Polk County will have a Quality of Life that encourages diverse backgrounds to live in harmony while developing physically, spiritually, mentally, and culturally within a healthy and safe environment.
Quality of life reflects the overall well-being of a community and the people who call it home. Polk Vision works collaboratively with community partners to promote a healthy, safe, inclusive, and connected Polk County where individuals and families can grow physically, spiritually, mentally, and culturally.
of Polk County residents live in poverty
(U.S. Census)
students experienced homelessness during the 2025-2026 school year
(PCPS Hearth Project)
Parks that include athletic facilities, picnic areas, a history-oriented park, resource centers, five campgrounds, and an ATV park located in Polk County
(Polk County BoCC)
of Polk County households are considered ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed)
(Unitedforalice.org)
In general, quality of life can be defined as overall well-being. Although health is a key component of quality of life, there are many other aspects — jobs, housing, schools, as well as natural and built environments. Intangibles such as culture, values, and spirituality also constitute overall quality of life that add to the complexity of its definition.
We are excited to engage community stakeholders to put quality of life at the forefront of everything we do and foster collaboration among diverse perspectives that will lead to new insights and approaches.
President
Volunteers in Service to the Elderly (VISTE)
Quality of Life Team Co-Chair
Administrator
Health and Human Services Division, Polk County BoCC
Quality of Life Team Co-Chair
The Polk Vision Quality of Life LEADS Team is a collaborative network of community leaders and organizations dedicated to enhancing the well-being of all Polk County residents. Representing a broad range of sectors—including healthcare, education, nonprofit services, and faith-based organizations—the team works together to build a more connected, resilient, and thriving community.
Through regular engagement and exploration, the team raises awareness of existing resources, identifies service gaps, and supports initiatives that strengthen Polk County’s overall quality of life. By fostering collaboration and alignment, the team helps drive meaningful, community-wide impact.
The Quality of Life LEADS Team remains committed to fostering collaboration, elevating community priorities, and supporting initiatives that make Polk County a healthier, more vibrant place to live, work, and thrive.
During the 2025 – 2026 School year, the PCPS Hearth Project identified nearly 4,546 students experiencing homelessness, down from 4,850 students identified in the previous school year.
