Wilkes County is in the Classic South travel region of Georgia. Its county seat is Washington, and the U.S. Census Bureau estimates the county had 9,567 residents in 2024, up from 9,561 in 2020. It covers about 470 square miles of land and was created in 1777.
- County seatWashington
- Population (2024 estimate)9,567
- Land area470 square miles
- Created1777
- Travel regionClassic South
Print it: download the printable Wilkes County map (PDF), sized for standard letter paper (8.5 by 11 inches, portrait). Choose “actual size” or “fit to page” when you print.
Cities and Towns in Wilkes County
Wilkes County has 3 incorporated cities and towns. Populations are U.S. Census Bureau estimates for July 1, 2024, for the whole city, including any part in a neighboring county.
| City or town | 2024 population | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Washington (county seat) | 3,623 | |
| Tignall | 498 | |
| Rayle | 157 |
Highways
Interstates and U.S. highways come from Census road data; state route numbers come from the Georgia Department of Transportation’s road inventory. In Georgia most U.S. highways also carry a state route number, and where two routes share the same road GDOT records it under one of them.
- U.S. highways: US 78, US 378
- State routes (Georgia DOT inventory numbers): SR 10, SR 17, SR 44, SR 47, SR 80
Parks, Public Land and Water
Public land shown on the map:
- Clarks Hill WMA (wildlife management area)
- Fishing Creek WMA (wildlife management area)
- Lower Broad River WMA (wildlife management area)
Lakes and rivers labeled on the map: Clarks Hill Lake, Little River, Broad River, Beaverdam Creek, Fishing Creek, Kettle Creek and Clark Creek. Names follow the U.S. Geological Survey’s official Geographic Names Information System.
For county and city parks, playgrounds and recreation centers, see our Wilkes County parks guide.
Neighboring Counties
Wilkes County borders Elbert County, Lincoln County, McDuffie County, Oglethorpe County, Taliaferro County and Warren County.
Common Questions
What is the county seat of Wilkes County, Georgia?
Washington is the county seat of Wilkes County. It is also the largest city in the county.
What cities are in Wilkes County, Georgia?
Wilkes County has 3 incorporated cities and towns: Washington, Tignall and Rayle.
What counties border Wilkes County?
Wilkes County borders Elbert County, Lincoln County, McDuffie County, Oglethorpe County, Taliaferro County and Warren County.
Is there a printable map of Wilkes County?
Yes. The Wilkes County map on this page is a free PDF sized for letter paper (8.5 by 11 inches, portrait) that you can print or save to your phone.
How many people live in Wilkes County?
The U.S. Census Bureau estimates 9,567 people lived in Wilkes County on July 1, 2024, up from 9,561 in 2020.
Sources we checked
This map and page were built in October 2026 from public data:
- U.S. Census Bureau: TIGER/Line 2023 (county lines, roads, water, place boundaries)
- U.S. Census Bureau: county and city population estimates, Vintage 2024
- U.S. Census Bureau: 2023 Gazetteer (land area)
- USGS: Protected Areas Database of the United States (PAD-US) 4.1 (national forests, refuges, WMAs)
- USGS: Geographic Names Information System (lake and river names)
- Georgia DNR 2026-27 Hunting Regulations (eRegulations) (current WMA list)