interstate 26 provides Polk County with easy access to Asheville and Spartanburg.
Polk County is also served by an additional non-freeway U.S. Highway: US 176. This was the primary highway linking Saluda and Tryon to Hendersonville and Spartanburg, S.C. prior to the delayed completion of I-26 in 1976. Two North Carolina routes, NC 108 and NC 9, traverse the county as well. NC 108 begins in Rutherfordton and travels west through Columbus and ends at US 176 in Tryon. Oriented north-to-south, NC 9 connects Black Mountain and Lake Lure to Spartanburg and points southeast via Polk County. NC 108 and NC 9 intersect at the unincorporated town of Mill Spring.
Rail
Polk County and Saluda are infamous among railroad enthusiasts for the Saluda Grade, the steepest standard-gauge mainline railway grade in the United States.[12] Norfolk Southern suspended freight traffic indefinitely along this route in December 2001. The track remains in place, but are cut near Flat Rock, North Carolina and Landrum, South Carolina.
Law and government
Polk County is a member of the Isothermal Planning and Development Commission regional council of governments. Sheila Whitmire is the current (as of 2012) Registrar of Deeds, and Eric McIntyre serves as the current mayor.
Politics
2016
In the 2016 Republican Primary in Polk County, Donald Trump received 1,624 votes (or 46.2% of the total votes) followed by Ted Cruz who came in second with 1,135 votes (or 32.3% of the total votes). In the 2016 Democratic Primary, Bernie Sanders received 1,123 votes (48.7% of the total) whereas Hillary Clinton only won 1,099 votes (47.7% of the total).[13] In the general election Donald Trump received 6,768 votes (or 61.9% of the total vote) whereas Hillary Clinton received 3,735 votes (34.2% of the vote) and Libertarian Candidate Gary Johnson received 272 votes (2.5% of total votes in the county).[14] In this regards Polk County has the distinction of being one of many counties in the state of North Carolina which Donald Trump won in both the primary election and the general election, and which Hillary Clinton lost in both the primary election and the general election.
External links
Perfectly set on nearly 350 acres of prime mountain land, Watermill Farm represents a rare opportunity to acquire a special large tract in the foothills of the Blue Ridge...
- 4396705 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Professionals. josephscott@kw.com
Perfectly set on nearly 350 acres of prime mountain land, Watermill Farm represents a rare opportunity to acquire a special large tract in the foothills of the Blue Ridge...
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 4393766 MLS
- 1,036 SqFt.
- ACTIVE Status
Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Professionals. josephscott@kw.com
Nestled on 72+ acres of rolling pasture at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this exceptional estate is a rare fusion of luxury, versatility, and breathtaking views. ...
- 4249263 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Listing courtesy of True North Realty. austinjanet924@gmail.com
Nestled on 72+ acres of rolling pasture at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this exceptional estate is a rare fusion of luxury, versatility, and breathtaking views. ...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 4235181 MLS
- 3,361 SqFt.
- ACTIVE Status
Listing courtesy of True North Realty. austinjanet924@gmail.com
Nestled on 72+ acres of rolling pasture at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this exceptional estate is a rare fusion of luxury, versatility, and breathtaking views. ...
- 4249140 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Listing courtesy of True North Realty. austinjanet924@gmail.com
Nestled within the gates of Bright’s Creek Golf & Equestrian Community and located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the “Stoney Mountain” modern residence of...
- 4 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 4349142 MLS
- 3,224 SqFt.
- ACTIVE Status
Listing courtesy of Howard Hanna Beverly-Hanks. brightscreek@beverly-hanks.com
For the first time, Ly-Nard Hills Farm is offered for sale. There are places that hold more than land and buildings. Places that carry the quiet echo of hoofbeats at dawn...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 4409323 MLS
- 4,310 SqFt.
- ACTIVE Status
Listing courtesy of One Community Real Estate. sarahlyles828@gmail.com
Ideally located only 3 minutes from the Tryon Int'l Equestrian Center and US-74, this +-211 acre property offers a rare combination of usable acreage, sweeping views, wat...
- 3 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 4324520 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Professionals. collin.oberry@gmail.com
Ideally located only 3 minutes from the Tryon Int'l Equestrian Center and US-74, this +-211 acre property offers a rare combination of usable acreage, sweeping views, wat...
- 4323107 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Professionals. collin.oberry@gmail.com
12.9 AC Site at the I-26 Columbus NC exit. Interstate frontage. Excellent commercial site for multi-family, hotel, restaurant, fast food, gas station, C-store, truck st...
