countyscore
38.2
County Score
Water Quality 86Cost of Living 54.9Disaster Risk 44

County Report Card

About Tift County, Georgia

Tift County Trails National Averages

With a composite score of 38.2, Tift County sits below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a combination of high water quality and affordable housing balanced against lower economic and health rankings.

Below the Georgia State Baseline

Tift County's overall score of 38.2 falls significantly behind the Georgia state average of 46.7. This gap highlights specific regional pressures despite a relatively stable cost of living for residents.

Strong Water Infrastructure and Affordable Housing

Tift County excels in water quality with a score of 86.0 and maintains a solid cost score of 54.9. Median gross rents sit at a manageable $799, while home values average a competitive $143,100.

Public Health and Income Barriers

The county faces significant hurdles in health and income, scoring just 17.6 and 21.1 respectively. A median household income of $53,165 trails many neighboring areas, impacting long-term financial mobility.

A Value Choice for Resilient Renters

Tift County best suits families who prioritize low-cost housing and basic infrastructure over immediate high-income growth. It offers an entry-level lifestyle for those focused on affordability in the South Georgia region.

2040608010042.654.92817.639.621.1448642.4Tax42.6Cost54.9Safety28Health17.6Schools39.6Income21.1Risk44Water86Weather42.438.2/100
This county
National avg
1 above average5 below average

Tift County DNA

Foverall

How Tift County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Tift County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Health (17.6/100), though Water Quality (86/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
42.6-9.399999999999999
Cost
54.9
Safety
28-27
Health
17.6-32.4
Schools
39.6-14.399999999999999
Income
21.1-29.9
Risk
44
Water
86+28
Weather
42.4-13.600000000000001
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$143,100

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$799/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$143,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$31,960/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $53,165/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

33.9

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Irwin County
Georgia
44.1
Turner County
Georgia
54.7
Worth County
Georgia
38.4
Cook County
Georgia
52.6
Berrien County
Georgia
39.7
Colquitt County
Georgia
40.7
Ben Hill County
Georgia
37.7
Crisp County
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34.3

Deep Dives

Tift County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Safety in Tift County

via CrimeByCounty

Tift County Outperforms National Safety Averages

Tift County maintains a total crime rate of 1738.3 per 100,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This performance earns the county a high safety score of 97.3 out of 100.

Measuring Tift Against the Georgia Average

While safer than the nation as a whole, Tift County's crime rate sits above the Georgia state average of 1412.9. The county's safety score of 97.3 is slightly below the state average score of 97.8.

Tift County Safety Relative to Regional Peers

Tift County faces higher reported crime rates than neighboring Turner County, which maintains a very low rate of 528.5. Four local reporting agencies provide the data used to track these regional safety trends.

Understanding Property and Violent Crime Trends

Property crime drives local activity with 1318.9 incidents per 100,000 residents, while violent crime stands at 419.4. Notably, the violent crime rate is higher than the Georgia state average of 248.1.

Proactive Steps for Tift County Homeowners

Residents can improve local safety by installing smart lighting and high-quality locks on all entry points. Staying engaged with the four active law enforcement agencies helps maintain a secure community environment.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Tift County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Unified Education Hub in South Georgia

Tift County operates a single school district that manages 11 public schools for 7,661 students. The infrastructure includes 8 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 1 central high school.

Steady Graduation Rates and Local Investment

The county's 86.0% graduation rate is slightly below the Georgia state average of 88.1%. Local investment remains competitive, as the $7,478 per-pupil expenditure slightly exceeds the state average of $7,405.

Focusing on the Tift County District

The Tift County district manages all 11 schools in the area with no charter schools currently available. This centralized model ensures all 7,661 students are served by a single administrative system.

Town-Centered Schools with a Large High School

Ten of the county's 11 schools are located in town settings, with Tift County High School serving a massive 2,273 students. While the average school size is 696, campuses like G. O. Bailey Elementary offer a smaller feel with 564 students.

Find a Home Near Tift County Schools

Families moving to Tift County can benefit from a unified district where the high school acts as a community centerpiece. Consider exploring homes near these town-based campuses for easy access to local education.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Water Quality in Tift County

via WaterByCounty

Tift County Maintains Perfect Drinking Water Compliance

Tift County earns a Grade A for drinking water, reporting zero health violations over the last five years. This performance is significantly better than the Georgia average violation rate of 152.5 per 100,000 residents. The county successfully meets all Safe Drinking Water Act standards for its population.

Watershed Impairments Below State Average

In the 2022 reporting cycle, 41.2% of assessed water bodies in Tift County failed to meet Clean Water Act standards. While this is better than the state average of 48.4%, seven of the 17 assessed streams remain impaired. Fecal coliform, dissolved oxygen, and mercury in fish tissue are the primary drivers of these impairments.

