🏡Quiet Country Living in Wilkinson County, GA
Nestled in central Georgia, Wilkinson County embraces its pastoral heritage while offering close‑knit communities along the Ocmulgee River. Founded in 1803, the county seat of Irwinton—now known as Gordon—retains its historic courthouse square and antebellum architecture. With fewer than 10,000 residents, Wilkinson County is ideal for those seeking affordable acreage, quiet country roads, and easy access to Macon (just 30 miles west). Our AI‑Certified Agents tap into local market data to uncover hidden gem properties—whether you’re looking for a working farm, riverfront cabin, or historic bungalow.
📈 Real Estate Market Trends in Wilkinson County
Wilkinson County’s market remains steady, characterized by family‑owned land transfers and modest new construction. Buyers gravitate toward riverfront parcels near Gordon and the community of Irwinton. Average days on market are higher than metro Atlanta, providing strong negotiating leverage. Ranch‑style homes and modular farmhouses are in demand, with inventory slowly growing as retirees discover the county’s low taxes and tranquil setting.
🏘️ Explore Wilkinson County Homes for Sale
👇👇👇Browse listings ranging from historic 1900s cottages on broad oak‑lined streets to sprawling 20‑acre hobby farms with barns and pastures.
Pending Homes in Wilkinson County
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🏛️ Town Overview & Local Vibe
Gordon (Irwinton): Historic square, local diners, and annual Fall Festival.
Danville: Small crossroads community with genuine Southern hospitality.
McIntyre: Gateway to the Ocmulgee River Greenway and canoe launches.
🎓 Schools & Education
Wilkinson County Elementary – Known for community involvement and arts programs.
Wilkinson County Middle & High –Combined campus offering dual‑enrollment opportunities with Middle Georgia State University.
🌳 Amenities
Ocmulgee River – Canoeing, fishing, and riverside picnicking.
Little Ocmulgee State Park – Trails, camping, and wildlife viewing.
🛍️ Nearby Conveniences
Irwinton Grocery & Deli – Classic local market serving deli sandwiches and community staples.
Gordon Post Office & Antique Shops – Quaint shopping near the courthouse.
24‑mile drive to Macon for big‑box retail, hospitals, and cultural venues.
💼 Economy & Business
Agriculture, forestry, and small manufacturing anchor the county’s economy. Local timber firms and agri‑tourism ventures benefit from the region’s rich soil and river corridors.
🌳 Outdoor Recreation & Parks
Ball's Ferry State Park
Located in Toomsboro, Ball's Ferry State Park spans 535 acres along the Oconee River. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, two boat ramps, picnic areas, and primitive camping sites. The park is also a popular spot for fishing, kayaking, and seasonal hunting, including deer, turkey, and hog.
Its rich history dates back to the early 1800s, making it a significant heritage site in the region.
Bartram Forest Wildlife Management Area
Straddling Wilkinson and Baldwin counties, Bartram Forest WMA offers over 2,100 acres of diverse ecosystems. The area features multi-use trails suitable for hiking, mountain biking, and trail running. Managed by the Georgia Forestry Commission, it also provides archery hunting opportunities for deer, turkey, and small game.
Lake Tchukolako
Situated in Ivey, Lake Tchukolako is a serene destination for fishing, boating, and picnicking. The lake is known for its bass and crappie fishing and offers a peaceful setting for family outings.
Please note that the lake experienced a dam breach in 2019, which affected water levels.
Lake Tchukolako
Located in Irwinton, the Wilkinson County Recreation Complex provides facilities for baseball, softball, and football. The complex is managed by the Wilkinson County Recreation Department, which oversees various programs and events for residents of all ages.
Mingo Trails Saddle Club
For equestrian enthusiasts, Mingo Trails Saddle Club in Toomsboro offers trail riding and camping facilities.
The club features numerous campsites with electric and water hookups, along with stalls available for rent.
It's an ideal spot for horseback riding and enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
Twisted K Ranch, LLC
Located in Ivey, Twisted K Ranch offers a lighted arena and provides lessons in Western Pleasure, Barrel Racing, and English Riding.
The ranch also offers team roping and horse boarding services, catering to both beginners and experienced riders.
Manzanita Farm, LLC
Manzanita Farm in Wilkinson County specializes in lessons, breeding, and showing rare breed horses and miniature donkeys.
Visitors can call ahead for appointments or event information, making it a unique destination for animal lovers.
Black Creek Plantation
Located in McIntyre, Black Creek Plantation offers hunting opportunities for deer, duck, and quail on its expansive property.
The family-owned plantation provides a relaxed atmosphere for guests to enjoy the best of Georgia hunting traditions.
These local attractions provide residents and visitors with a variety of outdoor activities, from hiking and fishing to equestrian pursuits and community sports.
🚗 Commuter Access
State Routes 57 and 18 provide direct routes to Macon and Dublin. Average drive time to I‑75 is under 45 minutes, making regional commuting feasible.