- 4415322 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Listing courtesy of Pulliam Properties, Inc. jwilson@pulliamproperties.com
Loblolly Farm presents an extraordinary opportunity to own one of the Southeast's most significant land offerings. Encompassing approximately 83.73 unrestricted acres in ...
- 4399187 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Listing courtesy of Ivester Jackson Blackstream. Laura@IJBproperties.com
Tucked behind the gates of Brights Creek, yet free from Brights Creek restrictions, this exceptional 35-acre equestrian estate offers the rare combination of privacy, fle...
- 5 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 4407237 MLS
- 3,468 SqFt.
- ACTIVE UNDER CONTRACT Status
Listing courtesy of Howard Hanna Beverly-Hanks. brightscreek.team@allentate.com
Welcome to The Hayloft, a rare and romantic estate from a more gracious era—built in 1946 by Carter Brown, the man whose influence helped shape Tryon into the equestrian ...
- 6 Beds
- 9 Baths
- 4377505 MLS
- 3,402 SqFt.
- ACTIVE Status
Listing courtesy of Blackstream International Real Estate, LLC. debra@blackstreaminternational.com
The proposed land/home package by Living Stone Design+Build in Bright's Creek epitomizes a streamlined, contemporary aesthetic, harmoniously blending modern design with a...
- 3 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 4267257 MLS
- 3,718 SqFt.
- ACTIVE Status
Listing courtesy of Howard Hanna Beverly-Hanks. brightscreek@beverly-hanks.com
Presenting a stunning new land/home package by Junge Construction, featuring an exceptional Wayland Shamburger perfectly crafted for comfort, style, and long-term livabil...
- 4 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 4205523 MLS
- 3,421 SqFt.
- ACTIVE Status
Listing courtesy of Howard Hanna Beverly-Hanks. brightscreek@beverly-hanks.com
Think So Many Options – Equestrian Farm on 78+ acres -easy 5-minute drive to TIEC! Like new 2017 Log Home – 2 separate living areas -7 bedrooms. 24-stall shed row barn w...
- 7 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 4089037 MLS
- 2,283 SqFt.
- ACTIVE Status
Listing courtesy of Coldwell Banker Advantage. ronpiccari1@gmail.com
Reduced! Price improvement! Discover Lukas Farm, a premier equestrian property featuring 28 custom-designed stalls and exceptional facilities for breeding, boarding, or p...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 4335527 MLS
- 2,900 SqFt.
- ACTIVE Status
Listing courtesy of Coldwell Banker Advantage. ronpiccari1@gmail.com
5.33 acres located on the corner of Highway 9 and Highway 108 in Mill Spring, NC. Unrestricted and unzoned. Approximately 655' frontage on SR 1368, 500' on Highway 9 and ...
- 4201813 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Listing courtesy of Coldwell Banker Advantage. cheryl@cbawest.com
Nestled on a beautiful double lot, this exceptional land/home package offers an unparalleled living experience, combining luxurious design with panoramic long-range mount...
- 3 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 4198641 MLS
- 3,198 SqFt.
- ACTIVE Status
Listing courtesy of Howard Hanna Beverly-Hanks. 828-699-5914
Now UNDER CONSTRUCTION. Discover this stunning Wayland Shamburger-designed home with year round mountain and golf course views in Bright's Creek, crafted by Junge Constru...
- 3 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 4176264 MLS
- 3,118 SqFt.
- ACTIVE UNDER CONTRACT Status
Listing courtesy of Howard Hanna Beverly-Hanks. brightscreek@beverly-hanks.com
*NOW under construction* Located in one of the wooded high valleys of Bright’s Creek Golf/Equestrian gated community this new construction project is a collaboration from...
- 4 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 4194734 MLS
- 3,200 SqFt.
- ACTIVE Status
Listing courtesy of Howard Hanna Beverly-Hanks. 828-600-5132
Enjoy breathtaking views of Bright’s Creek’s Tom Fazio-designed championship golf course and the surrounding mountains from this exceptional homesite. This custom home(no...
- 3 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 4419429 MLS
- 2,616 SqFt.
- ACTIVE Status
Listing courtesy of Howard Hanna Beverly-Hanks. brightscreek@beverly-hanks.com
Arts & Crafts masterpiece, GrandView Lodge blends timeless beauty and modern luxury. Located in the Reserve section of Bright’s Creek. This custom-built home is awash in ...
