countyscore
39.7
County Score
Disaster Risk 87.1Cost of Living 76.2Weather & Climate 58.2

County Report Card

About Wilkes County, Georgia

Lower Than the National Median

Wilkes County holds a composite score of 39.7, trailing the national median of 50.0. This score reflects systemic challenges in local infrastructure and health services.

Below the Georgia Benchmark

The county's 39.7 score is lower than the Georgia state average of 46.7. This ranking suggests that residents face more hurdles than those in average Georgia counties.

Natural Safety and Low Costs

Wilkes earns a high risk score of 87.1, indicating it is very safe from natural disasters. Affordability is also a strength, with a cost score of 76.2 and a median rent of $759.

Health and Water Infrastructure

The health score of 16.1 and water score of 24.2 indicate significant needs for utility and medical improvement. The income score also remains low at 19.7.

Best for Rural Enthusiasts

Wilkes County suits those who desire a quiet, disaster-resistant rural lifestyle and low housing costs. It is ideal for residents who are self-sufficient and less dependent on local infrastructure.

Score breakdown

Tax28.8Cost76.2Safety30Health16.1Schools32.1Income19.7Risk87.1Water24.2Weather58.2
🏛28.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠76.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼19.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡30
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤16.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓32.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡87.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧24.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤58.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱41.9
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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Nearby counties

Lincoln County
Georgia
52.5
Taliaferro County
Georgia
51.7
Oglethorpe County
Georgia
53.4
Elbert County
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Warren County
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McDuffie County
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McCormick County
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Greene County
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Deep Dives

Wilkes County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Wilkes County

via TaxByCounty

Wilkes has Georgia's highest tax rates

Wilkes County's effective tax rate of 1.137% stands in the upper tier nationally and represents the highest rate in this dataset. Despite moderate property values, residents pay a median of $1,194 annually—well above many comparable counties.

Wilkes tops this region in tax burden

At 1.137%, Wilkes County's effective rate is among the highest in Georgia, surpassing the state average of 0.898% by a significant 27%. This positions Wilkes in the upper echelon of state property tax burdens.

Wilkes carries the region's steepest rate

Wilkes County's 1.137% effective rate is the highest in this regional comparison, notably exceeding Worth County (1.086%), Wilcox (1.058%), Wilkinson (0.882%), Whitfield (0.673%), Wheeler (0.753%), and White (0.661%). This makes Wilkes decidedly the highest-tax county in its area.

Wilkes homeowners face steep tax bills

On the median home value of $105,000, Wilkes County homeowners pay approximately $1,194 annually—about $99 per month. Mortgage holders typically pay closer to $1,323 including escrow.

Appeal now to offset high rates

In high-tax Wilkes County, correcting even small assessment overages translates to substantial annual savings over time. File an assessment appeal today and potentially reduce your bill by hundreds of dollars per year.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Wilkes County

via CostByCounty

Wilkes Stays Close to National Affordability

At 17.3%, Wilkes County's rent-to-income ratio aligns well with national context, offering reasonable housing costs relative to the U.S. median income benchmark. The median rent of $759 reflects a small-town Georgia market with genuine workforce affordability.

Moderate Affordability in Northeast Georgia

Wilkes County's 17.3% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below Georgia's 18.6% state average, placing it in the affordable-to-moderate range statewide. The median home value of $105,000 makes homeownership achievable for working families across the region.

Competitive Pricing Among Small-Town Georgia

Wilkes' $759 median rent falls between regional peers, slightly above Wheeler ($551) and Wilcox ($612) but below Wilkinson ($766) and Whitfield ($907). Owner costs of $633 monthly position Wilkes between the county's smallest and mid-size markets.

Just Over One-Sixth Goes to Housing

Wilkes County households earning $52,542 annually spend roughly $759 on rent or $633 on mortgage, consuming 17.3% of gross income. This leaves families with healthy discretionary income while supporting median home values around $105,000.

Northeast Georgia Value With Main Street Character

Wilkes County offers a middle path for families seeking genuine small-town living with solid affordability—your 17.3% housing burden won't strain a working family budget. Compare Wilkes to surrounding counties and you'll see why Northeast Georgia families choose this balanced community.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Wilkes County

via IncomeByCounty

Wilkes Trails National Income Levels

Wilkes County's median household income of $52,542 lags the national median of $74,755 by 29.7%, indicating below-average earning power. However, the county's per capita income of $30,123 approaches the state average, suggesting income concentration among specific households.

Below Georgia's Average Income

At $52,542, Wilkes's median household income falls $7,946 short of Georgia's state average of $60,488, placing it in the lower-middle tier of state counties. The per capita income of $30,123 closely matches the state average of $31,115, indicating relatively equal wealth distribution within the county.

