I'M SURE THIS WILL NOT BE IN THE PROMOTIONAL INFORMATION

The U.S. Census Bureau has come out with it's 2004 American Community Survey, which looks at the annual salaries of those living in cities and counties with populations of over 250,000, and Polk County does not show up well.

Polk County's average salary is $34,206. Of the 236 counties and municipalities with more than 250,000 residents nationwide, Polk ranked 225th, 11 from the bottom, and the worst among Florida counties meeting the criteria. Escambia County (Pensacola area) ranked 214th, actually higher than Miami-Dade at 216th with an average salary of $37,025, Lake County was 222nd,

Of course, local officials question the survey for a couple of reasons. Because of the population criteria, Polk County is lumped in with larger counties in areas with a significantly different economic base.

Also, instead of the information being provided by employers who are required by law to provide employee stats, the survey is compiled by asking employees about how much they make.