Wilkes County, Georgia Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Wilkes County is located in Georgia with a total population of 9,553. It is the 126th most populous county out of 159 in Georgia.

Age Demographics

The median age in Wilkes County is 46.3 years. This is 24% higher than the state median of 37.4 years. 12.1% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Wilkes County is $52,542. This is 30% lower than the state median of $74,664. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 33% lower. The poverty rate stands at 17.0%. This is 26% higher than the state poverty rate of 13.5%. The unemployment rate is 2.5%. This is 52% lower than the state rate of 5.1%. The median home value is $105,000. Housing costs are 62% lower than the state median of $272,900. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.0x, Wilkes County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 66.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 2% higher than the state average of 65.4%.

Race & Ethnicity

The largest racial or ethnic group in Wilkes County is White (non-Hispanic), making up 51.7% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 40.9%. The Hispanic or Latino population (4.6%) is well below the state average of 10.7%.

Education

15.8% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 54% lower than the state rate of 34.2%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 82.0%.