Mid-Range Among Regional Peers

Wilkes's $52,542 median income ranks above Wheeler ($45,262), Wilcox ($48,036), and Wilkinson ($46,673), but below Worth ($57,201), Whitfield ($64,262), and White ($69,747). This middle position reflects a mixed economic base typical of rural Georgia counties.

Housing Costs Rise Slightly

Wilkes's 17.3% rent-to-income ratio indicates manageable but slightly higher housing costs relative to income compared to its lowest-income neighbors. With median home values at $105,000, homeownership offers solid wealth-building potential for county residents.

Build Lasting Financial Security

Wilkes residents should prioritize employer benefits like matching 401(k) contributions and explore affordable investment vehicles suited to moderate incomes. Strategic career moves and skill development can increase earning potential and accelerate progress toward long-term financial goals.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Wilkes County

via CrimeByCounty

Wilkes County safer than average despite challenges

The county's total crime rate of 1,664.9 per 100K remains lower than the national average of 2,385.5. It carries a safety score of 97.4, indicating a generally secure environment. However, specific crime types require more attention than in neighboring areas.

Mixed results compared to Georgia averages

Wilkes County’s safety score of 97.4 is slightly below the state average of 97.8. Its total crime rate of 1,664.9 is also higher than the Georgia average of 1,412.9. Two agencies manage the reporting for this area, tracking both local and throughway incidents.

Higher violent crime than regional peers

Wilkes reports a violent crime rate of 551.5 per 100K, which is significantly higher than Wilcox County’s 113.1. This elevated rate makes it an outlier among its rural neighbors. Property crime is also more prevalent here than in nearby Wilkinson County.

High violent crime rate stands out

Violent crime here is 551.5 per 100K, which is higher than the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also a factor at 1,113.4 incidents per 100K. Residents should be aware that violent incidents are more common here than the state average.

Focused security for a safer home

Given the higher violent and property crime rates, home alarm systems and outdoor lighting are highly recommended. Staying aware of surroundings and reporting suspicious activity to the two local agencies helps. Personal safety awareness is more critical here than in neighboring counties.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Wilkes County

via HealthByCounty

Wilkes trails national life expectancy

At 72.0 years, Wilkes County residents live 4.1 years less than the U.S. average and 1.3 years below Georgia's state average. Nearly one in four reports poor or fair health, indicating widespread chronic conditions and quality-of-life challenges.

Below-average health outcomes statewide

Wilkes ranks below Georgia's state average on life expectancy by 1.3 years, placing it among the state's lower-performing counties. The 23.3% poor/fair health rate points to high rates of diabetes, hypertension, and related diseases.

Low life expectancy, adequate providers

Wilkes's 72.0-year life expectancy underperforms Wheeler (76.5), Whitfield (75.1), and White (74.4) counties, though it edges Wilcox (70.6). With 42 primary care providers per 100,000, Wilkes has respectable physician density but fails to translate access into longevity gains.

Moderate access, but utilization gaps

Wilkes offers 42 primary care providers and 21 mental health providers per 100,000—reasonable supply—but a 17.7% uninsured rate suggests many skip preventive care due to cost. These coverage and utilization gaps likely explain low life expectancy despite available providers.

Health coverage closes care gaps

Nearly one in five Wilkes County residents lacks health insurance, missing preventive screenings and early treatment of chronic disease. Enroll in Georgia Medicaid or a marketplace plan at healthcare.gov to access local providers and improve your health outcomes.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Wilkes County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Multi-Level Rural School System

Wilkes County features five public schools serving a total of 1,270 students. The infrastructure includes two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school, plus a specialized juvenile justice facility. All regular public schools are managed by a single county district.

Matching State Averages in Spending

The county's graduation rate is 82.0%, which is slightly below the state average of 88.1%. Wilkes County spends $7,426 per pupil, aligning almost perfectly with the Georgia state average. The school score of 50.2 remains competitive with national medians.

Wilkes County District at a Glance

The Wilkes County school district serves 1,265 students across four primary campuses. There are zero charter schools in the county, meaning public education is entirely centralized. A separate five-student facility is managed by the Department of Juvenile Justice.

Quiet Town and Rural Campuses

Schools are split between rural and town settings, with an average enrollment of only 254 students per school. Washington-Wilkes Comprehensive High is the largest at 356 students, while the elementary and middle schools are also small. This low enrollment creates an intimate learning environment for local youth.

Personalized Education in a Small Town

For families who value small school sizes and individual attention, Wilkes County is an excellent place to call home. The manageable enrollment numbers allow students to be known by name rather than just a number. Consider the local housing market for a community-oriented lifestyle near these schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Wilkes County

via RiskByCounty

Wilkes ranks among safest counties nationally

Wilkes County's composite risk score of 12.91 ranks well below Georgia's state average of 39.49, placing it solidly in the very low category. The county's hazard exposure is minimal compared to national disaster risk patterns.

