Economic Development

Thank you for doing business in Polk County. Your business is incredibly important to our community. We strive to have great community engagement and strong relationships throughout the county.

When a local business succeeds, the entire community benefits. We want your business to continue to grow. In a community where reputation matters and business is done with a handshake, knowing who to call and when, can save time. Please reach out to us, so we can assist you.

Mission

Polk County’s rural atmosphere and serene natural beauty will be vigorously protected. Visionary and pragmatic county and municipal governments will work together in a cooperative manner as they continue to enhance the quality of life for all Polk County citizens.

Purpose of the Office of Economic Development

To advise the Board of County Commissioners regarding policies and actions that support the Mission of Polk County Economic Development.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer for the Economic & Tourism Development Commission (ETDC) as we organize for Polk County’s journey to economic prosperity. The ETDC meets quarterly.

About Polk County

Polk County, North Carolina is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina. It is positioned in the transitional area between the Piedmont and the mountains. Polk County is bordered to the south-southeast by Spartanburg County, South Carolina; north and east by Rutherford County, North Carolina; south southwest by Greenville County, South Carolina, and to the west, Henderson County, North Carolina. The county is approximately 25 minutes north of Spartanburg, 45 minutes south of Asheville, 90 minutes west of Charlotte, and 3 hours north of the Atlanta metropolitan area. Polk County is situated in the thermal belt, a region that experiences a climate phenomenon in which temperature inversions occur.

The mountain slopes of the region experience a relatively high temperature with limited freezing while the valleys may experience a much lower temperature, sometimes as much as 20 degrees, usually during spring and autumn. Botanically, the area is rich in native flora, and the thermal belt allows growing seasons conducive to apples, grapes, and other fruits. Polk County has a total area of 239 square miles, of which 238 square miles is land and one (1) square mile is water. The county’s largest body of water is Lake Adger, located about 5 miles north of Columbus. The county is divided into six townships: Columbus, Cooper Gap, Green Creek, Saluda, Tryon, and White Oak. There are three municipalities in the county: Columbus (county seat), Saluda, and Tryon.