countyscore
39.2
County Score
Disaster Risk 87.1Cost of Living 72.5Weather & 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.

2040608010031.772.53016.132.115.587.124.258.2Tax31.7Cost72.5Safety30Health16.1Schools32.1Income15.5Risk87.1Water24.2Weather58.239.2/100
This county
National avg
2 above average6 below average

Wilkes County DNA

Foverall

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

Wilkes County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (87.1/100) but notably weak in Income (15.5/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
31.7-20.3
Cost
72.5+24.5
Safety
30-25
Health
16.1-33.9
Schools
32.1-21.9
Income
15.5-35.5
Risk
87.1+40.099999999999994
Water
24.2-33.8
Weather
58.2
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Wilkes County?

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$122,700

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$786/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$122,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$31,440/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $52,043/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

10.5

per 100K

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

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Counties with similar scores

Richmond County
Georgia
Median income: $55,637
39.2
Penobscot County
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Median income: $66,356
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Adams County
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Belknap County
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Chemung County
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Oneida County
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Rockingham County
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Williamsburg County
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Median income: $46,213
39.2

Nearby counties

Lincoln County
Georgia
51.2
Taliaferro County
Georgia
52.8
Oglethorpe County
Georgia
52.9
Elbert County
Georgia
47.5
Warren County
Georgia
57.2
McDuffie County
Georgia
46.9
McCormick County
South Carolina
59.9
Greene County
Georgia
52.2

Deep Dives

Wilkes County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 39.2 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 #127 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 $1,292, with an effective tax rate of 1.05%. This earns Wilkes County a tax score of 31.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Wilkes County?
The median household income in Wilkes County, Georgia is $52,043 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Wilkes County earns an income score of 15.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Wilkes County, Georgia a good place to live?
Wilkes County scores 39.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #127 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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