CountyScore

Tift County

Georgia · GA

#116 in Georgia
65.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Tift County, Georgia

Tift scores well above the national median

With a composite score of 71.3, Tift County outperforms the national median of 50.0 by 43%, placing it in the upper half of U.S. counties. This strong showing reflects particularly affordable housing and manageable tax rates that benefit residents.

Slightly ahead of Georgia's average

Tift ranks just above Georgia's state average composite score of 70.9, performing solidly among the state's 159 counties. The county holds its own in a competitive Georgia landscape.

Tax-friendly and housing-affordable county

Tift excels in affordability: its cost score of 81.1 reflects a median home value of $143,100 and median rent of just $799/month. The tax score of 76.0 shows an effective tax rate of 0.936%, making it tax-efficient for residents.

Income growth lags behind peer counties

The income score of 18.1 reveals limited wage growth opportunity, with a median household income of $53,165 trailing better-positioned Georgia counties. Complete data on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors remains unavailable, leaving some livability dimensions unmeasured.

Best for budget-conscious, established households

Tift County suits families and retirees seeking affordable housing and lower taxes without needing high-wage job markets. It's ideal for those prioritizing cost of living stability over rapid income growth.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax76Cost81.1SafetyComing SoonHealth55.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome18.1Risk44WaterComing Soon
🏛76
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠81.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼18.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤55.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡44
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Tift County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Houston County
Georgia
65.1
Median income: $80,743
Christian County
Kentucky
65.1
Median income: $54,190
Berrien County
Michigan
65.1
Median income: $63,152
Lee County
Mississippi
65.1
Median income: $67,144
Madison County
Mississippi
65.1
Median income: $78,794

Deep Dives

Tift County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Tift County

via TaxByCounty

Tift's taxes run well below the national average

At 0.936%, Tift County's effective property tax rate is less than half the implied national rate, making it significantly more affordable than most U.S. counties. The typical Tift County home generates $1,339 in annual property taxes—roughly half the national median of $2,690. This places Tift in the lower-tax tier nationally, offering meaningful relief compared to high-tax states like New Jersey and Illinois.

Tift ranks slightly above Georgia's average

Tift's 0.936% rate edges above Georgia's state average of 0.898%, putting it in the middle tier among the state's 159 counties. The median property tax of $1,339 is just slightly below the state median of $1,529, reflecting Tift's modest property values and stable tax approach. Most Georgia counties cluster between 0.7% and 1.2%, and Tift sits comfortably within that range.

Tift compares fairly to regional peers

Among nearby counties, Tift's 0.936% rate falls between Toombs County (0.962%) and Treutlen County (0.955%), showing consistent regional tax policy. Tift's median home value of $143,100 is moderate for South Georgia, resulting in mid-range tax bills similar to surrounding areas. The county avoids the higher rates seen in more developed areas like Troup County (0.972%) while staying above mountainous Towns County (0.365%).

What you'll pay on a typical Tift home

Own a median-valued home at $143,100 in Tift County, and your annual property tax comes to roughly $1,339 without mortgage interest deductions, or $1,435 if you itemize deductions. That breaks down to about $112 per month in property taxes alone—substantially lower than homeowners pay in national hotspots. For buyers with mortgages, escrow payments typically include this amount plus homeowners insurance and mortgage interest.

Many Tift homeowners are likely overassessed

Property tax appeals in Georgia often succeed, with homeowners discovering their county assessments are 10-20% higher than market value. If you believe your Tift County property is overvalued, you can file an appeal with the county assessor's office—many win refunds or reduced future bills. Getting reassessed costs nothing and could save you hundreds annually, especially if your home's market value has declined since last appraisal.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Tift County

via CostByCounty

Tift rents align with national norms

At 18.0%, Tift County's rent-to-income ratio matches what most Americans spend on housing, and sits below Georgia's 18.6% average. The county's median rent of $799 per month is substantially lower than the national context suggests, making it an affordable rental market compared to peers earning comparable incomes.

Mid-tier affordability in Georgia

Tift County ranks in the middle tier of Georgia's 159 counties for housing affordability, with renters spending slightly less than the state average. The county benefits from rents 13.8% below Georgia's median of $927, offering moderate relief despite income levels running 28.9% below the national median.

Competitive with surrounding rural counties

Tift County's $799 rent aligns closely with nearby Toombs County's $714, though it runs higher than Treutlen County's $668. Homeownership is similarly priced across the region, with Tift's $856 monthly owner cost reflecting comparable median home values near $140,000.

