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Georgia

Cost of living in Wilkes County, GA

Estimated monthly cost
$2,605/mo
for a single person, all categories combined

Population 9,553 · Last updated May 21, 2026

Cost breakdown

Single person, by category, per month.

Rent $715 27%
Healthcare $480 18%
Federal tax $359 14%
Groceries $324 12%
Transport $320 12%
Energy $205 8%
State tax $147 6%
Water $55 2%

Rent in Wilkes County

Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Studio
$710
per month
1 bedroom
$715
per month
2 bedroom
$905
per month
3 bedroom
$1,187
per month
4 bedroom
$1,258
per month

Source: HUD FMR FY2025

Income and earnings in Wilkes County

Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.

Household income
$52,542
per year
Individual earnings
$32,044
per year
Per capita
$30,123
per year

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.

Home values in Wilkes County

Average values reported by homeowners.

Average home value
$105,000
Annual property tax
$1,194

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year

Energy costs in Wilkes County

Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.

Electricity
$163
per month · 14.8¢/kWh
Natural gas
$42
per month
Annual total
$2,460
per year

Source: EIA

Healthcare in Wilkes County

Insurance premiums and coverage rates.

Individual premium
$480
per month
Family premium
$1,350
per month
Uninsured rate
18.6%

Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.

Taxes in Wilkes County

State and local tax rates for Georgia.

State income tax
5.5%
Flat rate
State sales tax
4.0%
Combined sales tax
7.4%
incl. average local

Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.

Transportation in Wilkes County

Commute patterns and estimated costs.

Average commute
29.9 min
Drive alone
81.6%
Public transit
0.3%
Work from home
5.5%

Source: ACS

Monthly cost estimates for Wilkes County

What it costs to live in Wilkes County each month.

Single person
$2,605
per month
  • Rent $715
  • Energy $205
  • Water $55
  • Groceries $324
  • Transport $320
  • Healthcare $480
  • Federal tax $359
  • State tax $147
Couple
$3,807
per month
  • Rent $905
  • Energy $246
  • Water $65
  • Groceries $537
  • Transport $420
  • Healthcare $864
  • Federal tax $530
  • State tax $240
Family
$6,225
per month
  • Rent $1,187
  • Energy $308
  • Water $75
  • Groceries $815
  • Transport $520
  • Healthcare $1,350
  • Childcare $1,200
  • Federal tax $530
  • State tax $240

Frequently asked questions about Wilkes County

Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.

What is the average rent in Wilkes County?

In Wilkes County, GA, a one-bedroom apartment averages $715 per month, a two-bedroom averages $905 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,187 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.

What is the average salary in Wilkes County?

In Wilkes County, GA, the average household income is $52,542 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $32,044 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

What is the cost of living in Wilkes County?

The estimated cost of living in Wilkes County, GA is approximately $2,605 per month for a single person, $3,807 for a couple, $6,225 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.

What is the sales tax rate in Wilkes County?

The combined sales tax rate in Wilkes County, GA is 7.38%, which includes the Georgia state rate of 4.00% plus an average local rate of 3.38%.

Is Wilkes County an affordable place to live?

Based on the data, a single person in Wilkes County, GA would need approximately $2,605 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $52,542 per year ($4,379 per month). Wilkes County has a moderate cost of living relative to local earnings.

How much does healthcare cost in Wilkes County?

The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Wilkes County, GA is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 18.6% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.

What are house prices in Wilkes County?

The average home value in Wilkes County, GA is $105,000, with average annual property taxes of $1,194, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

How does Wilkes County compare to other areas?

You can compare Wilkes County, GA with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Wilkes County is in Georgia.

Other counties in Georgia

Browse the full list of counties in Georgia, ranked by cost of living.

See all counties in Georgia

Compare Wilkes County with another area

Put two counties side by side to see how rent, taxes and everyday costs stack up.

About this data

All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.

  • HUD FMR FY2025
  • ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
  • EIA
  • ACS + national avg
  • ACS
  • USDA + BEA RPP
Methodology All data sources