Polk City is located along Saylorville Lake and near Big Creek State Park.

It was an early contender for the seat of Polk County before Des Moines was ultimately chosen.

[6] As of the census of 2020,[8] there were 5,543 people, 1,917 households, and 1,521 families residing in the city.

Hispanic or Latino persons of any race comprised 2.0% of the population.

As of the census[9] of 2010, there were 3,418 people, 1,232 households, and 957 families living in the city.

17.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

15.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

North Polk Community School District serves almost all of the city.

Grades 4 and 5 students attend Big Creek Elementary in northeast Polk City, 6-8 graders attend the North Polk Middle school and 9-12 graders attend North Polk High School, both of which are in Alleman, which is roughly 8.5 miles away.

A small section of the city limits extends into the Ankeny Community School District.