Wilkes County, Georgia Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 126th-largest in Georgia
The population of Wilkes County, Georgia is 9,553 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 126th-largest county in Georgia. The median household income is $52,542, the median home value is $105,000, and the median age is 46.3.
The population of Wilkes County has declined 7.9% since 2010 (10,389 → 9,567), a -0.59% annualized rate.
9,553
Population
-0.59%
Annual growth
20
People / sq mi
$52,542
Median Income
$105,000
Median Home Value
Wilkes County covers 470 sq mi of land at 20.3 people per square mile.
About Wilkes County, GA
In Wilkes County, home values do the distinguishing — a median of $105,000. With 9,553 residents, Wilkes County is a county in Georgia.
Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $52,542, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 13.1%, above the national 12.4%. Property is affordable here, the median home worth $105,000, with typical rent around $759.
Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 15.7%, below the national 35.0%. Just 5.5% of workers are home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 30 minutes each way.
Wilkes County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Wilkes County had a population of 10,389 in 2010 and 9,567 in 2024, a -7.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 10,389 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.58%.
9,567
Population (2024)
10,389
Population (2010)
10,389
Peak (2010)
-0.58%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 10,389 |
| 2011 | 10,230 |
| 2012 | 10,093 |
| 2013 | 9,931 |
| 2014 | 9,960 |
| 2015 | 9,927 |
| 2016 | 9,808 |
| 2017 | 9,868 |
| 2018 | 9,845 |
| 2019 | 9,769 |
| 2020 | 9,551 |
| 2021 | 9,490 |
| 2022 | 9,585 |
| 2023 | 9,552 |
| 2024 | 9,567 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 52.0% |
| Black or African American | 41.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
46.3
Median Age
51.4%
Female
48.6%
Male
23.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.4% · Seniors (65+): 23.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $52,542$-22,122 vs state |
| Mean household income | $72,273 |
| Per-capita income | $30,123 |
| Poverty rate | 13.1%+3.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.2% |
| Employment-to-population | 49.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Wilkes County is professional & business services, accounting for 20.1% of workers.
How residents commute
0.3%
Drive alone
1.6%
Carpool
81.6%
Public transit
5.5%
Work from home
29.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$105,000$-167,900 vs state
Median home value
$759
Median rent
66.7%
Homeownership rate
5,210
Total housing units
78.8%
Occupied
21.2%
Vacant
33.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
81.4%
With health insurance
78.1%
With broadband internet
15.3%
Foreign-born
7.1%
Veterans (18+)
17.6%
With a disability
94.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
82.0%
High School+
15.7%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Georgia
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Frequently Asked Questions
Wilkes County, Georgia has a population of 9,553 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 126th-largest county in Georgia. Population density is 20 people per square mile.
The population of Wilkes County has declined 7.9% since 2010 (10,389 → 9,567), a -0.59% annualized rate.
The median household income in Wilkes County, Georgia is $52,542, with mean (average) household income of $72,273 and per-capita income of $30,123. 13.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Wilkes County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (52.0%), Black or African American (41.0%), Hispanic or Latino (0.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Wilkes County, Georgia is 46.3 years. Residents are 51.4% female and 48.6% male.
The median home value in Wilkes County is $105,000 and median monthly rent is $759. 66.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 5,210 total housing units, 21.2% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Wilkes County, Georgia is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 20.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.2%.
Atlanta is among the largest cities associated with Wilkes County, Georgia, with a population of 499,287.
Wilkes County, GA Climate
Wilkes County, GA has an average annual temperature of 16.5°C (62°F) and receives about 1204 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
16.5°C
Avg Temp
1204
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 6° / 43° | 125 mm |
| February | 8° / 46° | 112 mm |
| March | 12° / 54° | 129 mm |
| April | 16° / 61° | 89 mm |
| May | 21° / 69° | 96 mm |
| June | 24° / 76° | 94 mm |
| July | 27° / 80° | 110 mm |
| August | 26° / 78° | 101 mm |
| September | 23° / 73° | 85 mm |
| October | 17° / 62° | 83 mm |
| November | 12° / 53° | 83 mm |
| December | 8° / 46° | 97 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Wilkes County, GA
The most comfortable months to visit Wilkes County, GA are typically May, September and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 33°C high). The coldest is January (near 0°C low). March is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Wilkes County
Visiting or relocating to Wilkes County, GA? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the county — live availability and prices.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.