countyscore
55.2
County Score
Disaster Risk 95.4Water Quality 86Cost of Living 80.6

County Report Card

About Wilkinson County, Georgia

Exceeding the National Median

Wilkinson County scores 55.1 overall, successfully outperforming the national median of 50.0. It offers a solid baseline for a high quality of life.

Outpacing the Georgia Average

With a 55.1 score, Wilkinson stands above the Georgia state average of 46.7. It is one of the more reliable counties in the state for stability and safety.

Excellent Safety and Reliability

An elite risk score of 95.4 makes it one of the most disaster-resilient counties. It also features a strong cost score of 80.6 and a reliable water score of 86.0.

Economic Growth Limits

Low earnings are the main drawback, with an income score of only 8.9 and median earnings of $46,673. The health score of 12.7 also highlights a need for better medical access.

A Secure Choice for Renters

Wilkinson County is a great fit for people who prioritize safety and low monthly rents over high-paying careers. It provides a peaceful and resilient environment for budget-conscious residents.

Score breakdown

Tax46.5Cost80.6Safety71.1Health12.7Schools52.1Income8.9Risk95.4Water86Weather42.5
🏛46.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠80.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼8.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡71.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤12.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓52.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡95.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤42.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱36.5
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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Deep Dives

Wilkinson County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Wilkinson County

via TaxByCounty

Wilkinson taxes slightly above national norm

Wilkinson County's effective tax rate of 0.882% sits just below the national median effective rate, placing it near the American average. The median tax of $801 runs 70% below the national median, reflecting the county's modest property values.

Wilkinson mirrors Georgia's average rate

At 0.882%, Wilkinson County's effective tax rate nearly matches Georgia's state average of 0.898%, placing it squarely in the middle of all state counties. This makes Wilkinson fairly typical for the state.

Wilkinson moderate compared to region

Wilkinson's 0.882% rate falls between the region's high-tax and low-tax extremes, exceeding White (0.661%), Wheeler (0.753%), and Whitfield (0.673%) but trailing higher-burden counties like Wilcox (1.058%), Worth (1.086%), and Wilkes (1.137%). This positions Wilkinson as mid-range regionally.

Wilkinson's typical property tax bill

On the median home value of $90,800, Wilkinson County residents pay approximately $801 annually—roughly $67 per month. Mortgage holders typically see $884 due to escrow additions.

Review your assessment for savings

Even in an average-tax county like Wilkinson, overassessments are common and easily correctable through a free appeal process. Checking your valuation could unlock meaningful savings on your tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Wilkinson County

via CostByCounty

Wilkinson Approaches the National Affordability Threshold

At 19.7%, Wilkinson County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national context, placing housing costs at the edge of affordability for median households earning $46,673. The $766 median rent reflects a rural Georgia community where housing costs consume slightly more of household budgets than U.S. norms.

Above-Average Housing Burden for Georgia

Wilkinson County's 19.7% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Georgia's 18.6% state average, making it among the less affordable rural counties statewide. This represents a genuine affordability challenge for households below the county's median income of $46,673.

Wilkinson Costs More Than Most Regional Peers

Wilkinson's $766 median rent ranks third-highest among its regional neighbors, trailing only Whitfield ($907) and White County ($1,015), and exceeding Wheeler ($551) and Wilcox ($612). With a 19.7% rent burden, Wilkinson is the region's least affordable county for renters.

Nearly One-Fifth of Income Goes to Rent

Wilkinson County households earning $46,673 annually spend approximately $766 on rent or $559 on mortgage, consuming 19.7% of gross income. At this ratio, families have less financial flexibility than most Georgia counties, making budget-stretching a necessity.

Consider Neighboring Options for Better Value

Wilkinson County's 19.7% housing burden puts it at the affordability edge—families relocating to Central Georgia should compare Wilkinson against nearby Wheeler, Wilcox, and Whitfield for better value. The county offers rural living, but budget-conscious relocators may find greater financial breathing room in adjacent communities.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Wilkinson County

via IncomeByCounty

Wilkinson's Significant National Gap

Wilkinson County's median household income of $46,673 falls 37.6% below the national median of $74,755, placing it among the lowest-income counties nationally. This substantial gap reflects limited employment opportunities and economic diversification in the county.

Trailing Georgia's State Average

Wilkinson's median household income of $46,673 trails Georgia's state average of $60,488 by $13,815, positioning it among the state's lowest-income counties. The per capita income of $25,742 also falls significantly below the state average of $31,115.

Second Lowest in Its Region

Wilkinson's $46,673 median income ranks above only Wheeler ($45,262) among its neighbors, falling behind Wilcox ($48,036), Wilkes ($52,542), Worth ($57,201), Whitfield ($64,262), and White ($69,747). This places Wilkinson near the bottom of the regional income hierarchy.