🍽️ Dining, Shopping & Local Spots
Shirley’s Café: Home‑style Southern cooking on the Gordon square.
River’s Bend Marina & Grill: Casual dining with river views.
Wilkinson County, Georgia – Zoning, Hunting & Environmental Guide
Information current as of 27 May 2025 — regulations and seasons change frequently; always verify with county and state agencies before acting.
This overview is compiled from publicly available Wilkinson County ordinances, Georgia DNR hunting regulations, and federal datasets. It is not legal advice. Confirm all land‑use and hunting requirements directly with the Wilkinson County Board of Commissioners (478) 946‑2236 or the appropriate state agency before purchase, lease, or development.
1. Zoning & Development Rules
| Area | Zoning Status | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Unincorporated County | No conventional zoning (unrestricted) | Subject only to building permits, mobile‑home permit (§11), subdivision ordinance (≥3 lots/yr), erosion & sediment control (§7‑2). |
| Incorporated Cities (Irwinton, McIntyre, Gordon, Ivey, Toomsboro, Allentown, Danville) |
City‑level zoning ordinances | Check city hall for district maps, setbacks & use lists. |
- Land‑Disturbance Permit required for clearing >5,000 sq ft (Soil Erosion Ordinance §7‑2).
- Mobile‑Home Permit needed for new or relocated units (Code §11‑1).
- Subdivision Approval mandatory when splitting into 3+ lots in a calendar year (Subdivision Development Ordinance).
- Driveway/ROW encroachments require a refundable $1,000 bond per access (County Services).
2. Land Use Potential
With no county‑wide zoning, Wilkinson tracts are versatile:
- Residential or Mini‑Farm — ample space for homesteads, livestock, hobby orchards.
- Timber & Pine Straw — well‑drained Tifton/Fuquay sands grow loblolly & longleaf efficiently.
- Recreation & Hunting Lease — mixed hardwood bottoms attract deer & turkey; kaolin reclamation fields provide dove habitat.
- Kaolin‑related Industry — longstanding mining corridor (permits via GA EPD; water‑quality monitoring required).
3. Game Species & 2024‑25 Hunting Seasons*
| Species | Season Dates (Private Land – Central Zone) | Notes & Bag Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Deer – Archery | Sept 14 – Oct 11, 2024 | Statewide 12 deer/season (max 2 antlered, 1 with 4‑pt/15" spread rule). |
| Deer – Firearms | Oct 19, 2024 – Jan 12, 2025 | Either‑sex most days in Wilkinson (check county restrictions). |
| Turkey | Mar 29 – May 12, 2025 (private land) | Bag limit: 3 gobblers/season. |
| Small Game (Squirrel) | Aug 15, 2024 – Feb 28, 2025 | Daily bag 12. |
| Dove – Early Split | Sept 7 – Oct 13, 2024 | Daily bag 15. |
| Feral Hog | Year‑round | No bag limit on private land; night‑hunting with restrictions. |
*Georgia DNR sets seasons annually. Confirm latest dates and county-specific doe days in the GA Hunting Regulations.
Leasing Insight: Private hunting leases in central Georgia typically rent for $12–18 per acre per year depending on access, habitat diversity, and camp improvements. Clear written agreements should allocate food‑plot costs, liability coverage, and harvest reporting via Georgia Game Check.
4. Environmental Due‑Diligence
| Resource | Why It Matters | Screening Tool |
|---|---|---|
| Floodplains (FEMA Zone AE) | Oconee & Ohoopee Rivers can restrict fill & require elevated foundations. | FEMA Flood Map Service Center |
| Wetlands & Stream Buffers | 25–50 ft state buffer; Corps permit for dredge/fill. | USFWS NWI Maps & GA EPD Buffer Guidance |
| Kaolin Mining Legacy | Reclaimed pits may need soil testing & safety fencing; NPDES discharge permits active. | GA EPD GEOS permit lookup |
| Prime Farmland Soils | Tifton & Dothan sands perk well; influence septic approvals & ag value. | USDA Web Soil Survey |
| Endangered Species | Sandhill habitat may host gopher tortoise; longleaf pine tracts may have red‑cockaded woodpecker. | USFWS IPaC tool |
| Ground‑Water Levels & Quality | Mining withdrawals lowered aquifer up to 50 ft; test wells for hardness & pH. | USGS NWIS well 02223248 & neighbors |
5. Key Contacts
- Wilkinson County Board of Commissioners – Permits: (478) 946‑2236 · P.O. Box 161, Irwinton GA 31042
- Wilkinson County Health Dept – Septic & Wells: (478) 946‑6960
- GA DNR WRD – Game Management, Region 4: (478) 445‑6356
- GA EPD East Central District – Mining & Water Permits: (706) 667‑4343
Always cross‑check current ordinances, FEMA maps, and GA hunting regulations before closing or developing land.
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