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
Wilkes County is a county in Georgia with a population of 9,553. It ranks #126 among counties in Georgia by population. The median age is 46.3, older than the national median. The population is 48.6% male and 51.4% female.
The median household income in Wilkes County is $52,542, below the US median of $74,580. 13.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $105,000, with monthly rent averaging $759. The homeownership rate of 66.7% is close to the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Wilkes County reflects 15.7% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 5.5% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 29.9 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+
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County rankings
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.
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Statewide data for Georgia
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Georgia
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.