Polk County Leads Region in Higher Education and Competitive Pay
June 18, 2025Oregon’s population includes more people with at least some college or a bachelor’s degrees compared with the United States. According to the 2023 five-year American Community Survey estimates, about one out of three adults over age 25 in Oregon hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. In the Mid-Valley area, Polk County leads with 31% of its residents attaining this level of education, followed by Yamhill County at 29%.
More education tends to correlate with higher wages. That being said, there are still high-wage and high-demand careers that do not require college education. Matching opportunities between local jobs and jobseekers’ skills and training is more important for an efficient labor market than maximizing the percentage of graduates of a particular degree.
Polk County Leads in Bachelor’s Degree Attainment
An analysis of educational trends in Oregon’s Mid-Valley region highlights key differences in academic achievement among residents aged 25 and older. Survey data shows that most people in these counties have at least some college education or an associate degree. Linn County tops the region, with 42% of its population holding some college experience or an associate degree, followed by Polk County at 37% and finally Marion and Yamhill counties tied at 35%.
However, when looking specifically at bachelor’s degrees or higher, Polk County ranks highest in the region with 31% of its adult population attaining this level of education. All four counties remain below Oregon’s statewide average of 36% for bachelor's degrees or higher.
Statewide, bachelor’s degree attainment varies significantly. The lowest rate is found in Morrow County, where only 9.8% of adults have a bachelor’s degree or higher. In contrast, Benton County has the highest percentage at 54.3%, likely due to Oregon State University’s presence and student population.
Polk County’s Degree Holders Earn Competitive Wages
Median income or earnings is the middle value when incomes are sorted by value, representing the income level where half of wage earners earn more, and half earn less. This data incorporates individuals 25 years and older, an age at which most people have completed their maximum amount of schooling. In Oregon’s Mid-Valley region, income levels vary across counties, but Polk County stands out. Its median income of $50,426 is closely aligned with Oregon’s statewide median of $50,487 and the national median of $51,184.
Polk County residents with a bachelor’s degree earn an average of $69,141, above Oregon’s statewide average of $65,659 and the U.S. average of $67,849. Those holding a graduate or professional degree in Polk County see even higher earnings, with an average income of $87,443. In Marion County, bachelor's degree holders earn about $61,871, while those with an advanced degree make $80,231. Yamhill County has a comparable percentage of residents with bachelor’s degrees, with earnings averaging about $2,000 below Marion County.
These findings underscore the significant role of education in shaping earning potential, particularly in Oregon’s Mid-Valley region. While Polk County’s median income aligns with state and national figures, differences in wages among degree holders reveal how higher education continues to be a major factor in financial success. However, income variation across counties highlights the complex interplay between education, location, industry mix, and local economic opportunities that influences household earnings throughout the region.