Special Interest
Housing in Wilkes County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Wilkes County averages $786/month for a 2‑bedroom in 2024, compared to the Georgia median of $1,393 and the national median of $1,413. Local renters spend approximately 29% of household income on rent, below the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Wilkes County FMR Area are $771 for a studio, $776 for 1‑bedroom, $980 for 2‑bedroom, $1,270 for 3‑bedroom, and $1,405 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $194 increase for a 2-bedroom in Wilkes County shows a 25% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Wilkes County was 4.0% in 2024, compared to Georgia at 3.5% and the national rate of 4.0%.