Housing Costs Stretch Tight Budgets

Wilkinson's 19.7% rent-to-income ratio is the highest among its neighbors, straining household budgets significantly—approximately $762 monthly rent on a median income of $46,673. With median home values at just $90,800, homeownership offers one of few paths to household wealth building.

Seek Support and Opportunity

Wilkinson residents facing tight budgets should explore financial counseling, community development programs, and job training initiatives to increase earning potential. Even modest income increases through skills development or career advancement can significantly improve long-term financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Wilkinson County

via CrimeByCounty

Wilkinson County ranks as exceptionally safe

The county boasts a very low total crime rate of 689.1 per 100K, far below the national average of 2,385.5. Its safety score of 98.9 places it among the safest counties in the United States. Residents here experience very little criminal activity in their daily lives.

A leader in Georgia's safety rankings

Wilkinson County's safety score of 98.9 is higher than the Georgia average of 97.8. Its total crime rate of 689.1 is less than half the state average of 1,412.9. Six reporting agencies coordinate to maintain this high level of public security.

Quieter than almost all regional neighbors

With a crime rate of 689.1, Wilkinson is significantly safer than Worth County at 1,299.1. It even edges out the very safe Wilcox County in total incident volume. This makes it a regional benchmark for low-crime living.

Property crime is remarkably low here

Property crime is very low at 485.8 per 100K, while violent crime sits at 203.3. These numbers are well below national averages of 2,015.7 and 369.8 respectively. The risk of theft or burglary is exceptionally small compared to other Georgia counties.

Maintaining the peace in Wilkinson

Low crime rates are a community achievement, so continue to look out for neighbors. Basic precautions like locking doors and garages help keep these numbers from rising. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with living in one of the state's safest areas.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Wilkinson County

via HealthByCounty

Wilkinson faces severe longevity challenge

At 69.9 years, Wilkinson County residents live 6.2 years less than the U.S. average and 3.4 years below Georgia's state average—the region's lowest life expectancy. One in four reports poor or fair health, suggesting entrenched chronic disease and limited health equity.

Among Georgia's lowest-performing counties

Wilkinson ranks among the state's worst on life expectancy, trailing Georgia's average by 3.4 years. At 69.9 years, the county faces a health crisis requiring comprehensive intervention across prevention, treatment, and social determinants.

Region's shortest life expectancy

Wilkinson's 69.9-year life expectancy is the lowest in its region, 6.6 years below Wheeler and 4.5 years below Whitfield. With 34 primary care and 57 mental health providers per 100K, reasonable supply exists but hasn't translated to better outcomes.

Provider supply outpaces care utilization

Wilkinson offers 34 primary care providers and 57 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—above many neighbors—yet a 14.9% uninsured rate and poor health outcomes suggest barriers like transportation, health literacy, and poverty limit actual access. Provider density alone cannot overcome structural inequities.

Insurance opens the door to health

One in seven Wilkinson residents lacks health insurance, compounding the county's alarming life expectancy gap. Visit healthcare.gov or Georgia Medicaid today to secure coverage, then work with local providers on preventive care and chronic disease management to improve your health.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Wilkinson County

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined Rural Education Infrastructure

Wilkinson County maintains four public schools: two elementary, one middle, and one high school. A single district oversees the education of 1,119 students. This straightforward structure serves the entire county population from a central administrative base.

Leading the Way in Graduation Rates

The county achieves a strong 92.0% graduation rate, beating the national average by five percentage points. Its school score of 54.5 also sits above the Georgia state average. This success occurs despite a per-pupil expenditure of $6,950, which is lower than the state average.

Centralized Public School District

The Wilkinson County district manages all 1,119 students, with no charter schools operating within its borders. This allows the county to focus all educational funding on its four primary campuses. Parents can expect a traditional, public-focused approach to learning here.

Small, Rural Campuses Support Students

Every school in the county is located in a rural setting, emphasizing the area's quiet, country feel. Wilkinson County High School is the largest campus with 376 students. With an average school size of 280, students benefit from a close-knit community where staff and families are well-connected.

Secure Your Future in Wilkinson County

High graduation rates make Wilkinson County a smart choice for families searching for a new home. The rural charm and successful school system provide a high quality of life for residents. Look for homes in this area to take advantage of these strong academic results.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Wilkinson County

via RiskByCounty

Wilkinson is Georgia's safest county

Wilkinson County's composite risk score of 4.64 ranks among the lowest in Georgia and well below the national average, earning the very low rating. The county faces minimal exposure to most major natural disaster categories.

Georgia's lowest-risk county

Wilkinson County ranks as one of Georgia's safest counties by composite risk, placing it in the very low category and substantially below the state average of 39.49. The county's rural location in central Georgia provides exceptional protection from multiple hazard types.

Safest among nearby counties surveyed

Wilkinson County's 4.64 score is the lowest among the counties examined, offering significantly better risk profile than Wheeler (6.42), Wilkes (12.91), and Wilcox (13.17). The county's central location provides optimal distance from major disaster corridors.