Among Georgia's lowest-risk counties

Wilkes County ranks among the safest counties in Georgia by composite risk, positioned in the very low category substantially below the state average. The county's east-central location shields it from major tornado and hurricane corridors affecting other state regions.

Safer than nearby White County significantly

Wilkes County's 12.91 score ranks very similarly to Wheeler County (6.42) and Wilkinson County (4.64), but well below White County (45.74). The county benefits from a rural location in Georgia's safer east-central region.

Hurricane and earthquake top concern list

Wilkes County's hurricane risk (73.05) and earthquake risk (59.86) both exceed the composite average, making them the primary hazard considerations. Tornado risk (29.33) and wildfire risk (34.70) present lower but manageable concerns for residents.

Ensure windstorm and earthquake coverage

Wilkes County homeowners should maintain adequate wind and hurricane coverage in their policies despite the county's low composite risk rating. Consider earthquake insurance as a supplement, particularly if your property would face significant economic loss from seismic damage.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Wilkes County

via WeatherByCounty

Mild Subtropical Living

Wilkes County averages 62.2°F annually, placing it comfortably above the national median temperature. The climate is typical for the Georgia Piedmont, offering plenty of sunshine and warmth.

Slightly Below State Average

The 62.2°F annual average is just under the Georgia state average of 63.7°F. The county also receives 44.2 inches of rain, which is drier than the state average of 51.4 inches.

Closely Matching Warren County

Wilkes County's 62.2°F average is almost identical to neighbor Warren County's 62.4°F. It is significantly drier than Webster County, which receives nearly 10 more inches of rain annually.

Hot Summers and Dry Winters

Residents face 53 days of extreme heat above 90°F, mostly during the 79.6°F July peaks. Snow is a rare event, averaging just 0.5 inches per year during the mild 45.6°F winters.

Prepare for Dry Heat

With only 44.2 inches of rain and 53 days of extreme heat, irrigation may be necessary for summer gardening. Standard heating and cooling systems will easily handle the mild 43.8°F January lows and hot July highs.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Wilkes County

via SoilByCounty

Historic Soils of Wilkes County

Taxonomic and pH details are currently restricted in this dataset for Wilkes County. Most local soils follow state patterns, which are more acidic than the national median pH of 6.5.

Texture Trends in the Piedmont

Specific sand, silt, and clay data is not provided for the county's dominant soil types. Generally, this region features higher clay content than South Georgia, providing better nutrient holding but slower drainage.

Sustaining High Growing Potential

Local organic matter data is unavailable, but the state average is 1.83%. Growers should aim to match the state average water capacity of 0.114 in/in through consistent use of compost.

Drainage and Landscape Management

Current data does not list a dominant drainage class or hydrologic group for the county. Proper site assessment is recommended before starting large-scale farming or construction projects.

The Garden Bounty of Zone 8b

Wilkes County is in Zone 8b, where a long growing season supports a vast array of plants. It is a fantastic place to start a garden featuring traditional favorites like collards and beans.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Wilkes County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating the Wilkes County Climate

With a difficulty score of 41.9, Wilkes County is slightly more challenging than the national average but remains easier than the Georgia state average of 35.8. Its position in Hardiness Zone 8b means your lawn must endure warm winters and hot summers. Success requires a proactive approach to soil health and irrigation management.

Moderate Rainfall Meets High Heat

The county averages 44.2 inches of rain annually, which is slightly below the state average but within the ideal range for grass. You will face 53 extreme heat days per year, combined with a robust 5,184 growing degree days. This heat energy fuels fast growth but also increases the risk of turf dehydration in mid-summer.

Optimizing Your Local Soil

Specific soil texture and pH data are not available, making a professional soil test a high priority for new projects. Ensuring proper drainage is key in this region to prevent waterlogged roots during heavy rain events. Adding compost or topsoil can help stabilize the foundation for more demanding grass species.

Severe Drought Impacts the Region

Wilkes County is currently 100% covered by severe drought conditions, having spent 30 weeks in drought over the last year. This persistent dry spell means your irrigation system must be highly efficient to maintain turf health. Drought-resistant management, such as higher mowing heights, can help the soil retain moisture longer.

Timing Your Lawn for 8b Success

Centipede or Bermuda grass are excellent choices for this climate given the 53 days of high heat. Your growing season typically kicks off after the last frost on March 22 and lasts until November 13. Seeding in the window between April and May allows your lawn to establish before the peak summer heat.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wilkes County's county score?
Wilkes County, Georgia has a composite county score of 39.7 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 Wilkes County rank among counties in Georgia?
Wilkes County ranks #124 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 Wilkes County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Wilkes County is $1,194, with an effective tax rate of 1.14%. This earns Wilkes County a tax score of 28.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Wilkes County?
The median household income in Wilkes County, Georgia is $52,542 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Wilkes County earns an income score of 19.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Wilkes County, Georgia a good place to live?
Wilkes County scores 39.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #124 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Wilkes 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 Wilkes County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.