Cost of Living in Tift County, Georgia
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Tift County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Tift County ranks #2,677 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 15%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Tift County, Georgia
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Tift County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Tift County is affordable. The median rent is $799/month against a median household income of $53,165, putting rent at 18.0% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Tift County pay $799/month on average, compared to $856/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 7%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,960/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $36,686/year. With a median household income of $53,165, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Tift County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Georgia, Tift County is more affordable than Schley County by roughly 7% ($799/mo vs $746/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Tift County
Rent Burden
18.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,241
per month
Owner Cost Burden
19.3%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Tift County
Median home value is $143,100. Estimated monthly cost: $1,142 vs. your max of $1,241.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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