countyscore
60.9
County Score
Cost of Living 97.8Disaster Risk 93.6Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Wheeler County, Georgia

Well Above the National Median

Wheeler County earns a strong composite score of 60.9, placing it comfortably above the national median of 50.0. This score indicates a high relative quality of life compared to counties across the country.

Outperforming the Georgia Average

The county's 60.9 score significantly outperforms the Georgia state average of 46.7. It stands out as a highly competitive option within the Peach State.

Elite Affordability and Low Risk

With a cost score of 97.8, Wheeler is exceptionally affordable, featuring a median gross rent of just $551. Its risk score of 93.6 also indicates a very low vulnerability to natural disasters.

Economic and Health Headwinds

The county faces challenges in household earnings, reflected in a low income score of 7.6 and a median income of $45,262. Additionally, the health score of 24.9 suggests limited access to medical services.

Perfect for Budget-Conscious Living

Wheeler County is an ideal match for retirees or remote workers who prioritize extreme housing affordability and environmental safety. It offers some of the lowest living costs in the region.

Score breakdown

Tax57.4Cost97.8Safety62.1Health24.9Schools58.8Income7.6Risk93.6Water86Weather35.8
🏛57.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠97.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼7.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡62.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤24.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓58.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡93.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤35.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱31.7
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Compare Wheeler County with Echols County →Share on X

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Deep Dives

Wheeler County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Wheeler County

via TaxByCounty

Wheeler taxes rank low nationally

Wheeler County's effective tax rate of 0.753% sits well below the national median effective rate, making it one of the most affordable property tax jurisdictions in America. Homeowners here pay a median of $562 annually—roughly 79% less than the national median of $2,690.

Among Georgia's lowest-tax counties

At 0.753%, Wheeler County's rate ranks in the bottom 15% of all Georgia counties and falls significantly below the state average of 0.898%. This means Wheeler residents enjoy some of the lightest property tax burden statewide.

Wheeler undercuts nearby counties

Wheeler's 0.753% rate beats most neighbors: it's lower than Wilkinson County (0.882%), Whitfield County (0.673%), and substantially lower than Wilcox County (1.058%). Only White County (0.661%) comes close to Wheeler's affordability.

What your Wheeler tax bill looks like

On the median home value of $74,600, Wheeler County homeowners pay approximately $562 annually—just under $47 per month. Those with mortgages typically see a slightly higher payment of $610 due to escrow adjustments.

Check if you're overassessed

Even in low-tax Wheeler County, many homeowners are paying more than they should due to assessment errors or outdated valuations. It costs nothing to request a tax assessment review and potentially lower your bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Wheeler County

via CostByCounty

Wheeler's Rents Stay Well Below National Standards

At 14.6%, Wheeler County's rent-to-income ratio is nearly one-third lower than the nation's typical burden, meaning residents spend far less of their paycheck on housing. The median gross rent of $551 per month is substantially below the national context, making Wheeler one of Georgia's most affordable rental markets for working families.

Best Housing Value in Georgia's Rural Belt

Wheeler ranks among Georgia's most affordable counties, with a rent-to-income ratio of 14.6% compared to the state average of 18.6%. This advantage comes from lower rents ($551 vs. $927 statewide) paired with modest but stable household incomes averaging $45,262.

Wheeler Undercuts Every Regional Peer

Wheeler's $551 median rent beats neighboring Wilcox County ($612), Wilkinson County ($766), and Wilkes County ($759), making it the region's bargain destination. Even when comparing homeownership costs, Wheeler's $465 monthly owner expense trails most surrounding counties.

One-Sixth of Income Covers Housing Costs

A typical Wheeler County household earning $45,262 annually spends roughly $551 on rent or $465 on mortgage—about 14.6% of gross income, well below the 30% affordability threshold. This leaves families with more breathing room for food, healthcare, and savings than most Georgia counties.

Relocate Here for Maximum Affordability

If you're priced out of Georgia's metro areas, Wheeler County offers some of the state's lowest housing costs without sacrificing community stability. Compare Wheeler's 14.6% rent burden to neighboring counties and you'll see why budget-conscious families and retirees are discovering this undervalued market.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Wheeler County

via IncomeByCounty

Wheeler's Income Gap Widens

Wheeler County's median household income of $45,262 falls 39% below the national median of $74,755, placing it among the lowest-income counties nationally. This significant gap reflects economic challenges that demand strategic workforce and business development investments.

Below Georgia's Average Income

At $45,262, Wheeler ranks well below Georgia's state median of $60,488—a $15,226 shortfall that underscores the county's economic position within the state. The per capita income of $19,272 trails the state average of $31,115 by nearly 38%.

