countyscore
60.8
County Score
Cost of Living 96.4Disaster Risk 86.9Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Wilcox County, Georgia

Beating the National Median

Wilcox County earns a composite score of 58.7, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This makes it a highly competitive choice on the national stage.

A Top Performer in Georgia

The county's score of 58.7 is far higher than the Georgia average of 46.7. It provides a quality of life that exceeds most of its peers in the state.

Incredible Housing Affordability

Wilcox boasts a near-perfect cost score of 97.0, with median home values at just $71,200. It also provides a safe environment with a risk score of 86.9 and safety score of 69.1.

Lower Earning Potential

An income score of 11.1 and a median income of $48,036 highlight limited high-wage opportunities. The tax score of 34.0 also reflects a higher-than-average effective tax rate of 1.058%.

A Haven for Young Families

Wilcox County is perfect for families seeking an affordable, safe community with decent schools. It is particularly attractive for those who can manage a higher tax rate in exchange for very low entry-level home prices.

2040608010042.596.469.116.768.219.786.98636.1Tax42.5Cost96.4Safety69.1Health16.7Schools68.2Income19.7Risk86.9Water86Weather36.160.8/100
This county
National avg
5 above average3 below average

Wilcox County DNA

Doverall

How Wilcox County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Wilcox County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (96.4/100) but notably weak in Health (16.7/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
42.5-9.5
Cost
96.4+48.400000000000006
Safety
69.1+14.099999999999994
Health
16.7-33.3
Schools
68.2+14.200000000000003
Income
19.7-31.3
Risk
86.9+39.900000000000006
Water
86+28
Weather
36.1-19.9
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Wilcox County?

Many homeowners in Wilcox County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$87,600

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$610/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$87,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$24,400/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $54,138/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

22.8

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Wilcox County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Wilcox County

via TaxByCounty

Wilcox taxes higher than national average

Wilcox County's effective tax rate of 1.058% exceeds the national median effective rate, placing it above the typical American county despite lower home values. The median annual tax of $753 is still 72% below the national median, reflecting Wilcox's relatively modest property values.

Wilcox among Georgia's highest-tax counties

At 1.058%, Wilcox's effective rate significantly outpaces Georgia's state average of 0.898%, ranking in the upper third of all state counties. This makes Wilcox one of the state's higher-burden jurisdictions despite modest home prices.

Wilcox carries steeper rate than neighbors

Wilcox's 1.058% rate ranks among the region's highest, exceeded only by Worth County (1.086%) and Wilkes County (1.137%), but significantly above Wheeler (0.753%), White (0.661%), Whitfield (0.673%), and Wilkinson (0.882%). This positions Wilcox as a higher-tax area for the region.

Wilcox tax bills reflect elevated rates

On the median home value of $71,200, Wilcox County residents pay approximately $753 annually without a mortgage. Those with mortgages face a steeper bill of $1,643 due to escrow, reflecting the county's elevated rate.

Challenge your assessment in Wilcox

With higher tax rates, assessment accuracy becomes even more critical—an error here costs proportionally more than in lower-tax counties. Request a review of your property's assessed value and potentially recover hundreds in annual savings.

Income & Jobs in Wilcox County

via IncomeByCounty

Wilcox Faces Significant Income Gap

Wilcox County's median household income of $48,036 trails the national median of $74,755 by 35.8%, reflecting persistent economic challenges. This gap places Wilcox among lower-income counties nationally, signaling the need for targeted economic development and job creation.

Below State Average by $12K

Wilcox's median household income of $48,036 falls $12,452 below Georgia's state average of $60,488, positioning it among the state's lower-income counties. The per capita income of $21,028 trails the state average of $31,115 by one-third.

Among the Lowest Regional Earners

Wilcox's $48,036 median income ranks above only Wheeler ($45,262) and Wilkinson ($46,673) among its neighbors, but significantly below Wilkes ($52,542), Worth ($57,201), and Whitfield ($64,262). This positions Wilcox at the lower end of the regional income spectrum.

Affordable Housing on Modest Income

Wilcox's 15.3% rent-to-income ratio is among the best in its region, offering reasonable housing affordability on limited incomes. With median home values of $71,200, homeownership remains accessible but provides limited equity appreciation compared to stronger-income counties.

Start Small, Dream Big

Wilcox residents should focus on budgeting, emergency savings, and accessing free or low-cost financial literacy resources to build household wealth. Even small regular investments and side income from skills or gigs can compound over time into meaningful financial security.

Safety in Wilcox County

via CrimeByCounty

Wilcox County is a national safety leader

With a total crime rate of just 724.0 per 100K, Wilcox is far safer than the national average of 2,385.5. The county earns an elite safety score of 98.9. This makes it one of the most peaceful areas in the United States.

One of Georgia's safest counties

Wilcox County's safety score of 98.9 easily beats the Georgia average of 97.8. Its total crime rate is roughly half the state average of 1,412.9 per 100K. Four local agencies provide efficient coverage that keeps the community secure.