Housing consumes modest share of income

With a median household income of $53,165, the typical Tift County renter dedicates $799 monthly to housing, leaving $3,628 for other expenses. Homeowners pay $856 monthly toward their $143,100 median home, representing roughly 19.3% of gross household income before taxes.

Consider Tift for balanced living costs

If you're relocating from a high-cost metro area, Tift County offers stable affordability without the lowest rents in the state—suggesting a maturing rental market. Compare your current housing costs to Tift's $799 average and explore whether the trade-offs in amenities align with your lifestyle.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Tift County

via IncomeByCounty

Tift trails the nation on income

Tift County's median household income of $53,165 sits 29% below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it in the lower income tier nationally. This gap reflects broader economic challenges in rural South Georgia counties competing in a knowledge-driven national economy.

Middle-ground earner in Georgia

Tift County's $53,165 median household income runs 12% below Georgia's state average of $60,488, but ranks in the middle tier among the state's 159 counties. The county holds its ground compared to peers but lags behind metro Atlanta and prosperous suburban areas.

Competitive with nearby rural counties

Tift's $53,165 income beats Turner County ($39,565) and Treutlen County ($43,750) by substantial margins, but trails Toombs County ($54,130) and Twiggs County ($55,439) slightly. Among similar-sized rural counties in South Georgia, Tift represents a stable middle ground.

Rent is manageable but tight

At 18.0%, Tift's rent-to-income ratio falls within the healthy range (under 30%), meaning a typical renter household dedicates roughly $795 per month to rent. Combined with the median home value of $143,100, housing remains accessible but leaves modest room for other expenses.

Build stability through intentional planning

Tift County households earning $53,165 can strengthen their financial position by prioritizing emergency savings and exploring employer retirement plans. Even small regular contributions to a 401(k) or IRA compound significantly over time, creating wealth that moves beyond the county's median.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Tift County

via HealthByCounty

Tift County life expectancy lags nationally

Tift County residents live an average of 72.0 years, about 3 years shorter than the U.S. average of 75.1 years. Nearly 23% of adults report poor or fair health, exceeding national averages and signaling persistent health challenges.

Below Georgia's health average

At 72.0 years, Tift County trails Georgia's average life expectancy of 73.3 years. The county ranks in the lower half statewide for health outcomes, though it performs better than several neighboring rural counties.

Healthier than Toombs, Treutlen

Tift County's 72.0-year life expectancy exceeds Toombs (70.7 years) and Treutlen (70.3 years) but falls behind Towns County's 75.8 years. Its uninsured rate of 16.6% is higher than state average, reflecting regional patterns of healthcare access barriers.

Moderate provider access, higher uninsured

Tift County has 66 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 111 mental health providers per 100,000—better mental health access than many rural peers. However, 16.6% of residents lack health insurance, above Georgia's 15.0% average, leaving thousands vulnerable to medical debt and delayed care.

Find affordable coverage today

If you're uninsured or underinsured, visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to explore plans that fit your budget. Tift County residents also qualify for Medicaid expansion options—check your eligibility now.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Tift County

via RiskByCounty

Tift County faces above-average disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 56.01, Tift County sits in the relatively low category—but well above Georgia's state average of 39.49. This means residents face a notably elevated mix of natural hazards compared to the typical Georgian, driven by significant hurricane and tornado exposure.

Mid-range risk among Georgia counties

Tift County ranks in the middle tier of Georgia's 159 counties by composite risk. Its 56.01 score places it above average for the state, indicating more frequent or severe hazard threats than most neighboring counties in south Georgia.

Riskier than most surrounding areas

Tift County's risk profile exceeds nearby Turner County (16.60) and Toombs County (42.65), making it one of the more hazard-prone pockets of south Georgia. The elevated hurricane and tornado risks set it apart from its lower-risk neighbors.

Hurricanes and tornadoes dominate here

Hurricane risk scores 86.44—among the highest statewide—while tornado risk reaches 78.05, both far exceeding state and national norms. These two hazards pose the most immediate and severe threats to Tift County residents and their property.

Hurricane and tornado coverage is essential

Homeowners should prioritize comprehensive windstorm and tornado coverage given the county's 86.44 hurricane risk score and 78.05 tornado risk. Standard homeowners policies often exclude wind and hail damage, making supplemental coverage critical for financial protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.