Lowest Among Regional Peers

Wheeler's median income of $45,262 is the lowest among its Georgia neighbors: Wilkinson ($46,673), Wilcox ($48,036), Wilkes ($52,542), and Worth ($57,201). This clustering of lower incomes suggests shared regional economic challenges across south-central Georgia.

Rental Costs Fit the Budget

Wheeler's 14.6% rent-to-income ratio is the healthiest among its peers, meaning housing remains relatively affordable at $554 per month on the median income. However, with median home values at just $74,600, residents have limited wealth-building through homeownership compared to state averages.

Build Your Future Now

Wheeler residents should prioritize financial literacy and savings plans—even modest investments in retirement accounts offer long-term wealth growth. Consider exploring local business ownership or skill development programs that can boost earning potential and household income over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Wheeler County

via CrimeByCounty

Wheeler County significantly beats national safety averages

The county reports a total crime rate of 874.2 per 100K, which is nearly two-thirds lower than the national average of 2,385.5. These low incident numbers earn the area a robust safety score of 98.6 out of 100. Residents experience a much calmer environment than the typical American community.

A top performer for safety in Georgia

Wheeler County's safety score of 98.6 exceeds the Georgia state average of 97.8. Local officials and two reporting agencies maintain a crime rate well below the state average of 1,412.9 per 100K. This makes it one of the more secure rural districts in the state.

Outperforming regional neighbors in crime prevention

While nearby Whitfield County struggles with over 2,122 incidents per 100K, Wheeler stays much quieter at 874.2. Its violent crime rate is also less than half of the national average. This regional stability highlights the county’s effective local safety measures.

Property crime dominates the local data

Violent crime is rare here, occurring at a rate of 119.2 per 100K compared to 755.0 for property crimes. This means residents are over six times more likely to encounter theft than a violent incident. Practical safety here focuses on protecting belongings rather than personal threat.

Secure your home against opportunistic theft

Since property crime is the primary concern, motion-activated lighting and sturdy door locks provide high value. Most incidents involve unattended assets, so keeping vehicles locked is a simple, effective deterrent. Community watch efforts help maintain the county's impressive safety standing.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Wheeler County

via HealthByCounty

Wheeler County leads on longevity

Residents here live to 76.5 years on average, outpacing the U.S. average of 76.1 years and well ahead of Georgia's 73.3-year state average. Yet nearly 30% report poor or fair health, suggesting quality matters as much as length of life.

Top-tier life expectancy statewide

Wheeler ranks among Georgia's healthiest counties by life expectancy, beating the state average by 3.2 years. This rural county's longevity advantage reflects lower smoking rates and tight-knit community health practices.

Outperforming surrounding counties

Wheeler's 76.5-year life expectancy exceeds nearby Whitfield (75.1), White (74.4), and Wilkes (72.0) counties. However, 29.9% report poor/fair health—the highest rate among regional peers—indicating underlying health challenges despite longevity gains.

Healthcare access remains tight

With 27 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and an 18% uninsured rate—3 points above Georgia's average—Wheeler struggles with both coverage and access. Mental health provider data isn't available, masking potential gaps in behavioral health services.

Check coverage options today

One in five Wheeler County residents lacks health insurance, leaving families vulnerable to medical debt and delayed care. Visit healthcare.gov or Georgia's Medicaid portal to explore coverage options that fit your income and needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Wheeler County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Small Rural School Infrastructure

Wheeler County operates a lean education system with just three schools: one elementary, one middle, and one high school. A single district serves the entire county enrollment of 873 students. This centralized structure ensures every student moves through the same local pipeline.

High Graduation Rates Outpace the State

The county boasts an impressive 92.0% graduation rate, significantly higher than the Georgia average of 88.1%. Although per-pupil spending of $7,446 is just above the state average, the county's school score of 55.5 exceeds the state median. These results suggest a high return on local educational investment.

One District Serves All Students

The Wheeler County district is the sole provider of public education, managing all 873 students across its three campuses. There are currently no charter schools in the county, keeping all resources focused on the traditional public system. This unified approach provides consistent leadership for all grade levels.

Small Classes in a Rural Setting

All three schools are located in rural areas, creating a tight-knit educational environment. Wheeler County Elementary is the largest campus with 407 students, while the middle school is the smallest with just 202. The average school size of 291 students allows for a personalized feel that larger districts cannot match.