Setting the safety standard for neighbors

Wilcox maintains a lower crime rate than neighbors like Wheeler (874.2) and much lower than Whitfield (2,122.6). The violent crime rate of 113.1 is among the lowest in the entire region. This rural quietude is a hallmark of the local quality of life.

Low rates for all types of crime

Violent crime is extremely rare at 113.1 incidents per 100K, while property crime sits at 610.9. These figures are both massive improvements over national benchmarks. For residents, this translates to a very low probability of encountering criminal activity.

Maintaining a secure rural home

While crime is low, maintaining standard precautions like locking sheds and barns is still recommended. Simple perimeter lighting can prevent the few property crimes that do occur. Your vigilance helps Wilcox County remain a top-tier safe haven in Georgia.

Weather & Climate in Wilcox County

via WeatherByCounty

Moderate Rainfall and No Snow

Wilcox County receives 47.9 inches of annual precipitation, consistent with the humid climate of the American South. While temperature data is limited, the environment is defined by its consistent moisture.

Slightly Drier Than the State

The annual precipitation of 47.9 inches is just below the Georgia state average of 51.4 inches. It experiences a typical subtropical cycle of wet and dry periods throughout the year.

Regional Precipitation Trends

Wilcox is slightly drier than Webster County, which sees 53.1 inches of rain. Both counties share a nearly snow-free winter, with Wilcox averaging only 0.1 inches of snowfall.

A Virtually Snow-Free Year

With only 0.1 inches of annual snowfall, winter weather is almost entirely rain-based. Detailed seasonal temperature data is not available, but the lack of snow points to very mild winter conditions.

Minimal Winter Prep Needed

You likely won't need heavy winter gear given the 0.1-inch snowfall average. Focus your home maintenance on the 47.9 inches of annual rain to prevent moisture damage.

Soil Quality in Wilcox County

via SoilByCounty

South Georgia Soil Identity

While taxonomic data for Wilcox County is currently unlisted, regional soils are generally more acidic than the national median pH of 6.5. This acidity is a hallmark of the Georgia landscape and influences crop selection.

Coastal Plain Drainage Characteristics

Specific composition percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not available for this county. Typical soils in this region offer high sand content, resulting in excellent drainage but requiring regular organic amendments.

Fertility and Organic Matter Goals

Specific local fertility data is limited, but Georgia soils average 1.83% organic matter. Enhancing your soil's structure will help it reach or exceed the state average water capacity of 0.114 in/in.

Local Hydrology and Water Management

The dominant drainage class for Wilcox County is not specified in the current dataset. Monitoring how your landscape handles heavy rain is crucial for determining the best locations for gardens and foundations.

Growing Opportunities in Zone 8b

Wilcox County sits in Zone 8b, a warm climate perfect for extended growing seasons. From sweet corn to watermelons, the environment is ideal for many high-yield southern staples.

Lawn Care in Wilcox County

via LawnByCounty

Wilcox County Lawn Care Essentials

Wilcox County scores a 46.9 on the lawn difficulty scale, making it easier to maintain a yard here than in the average Georgia county. Situated in Hardiness Zone 8b, the environment supports warm-season grasses that can handle southern humidity. While the score is near the national median, local drought conditions remain your primary challenge.

Predictable Rain for Steady Growth

The county receives 47.9 inches of annual precipitation, which falls perfectly within the ideal 30-50 inch range for healthy turf. While temperature and growing degree day data are limited, the rainfall supports a consistent watering schedule. This balance helps minimize the need for heavy supplemental irrigation during normal weather patterns.

Building a Healthy Soil Base

Soil data is currently unavailable for this area, but local growers should focus on organic matter to improve water retention. Testing your soil for pH is essential, as many Georgia soils trend toward acidity which can block nutrient uptake. Aim for a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 to give your grass its best chance.

Extreme Drought Alert for Wilcox

The entire county is currently under severe drought conditions, and the area has suffered through 28 weeks of drought this year. With 100% of the land affected, following local water restrictions and using drought-tolerant turf is vital. Focus on deep root growth by watering less often but more thoroughly when you do.

Targeting Success in Zone 8b

Bermuda and St. Augustine grasses are highly recommended for the local climate due to their natural heat tolerance. While specific frost dates are not provided, these warm-season varieties should be established in late spring once the threat of frost has passed. Consistent feeding and weed control will help your lawn compete during dry spells.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wilcox County's county score?
Wilcox County, Georgia has a composite county score of 60.8 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 Wilcox County rank among counties in Georgia?
Wilcox County ranks #10 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 Wilcox County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Wilcox County is $795, with an effective tax rate of 0.91%. This earns Wilcox County a tax score of 42.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Wilcox County?
The median household income in Wilcox County, Georgia is $54,138 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Wilcox County earns an income score of 19.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Wilcox County, Georgia a good place to live?
Wilcox County scores 60.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #10 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Wilcox 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 Wilcox County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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