CountyScore

Wheeler County

Georgia · GA

#5 in Georgia
72.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Wheeler County, Georgia

Wheeler scores well above national median

Wheeler County's composite score of 77.9 significantly outpaces the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper half of U.S. counties. This 56% advantage over the national baseline reflects strong fundamentals in tax and housing affordability that drive overall livability.

Top performer in Georgia

Wheeler ranks among Georgia's strongest counties with a score of 77.9, well above the state average of 70.9. This positions the county as a competitive option for residents prioritizing financial accessibility and low tax burden within Georgia.

Exceptional affordability and tax efficiency

Wheeler County excels with a cost score of 91.7—among the highest in the state—supported by a median home value of just $74,600 and median rent of $551/month. Combined with a tax score of 81.1 and effective tax rate of 0.753%, the county offers exceptional financial value for budget-conscious families.

Income growth and service data gaps

Wheeler's income score of 12.9 reflects a median household income of $45,262, notably below state and national norms, which limits household purchasing power. Complete data on safety, health, schools, and water quality is currently unavailable, making a full livability assessment impossible.

Ideal for cost-conscious families and retirees

Wheeler County suits families and retirees prioritizing affordability and low taxes over high household incomes. This county works best for those seeking budget-friendly living with minimal tax burden, though future data on schools and safety will clarify fit for families with children.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax81.1Cost91.7SafetyComing SoonHealth51.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome12.9Risk93.6WaterComing Soon
🏛81.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠91.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼12.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤51.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡93.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Wheeler County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Marion County
Alabama
72.7
Median income: $50,714
Polk County
Arkansas
72.7
Median income: $49,252
Yuma County
Colorado
72.7
Median income: $60,051
Schley County
Georgia
72.7
Median income: $59,647
Jennings County
Indiana
72.7
Median income: $68,476

Deep Dives

Wheeler County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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