A Strong Community for Growing Families

Families seeking a small-town atmosphere with high graduation rates should consider Wheeler County. High school performance is a major factor in local property value and community stability. Explore homes in this area to benefit from a focused, high-achieving rural school system.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Wheeler County

via RiskByCounty

Wheeler ranks among safest counties nationally

Wheeler County's composite risk score of 6.42 places it in the very low category, well below Georgia's state average of 39.49. This rating reflects relatively modest exposure to most natural hazards, making Wheeler one of Georgia's lower-risk counties overall.

One of Georgia's lowest-risk counties

Wheeler County ranks among the safest counties in Georgia for composite natural disaster risk. Its 6.42 score reflects the county's geographic position away from major earthquake, hurricane, and tornado corridors that affect other regions of the state.

Safer than most surrounding counties

Wheeler County's risk profile is substantially lower than neighboring Wilcox County (13.17) and White County (45.74). The county's advantage stems primarily from lower tornado and flood exposure compared to these adjacent areas.

Hurricane exposure is your main concern

While Wheeler's overall risk is very low, hurricane risk scores at 72.30—well above the county's composite average. Tornado risk (31.39) and wildfire risk (34.00) present secondary but manageable concerns for residents and property owners.

Focus hurricane coverage for this county

Given Wheeler's hurricane risk profile, homeowners should ensure adequate wind and storm damage coverage in their policies. Standard homeowner's insurance may require riders for hurricane-specific damage; review your policy with an agent to confirm adequate protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Wheeler County

via SoilByCounty

Regional Acidic Profile in Wheeler County

While specific taxonomic data for Wheeler County is limited, regional characteristics suggest an acidic profile. Most soils in this part of Georgia trend significantly below the national median pH of 6.5.

Sandy Foundations and Drainage Needs

Specific sand and clay percentages are currently unavailable for this county's soil. However, the coastal plain region typically features high sand content, which allows for fast drainage but requires careful nutrient management.

Building Toward State Fertility Benchmarks

Current data does not specify local organic matter levels, but the Georgia state average stands at 1.83%. Increasing soil organic matter is often necessary here to match or exceed the state water capacity average of 0.114 in/in.

Managing Water in Local Landscapes

Dominant drainage classes are not currently specified for Wheeler County in standard datasets. Local builders and farmers should perform site-specific tests to determine how water moves through their unique terrain.

Thriving in Hardiness Zone 8b

Wheeler County sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b, a prime environment for heat-tolerant crops like pecans and blueberries. Get started today by planting a summer garden of peppers and southern peas.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Wheeler County

via LawnByCounty

Tough Growing Conditions in Wheeler County

Maintaining a lawn in Wheeler County is a significant challenge with a difficulty score of 31.7, trailing both the state average of 35.8 and the national median of 50.0. This Hardiness Zone 8b region requires dedicated care to overcome local environmental pressures. Residents must manage turf carefully to ensure survival against these hurdles.

Intense Heat Shapes the Mowing Season

The county faces 83 extreme heat days annually where temperatures top 90°F, far exceeding the state average of 65 days. While the 50.9 inches of annual precipitation sits within the ideal range for grass, the high heat accelerates evaporation. Homeowners should adjust mowing heights during peak summer to protect grass crowns from the scorching sun.

Evaluating the Local Soil Base

While specific soil texture and pH data are currently unavailable for this area, typical Zone 8b soils often require testing to determine nutrient needs. Most Georgia lawns benefit from a professional soil test to identify if lime or specific fertilizers are necessary for healthy growth. Establishing a strong foundation is the first step toward a resilient lawn.

Battling Persistent Severe Drought Conditions

The entire county currently faces severe drought, and the region spent 28 weeks in drought conditions over the past year. Water conservation is critical, as 100% of the area is classified at a D2 severity level or higher. Deep, infrequent watering early in the morning helps moisture reach the root zone before it evaporates.

Choosing Heat-Tolerant Turf for Success

Warm-season grasses like Centipede or Bermuda are the best choices for Wheeler's 8b climate and intense heat. Since specific frost dates are not recorded, aim to seed or sod in late spring when soil temperatures consistently stay above 65°F. Start your lawn project now to establish roots before the next extreme heat wave arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wheeler County's county score?
Wheeler County, Georgia has a composite county score of 60.9 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Wheeler County rank among counties in Georgia?
Wheeler County ranks #9 among all counties in Georgia on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Wheeler County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Wheeler County is $562, with an effective tax rate of 0.75%. This earns Wheeler County a tax score of 57.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Wheeler County?
The median household income in Wheeler County, Georgia is $45,262 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Wheeler County earns an income score of 7.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Wheeler County, Georgia a good place to live?
Wheeler County scores 60.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #9 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Wheeler County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Wheeler County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.