Active Monitoring Tracks Local Nutrient Levels

Six monitoring sites across the county have generated 1,636 measurements over the past five years. Data collection focuses heavily on physical characteristics and nutrient levels. This consistent monitoring provides a reliable baseline for tracking changes in local water chemistry.

Little River Flow Drops Significantly Below Typical

The primary USGS gauge on the Little River at Upper Ty Ty Road currently records a discharge of 22 cfs. This represents only 17% of the long-term mean flow of 133 cfs. Such low levels indicate a period of hydrological stress for the local river system.

Monitor River Levels and Runoff Impacts

With streamflow at just 17% of typical levels, residents should be mindful of source water pressure and potential pollutant concentration. The presence of fecal coliform in 41.2% of streams suggests a need for caution during recreational activities. Property owners can help by managing runoff to protect the local watershed from further nutrient loading.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Tift County

via WeatherByCounty

Consistently warmer than the national average

Tift County averages 64.9°F annually, placing it well above the national median temperature. This subtropical climate supports a long growing season with absolutely no annual snowfall recorded.

Surpassing the Georgia state temperature average

The county is warmer than the Georgia state average of 63.7°F. It records 48.2 inches of rain, making it slightly drier than the statewide average of 51.4 inches.

Intense heat shared with southern neighbors

Tift is slightly cooler than neighboring Turner County, which averages 65.6°F. However, both counties face an intense heat profile with exactly 74 extreme heat days per year.

Long summers and mild, snowless winters

Summers are intense with July temperatures averaging 80.1°F and 74 days topping 90°F. Winters remain very mild with a January average of 47.6°F and zero inches of snow.

Beat the heat during Tift summers

High-efficiency HVAC is a necessity to handle the 74 days of extreme heat each year. Outdoor activities are possible year-round, but hydration is critical during the 79.1°F summer months.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Tift County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Ultisols in the Coastal Plain

Tift County is characterized by loamy sand Ultisols with a pH of 5.20. This is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5 and slightly below Georgia's 5.26 average.

High Sand and Low Clay Content

The soil contains a high 80.7% sand and only 7.3% clay. While this makes the earth easy to work, it limits the soil's ability to hold onto vital nutrients.

Limited Organic Matter and Water Storage

Organic matter sits at 1.46%, trailing the state average of 1.83%. With an available water capacity of 0.093, these fields hold less moisture for crops than the typical 0.114 Georgia soil.

Moderately Well Drained Farmland

The land is classified as moderately well drained and belongs to hydrologic group C. This requires careful irrigation management during Georgia's dry spells to ensure consistent crop growth.

Peanuts and Watermelons Thrive Here

In Hardiness Zone 9a, heat-loving crops like peanuts and watermelons excel in these sandy fields. You can start a thriving garden by using lime to balance the naturally acidic soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Tift County

via LawnByCounty

Overcoming Hard Challenges in Tift County

Tift County faces a difficult lawn maintenance environment with a score of 27.8, significantly lower than the national median of 50.0. In USDA Hardiness Zone 9a, homeowners must navigate a climate that is notably tougher than the Georgia state average score of 35.8. Success requires careful selection of heat-tolerant species to survive these southern conditions.

Sweltering Heat Drives Mowing Demands

The county endures 74 extreme heat days per year where temperatures exceed 90°F, surpassing the state average of 65 days. With 5,879 growing degree days, grass grows rapidly, demanding a frequent mowing schedule throughout the long warm season. While annual precipitation of 48.2 inches is near the ideal range, the intense heat increases evaporation rates.

Managing Acidic Loamy Sand

The soil in Tift County is a loamy sand with a very high sand content of 80.7%, which leads to fast drainage. Its pH of 5.20 is well below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range, necessitating lime applications to balance acidity. Because the soil is moderately well drained but low in clay, frequent nutrient supplementation is often required.

Battling Severe Drought Conditions

Currently, 100% of Tift County faces severe drought or worse, following a year with 29 weeks of water scarcity. This level of stress makes supplemental irrigation vital, though residents should prioritize deep, infrequent watering to encourage deep root growth. Mulching around turf edges can help retain precious moisture in the sandy substrate.

Planting for Success in Zone 9a

St. Augustine and Centipede grasses are excellent choices for this climate due to their heat tolerance and ability to handle the local soil. Aim to establish new sod or seed after the last spring frost on March 11 but well before the first fall frost on November 19. Start your lawn project this spring to take advantage of the peak growing window.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tift County's county score?
Tift County, Georgia has a composite county score of 38.2 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Tift County rank among counties in Georgia?
Tift County ranks #130 among all counties in Georgia on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Tift County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Tift County is $1,339, with an effective tax rate of 0.94%. This earns Tift County a tax score of 42.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Tift County?
The median household income in Tift County, Georgia is $53,165 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Tift County earns an income score of 21.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Tift County, Georgia a good place to live?
Tift County scores 38.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #130 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Tift County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Tift County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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