Tifton, GA
Population 17,140 · Georgia
About Tifton, GA
Tifton is a mid-sized city located in Georgia with a population of 17,140 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $44,324 per year, which is 41% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 33.3 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Tifton features a median home value of $161,700, which is 34% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Tifton in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $793, 32% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 7,690 total housing units, 38% are owner-occupied (2,520 units) and 62% are renter-occupied (4,090 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Tifton shows an unemployment rate of 3.9%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 22.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Tifton have an average one-way commute time of 21.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
21.5% of Tifton residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 11.6% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, and 1.9% Asian residents, with 6.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Tifton, GA
Compared to national averages, Tifton has a median household income of $44,324 (41% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $161,700, which is 34% below the national median. Monthly rent at $793 is 32% below the US average of $1,163. Within Georgia, Tifton's income is 27% below the state average of $60,815, and home values are 17% below the state median of $194,684.
Why Live in Tifton, GA?
Tifton offers affordable housing with a median home value of $161,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $793/month, and short commute times averaging just 21.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($44,324) that falls below the national average. However, Tifton’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Tifton has a population of 17,140 with a median age of 33.3 years. Compare Tifton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Georgia.
Similar Cities Near Tifton
Cities in Georgia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milledgeville | 16,873 | $39,669 | $184,400 | Compare |
| Richmond Hill | 17,408 | $89,910 | $272,100 | Compare |
| Powder Springs | 17,414 | $96,961 | $283,700 | Compare |
| Buford | 17,611 | $71,598 | $346,400 | Compare |
| Calhoun | 17,611 | $51,439 | $240,700 | Compare |
| Norcross | 17,669 | $75,068 | $375,900 | Compare |
| Fairburn | 16,609 | $89,276 | $249,200 | Compare |
| Holly Springs | 17,693 | $111,224 | $414,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Georgia
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Tifton With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Tifton
What is the population of Tifton, GA?
The population of Tifton, GA is 17,140 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Georgia.
What is the median household income in Tifton?
The median household income in Tifton, GA is $44,324 per year, which is 41% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Tifton?
The median home value in Tifton, GA is $161,700, which is 34% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Tifton?
The median monthly rent in Tifton, GA is $793, which is 32% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Tifton?
The unemployment rate in Tifton, GA is 3.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Tifton, GA a good place to live?
Tifton offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 17,140 and a median age of 33.3, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Tifton, GA?
21.5% of residents in Tifton aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Tifton?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Tifton, GA: median home value is $161,700 (34% below national), median rent is $793/month, and median household income is $44,324. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.6x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Tifton?
The poverty rate in Tifton, GA is 22.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Tifton, GA?
Tifton's population is 11.6% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, 1.9% Asian, and 33.6% two or more races. 6.0% of residents are foreign-born.