Wildfire and hurricane present minimal risk

Even Wilkinson County's highest-scoring hazards—wildfire (41.89) and hurricane (63.20)—remain relatively modest compared to state and national standards. Tornado risk (16.57) is particularly low, reflecting the county's favorable geographic positioning.

Standard coverage meets most needs

Wilkinson County residents can rely on standard homeowner's insurance for most natural hazard protection, given the county's exceptionally low risk profile. Review your policy annually to ensure coverage remains appropriate, but comprehensive wind and flood riders are typically lower-priority investments here.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Wilkinson County

via WeatherByCounty

Wilkinson’s Warmth Exceeds the National Average

Wilkinson County maintains a humid subtropical climate with an annual average temperature of 64.8°F. This sits significantly higher than the national median, placing the region in a consistently warm bracket.

Above Average Temperatures for Central Georgia

At 64.8°F, Wilkinson County is over a degree warmer than the Georgia state average of 63.7°F. While the county is drier than the state average of 51.4 inches of rain, it still receives a steady 46.8 inches of annual precipitation.

A Typical Central Georgia Climate Profile

Wilkinson shares the intense heat of the central Georgia corridor, mirroring the weather patterns of nearby Twiggs and Jones counties. These areas experience similar long, humid summers and mild winters typical of the Fall Line region.

Intense Summers and Barely-There Winters

Summer brings 75 days of extreme heat where temperatures reach or exceed 90°F, resulting in a seasonal average of 80.3°F. Winter remains mild at 48.6°F, and with only 0.2 inches of annual snowfall, white winters are nearly non-existent.

Preparing for High Humidity and Heat

Residents should prioritize high-efficiency HVAC systems to manage the 75 annual days of extreme heat. Outdoor activities are best planned for early morning or late evening to avoid the 81.9°F July temperature peaks.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Wilkinson County

via SoilByCounty

The Kaolin Belt Soil Profile

Taxonomic data for Wilkinson County is currently unavailable in these records. However, local soil usually requires lime to balance its acidity against the national median pH of 6.5.

Unique Composition and Texture

Specific percentages for sand, silt, and clay are unrecorded for Wilkinson County. The region is known for its unique geological deposits, often resulting in complex textures that affect both drainage and workability.

Organic Matter and Water Capacity

Local fertility metrics are not currently specified, though the Georgia average for organic matter is 1.83%. Maintaining soil health is key to achieving the state average available water capacity of 0.114 in/in.

Water Movement in Wilkinson County

Drainage and hydrologic classifications are not currently available for the dominant soil types here. Understanding your land's specific water flow is vital for successful irrigation and land use.

Cultivating Success in Zone 8b

Located in Hardiness Zone 8b, Wilkinson County offers an excellent climate for year-round gardening. Start your planting now to take advantage of the generous warmth and long summer days.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Wilkinson County

via LawnByCounty

A Typical Georgia Lawn Challenge

Wilkinson County’s lawn difficulty score of 36.5 closely aligns with the Georgia state average of 35.8, though it is more difficult than the national average. As part of Hardiness Zone 8b, your lawn must navigate high humidity and significant summer heat. Careful selection of grass varieties is the most important decision you will make for your yard.

High Heat and Long Growing Seasons

Residents face 75 extreme heat days annually, 10 days more than the state average. This is paired with 5,881 growing degree days and 46.8 inches of annual precipitation. This combination creates a very long, high-energy growing season that requires frequent mowing and vigilant hydration.

Testing the Ground in Wilkinson

While specific soil data for the county is missing, the high annual heat can lead to rapid organic matter breakdown. Local lawns usually benefit from regular fertilization and aeration to combat the stress of 75 heat days. Check your soil pH to ensure it remains in the 6.0 to 7.0 range for optimal nutrient availability.

Managing Moderate to Severe Drought

The county has experienced 22 weeks of drought over the past year, with about 37% of the area currently in severe drought. While conditions are better than some neighboring counties, 100% of the land is still abnormally dry. Efficient watering and choosing drought-tolerant grasses will help you maintain a green lawn through these cycles.

Start Early for the Best Results

Warm-season grasses are your best bet to survive the 75 days of 90°F+ temperatures. With the last frost occurring early on March 12 and the first frost not until November 19, you have a very long window for growth. Use this time to establish a deep root system before the most intense summer heat arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wilkinson County's county score?
Wilkinson County, Georgia has a composite county score of 55.2 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 Wilkinson County rank among counties in Georgia?
Wilkinson County ranks #31 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 Wilkinson County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Wilkinson County is $801, with an effective tax rate of 0.88%. This earns Wilkinson County a tax score of 46.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Wilkinson County?
The median household income in Wilkinson County, Georgia is $46,673 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Wilkinson County earns an income score of 8.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Wilkinson County, Georgia a good place to live?
Wilkinson County scores 55.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #31 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Wilkinson 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 Wilkinson 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.