Wheeler
Georgia

What stands out

What stands out about Wheeler County: population growth is among the fastest shrinking in America (-3.1% a year), the typical two-bedroom rent is in the bottom 3% of American counties ($505 a month), and the median household income is in the bottom 4% of American counties ($36,354). Within Georgia it ranks 2nd of 159 counties for population growth, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Wheeler County, Georgia. 7,550 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population shrank 3.1% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -225).

Georgia moved to a flat income tax in 2024 with a rate scheduled to fall each year, and it exempts up to $65,000 of retirement income per person for residents 65 and over. Metro Atlanta holds more than half the state's population and its airport is the busiest in the world by passengers. Property taxes vary widely by county because school districts set most of the rate.

Money

The typical household here brings in $36,354 a year, lower than 96% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $46,426. Unemployment runs 5.0%, higher than 89% of American counties. 7% of workers work from home.

Georgia takes 5.0% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,814 a year.

Home

The median home costs $161K, cheaper than 80% of American counties, about 1.8 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $505 a month. Property tax is 0.83% of home value, roughly $685 a year on that median home, lower than 53% of American counties. 68% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.8 per 1,000 residents, higher than 92% of American counties.

A child born here can expect to live 76.9 years, longer than 63% of American counties. There are 4 active physicians in the county, about 5.3 per 10,000 people. 17.1% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.78 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 78% of American counties. 76% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 39 points. 35% of eligible voters turned out. Under Georgia law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is banned with narrow exceptions, and marijuana is medical only.

Weather and risk

The year averages 67°F, highs near 79 and lows near 55, warmer than 89% of American counties. About 40 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 9 out of 100, safer than 91% of American counties; the county has had 18 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 198 Mbps down, slower than 51% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation.