The 2020 census found 810 people in the township, 116 of whom lived in the village of Wilkesville.

Wilkesville, the smallest village in Vinton County, is located in eastern Wilkesville Township.

Wilkesville Township was organized in 1815, when its territory was part of Gallia County.

[5] The township is governed by a three-member board of trustees, who are elected in November of odd-numbered years to a four-year term beginning on the following January 1.

There is also an elected township fiscal officer,[6] who serves a four-year term beginning on April 1 of the year after the election, which is held in November of the year before the presidential election.