- 5 Beds
- 7 Baths
- 4359108 MLS
- 5,662 SqFt.
- ACTIVE Status
Listing courtesy of New Village Real Estate. eric@newvillagerealestate.com
The Allara, a land/home package proposed by AR Homes is a stunning design, offering a combination of functionality and luxury. The open floor plan, with its spacious kit...
- 3 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 4226088 MLS
- 2,835 SqFt.
- ACTIVE Status
Listing courtesy of Howard Hanna Beverly-Hanks. brightscreek.team@allentate.com
Set within the coveted Reserve section of Brights Creek, this luxury residence captures some of the most sought-after views in Brights Creek; an extraordinary offering th...
- 5 Beds
- 6 Baths
- 4361743 MLS
- 4,724 SqFt.
- ACTIVE Status
Listing courtesy of Howard Hanna Beverly-Hanks. brightscreek@beverly-hanks.com
A timeless Tryon estate blending historic craftsmanship with modern comfort on 13.77 acres. Originally an 1880 two-room dog-trot log cabin, the home evolved through a 19...
- 6 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 4317970 MLS
- 3,194 SqFt.
- ACTIVE Status
Listing courtesy of Walker Wallace and Emerson Realty. Jeff@JeffByrdTryon.com
WELCOME TO ONE OF DERBYSHIRE'S PREMIER WATERFRONT HOMESITES ~ Featuring: The Lake Estate at Derbyshire - A Signature Waterfront Estate Opportunity in Horse Country! Som...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 4385948 MLS
- 3,319 SqFt.
- ACTIVE Status
Listing courtesy of Century 21 Mountain Lifestyles. ERIKABRADLEYREALTOR@GMAIL.COM
Find your luxurious mountain and Horse Country retreat in Hughes Creek Preserve. The new (2023) 3 BR/3.5BA Modern Farmhouse is built for bucolic views, spacious rooms wi...
- 3 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 4357487 MLS
- 4,663 SqFt.
- ACTIVE Status
Listing courtesy of Tryon Horse Country Homes. libbiejohnson@gmail.com
Welcome to your new home at "Derbyshire". Nestled in the rolling landscape of Columbus, North Carolina, Derbyshire is one of those places where life simply feels better. ...
- 5 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 4393897 MLS
- 5,353 SqFt.
- ACTIVE Status
Listing courtesy of Claussen Walters LLC. barbaraclaussen@me.com
Set on more than 12 picturesque acres just minutes from the world-renowned Tryon International Equestrian Center, this exceptional farmhouse estate offers an unmatched bl...
- 7 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 4380552 MLS
- 3,918 SqFt.
- ACTIVE Status
Listing courtesy of Howard Hanna Beverly-Hanks. brightscreek.team@allentate.com
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION...This is one of the last large acreages in the City Limits of Columbus, the County Seat for Polk, North Carolina. Along with what is already...
- 4295084 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Listing courtesy of JL Carolina LLC. jlions94@gmail.com
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION...This is one of the last large acreages in the City Limits of Columbus, the County Seat for Polk, North Carolina. Along with what is already...
- 4255517 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Listing courtesy of JL Carolina LLC. jlions94@gmail.com
Breathtaking never-ending long range mountain views! Experience the ultimate high-end luxury log cabin retreat where timeless mountain character meets exceptional comfort...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 4422160 MLS
- 1,775 SqFt.
- ACTIVE Status
Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Results. terrieisenhauer@gmail.com
Unparalleled development or legacy estate opportunity! 109 +/- pristine acres in the heart of Saluda, NC, directly fronting the highly anticipated Saluda Grade Trail—the ...
- 4398672 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Listing courtesy of One Community Real Estate. sarahlyles828@gmail.com
Great opportunity to own a functioning plant nursery in the foothills of North Carolina. This property is surrounded by large acreage tracts with horse farms, cattle far...
- 4394675 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Listing courtesy of Profound Real Estate. admin@profoundreg.com
Commanding an elevated vantage point, this White Oak Mountain retreat captures spectacular long-range views and is surrounded by pristine natural beauty. Constructed of 1...
- 4 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 4377490 MLS
- 4,869 SqFt.
- ACTIVE Status
Listing courtesy of Coldwell Banker Caine/Williams. ktamburro@cbcaine.com
This timeless design offered by Mountain Sky Builders, is situated on a quiet cul-de-sac under the cliffs of Cliffield Mountain in beautiful Bright's Creek. Plan features...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 4197353 MLS
- 2,476 SqFt.
