Wilkes County

As of the most recent data, Wilkes County, GA has a population of approximately 9,800 people. The racial composition is about 55.7% White, 41.4% African American, and 2.9% other races including Hispanic or Latino. The median household income is around $33,000, with a poverty rate of approximately 26.3%. The median age is 42.5 years. The county covers an area of roughly 471 square miles, with a population density of about 21 people per square mile.

As of the latest data, Wilkes County, GA, has a median home value of approximately $82,600. The average price per square foot is around $67. Roughly 75% of housing units are owner-occupied, while 25% are rentals. The median rent is about $610 per month. Housing stock is diversified but predominantly single-family homes. The area has experienced modest appreciation rates, reflecting steady demand.

As of the most recent elections, Wilkes County, Georgia, participates in local, state, and federal elections. In the 2020 Presidential Election, Wilkes County reported approximately 4,500 votes, with 69% of the vote going to the Republican candidate, Donald Trump, and about 30% to the Democratic candidate, Joe Biden.

In local elections, Wilkes County elects a Board of Commissioners, School Board members, and other officials. For example, in a recent Board of Commissioners race, candidates included Keith Harper and Saranne Gordon. Voter turnout for local elections varies but is generally lower than for national elections. Specific numerical data for each candidate and race can be found on the Wilkes County official website or the Georgia Secretary of State’s election results page. For updated and detailed information, residents should refer to the local government’s announcements or the official voter guide provided before each election.

Wilkes County, GA has an educational attainment level below both state and national averages. As of recent data, approximately 78% of adults in Wilkes County have a high school diploma or equivalent. This is lower than the national average of about 88% and the Georgia state average of around 86%. When it comes to higher education, only about 14% of Wilkes County residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, which trails the national average of approximately 33% and the state average of about 30%. The county faces educational challenges, reflecting a need for improved access to higher education resources and opportunities.

As of the latest data, Wilkes County, GA, has a labor force participation rate of around 55%, lower than both the national average of about 63% and the state average of approximately 61%. The county's unemployment rate stands at roughly 4.5%, somewhat higher than the national average of 3.8% but similar to Georgia's state average.

Top industries in Wilkes County include:

1. Manufacturing (accounting for around 15% of local employment) - higher than the national average of 8.5%.
2. Agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting (about 10% of local employment) - significantly higher than the national average of 1.5%.
3. Health care and social assistance (around 12% of local employment) - comparable to the national average of 13%.
4. Retail trade (approximately 11% of local employment) - close to the national average of 10%.

Overall, Wilkes County has a strong presence in manufacturing and agriculture, diverging from national trends.

As of the latest data, Wilkes County, Georgia, has a median household income of approximately $37,000. In comparison, the median household income for the state of Georgia stands at around $58,700. Nationally, the median household income is approximately $68,700. This indicates that Wilkes County falls below both state and national averages in terms of household income.

Wilkes County's lower median income suggests economic challenges compared to broader regions, affecting aspects like access to services and overall quality of life.

As of the most recent available data, Wilkes County, GA, has a relatively low crime rate compared to state and national averages. Below is a summary of crime statistics in the county:

Wilkes County, GA Crime Statistics (per 1,000 residents)

These figures are based on the most recent FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR). It's advisable to consult local law enforcement or updated UCR data for the latest information.