Wilkes County, GA Property Tax: $1,194/yr (2026)
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The effective property tax rate in Wilkes County is 1.14% of assessed home value. On a home at the county median value of $105,000, that works out to about $1,197 per year, or $100 per month. Wilkes County is located in eastern Georgia, and is home to approximately 9,553 residents.
About Wilkes County
Wilkes County covers approximately 469.5 square miles in Georgia. The county is home to about 9,553 residents living in roughly 5,210 housing units, of which 52.6% are owner-occupied. The median household income is $52,542, and the median home was built in 1976.
Wilkes County borders Elbert County, Lincoln County, McDuffie County, Oglethorpe County, Taliaferro County — useful comparisons if you're considering nearby areas with potentially different tax rates.
How Property Taxes Work in Georgia
Property taxes in Georgia are administered at the county level. Each county sets a millage rate applied to the assessed value of real property — the effective rate above accounts for any partial assessments and exemptions already built into the local tax base. Assessed value can differ meaningfully from current market value depending on how often the county reassesses and what fraction of market value it uses.
Most counties in Georgia offer exemptions that reduce the taxable assessed value: homestead exemptions for primary residences, senior exemptions, disability exemptions, and veteran exemptions are common. These reduce your effective rate below the county-wide average shown here. Contact the Wilkes County Assessor's office to learn which exemptions apply to your property and when to file.
Wilkes County vs. Neighboring Counties
| Location | Eff. Rate | Median Home | Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wilkes County, GA | 1.14% | $105,000 | $1,197 |
| Georgia state average | 0.90% | — | $945* |
| Elbert County | 0.98% | $114,600 | $1,126 |
| Lincoln County | 0.88% | $163,600 | $1,445 |
| McDuffie County | 0.85% | $155,100 | $1,317 |
| Oglethorpe County | 0.80% | $198,700 | $1,597 |
| Taliaferro County | 1.25% | $73,100 | $917 |
| US national average | 1.10% | $281,900 | $3,101 |
*State average annual tax computed at Wilkes County's median home value of $105,000. Source: US Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Wilkes County's property tax rate compare to the rest of Georgia?
At 1.14%, Wilkes County is higher than the Georgia state average of 0.90%. On a home at the county median of $105,000, that means about $1,197 per year — versus $945 at the state average rate, a difference of $252 per year. Compared to the national average of 1.10%, Wilkes County is above average.
What's a typical annual property tax bill in Wilkes County?
For a home at the county median value of $105,000, the annual property tax in Wilkes County is approximately $1,197 — or about $100 per month. For a home worth $157,500, expect around $1,796 per year. For a $210,000 home, approximately $2,394 per year. Use the calculator above to estimate taxes for any assessed value.
Where do I appeal a Wilkes County property tax assessment?
Property assessment appeals in Wilkes County are handled by the Wilkes County Assessor's office. Most jurisdictions require filing within 30–90 days of receiving your assessment notice — confirm the specific deadline with the assessor's office before submitting, as deadlines and procedures vary by county. A successful appeal can reduce your assessed value and lower your tax bill for the current and future tax years.
What exemptions are available in Wilkes County?
Georgia counties commonly offer homestead exemptions for owner-occupied primary residences, senior citizen exemptions for qualifying homeowners aged 65 and older, exemptions for disabled residents, and veterans' exemptions. Each exemption reduces your assessed taxable value, which in turn reduces your effective tax rate below the county-wide 1.14% shown here. Contact the Wilkes County Assessor's office to confirm which exemptions are available and the application deadlines.
Data sources: US Census Bureau ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates, US Census Gazetteer (2024), County Adjacency File