- ACTIVE Status
Listing courtesy of Walker Wallace and Emerson Realty. Jeff@JeffByrdTryon.com
Located within the prestigious gated community of BRIGHT’S CREEK, this exceptional 6.24-ACRE PRIVATE ESTATE delivers the perfect blend of LUXURY LIVING, PRIVACY, AND BREA...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 4395366 MLS
- 4,350 SqFt.
- ACTIVE Status
Listing courtesy of Expert Real Estate Team. leanne@leannecarswell.com
A RARE opportunity to own a true Western North Carolina icon on beautiful, easy-to-build acreage, just minutes to downtown Columbus!! This distinguished family home—const...
- 3 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 4373016 MLS
- 3,177 SqFt.
- ACTIVE Status
Listing courtesy of JL Carolina LLC. jlions94@gmail.com
Tucked away on a peaceful cul-de-sac in the gated community of Bright's Creek, this Arts & Crafts-style home offers privacy enhanced by mature, professionally designed la...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 4404140 MLS
- 2,636 SqFt.
- ACTIVE Status
Listing courtesy of Howard Hanna Beverly-Hanks. brightscreek@beverly-hanks.com
Tryon, NC....Discover a rare 42.92 acre estate offering privacy, space, and versatility just minutes from the heart of Tryon and its renowned horse country. The impressiv...
- 5 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 4378469 MLS
- 5,930 SqFt.
- ACTIVE Status
Listing courtesy of Caulder Realty & Land Co.. david@caulderrealty.com
Seldom does an opportunity like this occur! This 85ac property in Polk County, where subdividing is regulated to 5ac minimum, the "Champion, Williams Estates" offers 57 p...
- 3822475 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Listing courtesy of Coldwell Banker Advantage. ronpiccari1@gmail.com
Welcome to Derbyshire—an exclusive gated community in the heart of Polk County—where luxury living meets the beauty of horse country. Nestled along the community lake, th...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 4374684 MLS
- 3,143 SqFt.
- ACTIVE Status
Listing courtesy of Century 21 Blackwell & Company Realty. jessica.wilson@century21blackwell.com
Escape to your own private retreat on this stunning 76-acre property. Nestled along the banks of the serene Green River, you'll be captivated by the absolutely picture-pe...
- 4081619 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Listing courtesy of Walker Wallace and Emerson Realty. jspurlinwwe@gmail.com
Set within a private gated community on over 6 acres of gently rolling land, this exceptional estate captures the essence of refined country living with breathtaking, yea...
- 3 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 4362617 MLS
- 5,479 SqFt.
- ACTIVE Status
Listing courtesy of Ivester Jackson Blackstream. miriam@ijbproperties.com
Seeking a licensed assisted living facility in Western North Carolina with an established operating history, 12 resident capacity, and expansion potential? Ridge Rest Ass...
- 12 Beds
- 12 Baths
- 4386870 MLS
- 7,220 SqFt.
- ACTIVE UNDER CONTRACT Status
Listing courtesy of New View Realty. Kathy@KathyToomey.com
Beyond the gates of Bright’s Creek, where the Blue Ridge Mountains unfold in layers of endless beauty, This professionally designed golf cottage captures the essence of e...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 4419929 MLS
- 2,041 SqFt.
- ACTIVE Status
Listing courtesy of Howard Hanna Beverly-Hanks. brightscreek.team@allentate.com
Masterfully reconstructed and redesigned-this extraordinary residence sits on just under two acres in desirable Tryon, NC. Thoughtfully re-built from top to bottom, it is...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 4419162 MLS
- 2,799 SqFt.
- ACTIVE Status
Listing courtesy of Coldwell Banker Caine/Williams. ktamburro@cbcaine.com
FANTASTIC HORSE FARM - FIRST TIME ON THE MARKET! 8 MILES TO TIEC The main level offers generously sized bedrooms, including a primary suite with two closets and an ensui...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 4406206 MLS
- 3,668 SqFt.
- ACTIVE Status
Listing courtesy of Odean Keever & Associates, Inc.. barbkeever@gmail.com
PRIME Intersection Location 2.4 Acre Lot For Sale!! Located in Mill Spring, NC, at the Intersection of HWY 108 and HWY 9 - about equal distance between Lake Bowen and La...
- 4374284 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Listing courtesy of SC NC Realty. jeremywoodrealtor@gmail.com
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