Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Tift County, Georgia
Tift County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,002 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $777 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $19.27 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,002
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 34% less than in Georgia
- Typical rent
- $777
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 44% less than in Georgia
- Wage needed
- $19.27
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $40,080 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 43%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 17% less than in Georgia
Only here
Renting in Tift County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
20% of households in Tift County have no internet at home, against 7% in Georgia.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024).
Fair market rent
What HUD sets for each size
Every year HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) publishes a Fair Market Rent (FMR) for each home size in Tift County. It is used to work out how much a Section 8 voucher covers. The table shows what you need to earn to pay it without spending more than 30% of income.
The fair market rent covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone. HUD generally sets it at the 40th percentile: 4 in 10 standard-quality homes rented recently cost less. 24 CFR §888.113(a)
| Size | Fair rent per month | Hourly wage | Income needed per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $844 | $16.23 | $33,760 |
| 1 bedroom | $849 | $16.33 | $33,960 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,002 | $19.27 | $40,080 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,252 | $24.08 | $50,080 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,502 | $28.88 | $60,080 |
HUD area: Tift County, GA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027
By ZIP code
The fair market rent for your ZIP code
HUD also publishes fair market rents by ZIP code (Small Area FMRs) for 4 ZIP codes in Tift County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,000 in 31727 to $1,010 in 31794. 2 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,002).
Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses. 24 CFR §982.503(a)(1)
| 31727 | Tift County, GA | $840 | $850 | $1,000 | $1,250 | $1,500 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31793 | Tift County, GA | $840 | $850 | $1,000 | $1,250 | $1,500 |
| 31794 | Berrien County, GA | $850 | $850 | $1,010 | $1,260 | $1,510 |
| 31794 | Tift County, GA | $850 | $850 | $1,010 | $1,260 | $1,510 |
- 31727 · Tift County, GA $1,000$1,250
- 31793 · Tift County, GA $1,000$1,250
- 31794 · Berrien County, GA $1,010$1,260
- 31794 · Tift County, GA $1,010$1,260
Source: Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site)
Rent burden
How many households spend too much
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Tift County, 43% of renter households are in that position; in Georgia, 52%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).
Paying too much rent leaves little for food, transportation and savings. If that is you, the agencies below can guide you for free.
43%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
6,093 households rent in Tift County
- Spend half or more of their income 18%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 26%
- Spend less than 30% 57%
Compared with the state and the country
- Tift 43%
- Georgia 52%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Tift County
HUD lists 19 properties with homes for low-income households in Tift County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 11
- HUD-assisted
- 7
- public housing
- 3
1,164 homes in all; 957 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Amp 1 Public housing 720 Timmons Dr, Tifton 31794 125 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Tifton · Average payment: $381 a month · Average wait: 9 months · Homes at several sites · (229) 382-5434
- Amp 3 Public housing 1425 Tift Ave N, Tifton 31794 122 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Tifton · Average payment: $376 a month · Average wait: 18 months · Homes at several sites · (229) 382-5434
- Brookfield Mews Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 99 Tifton Eldorado Rd, Tifton 31794 120 low-income homes · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 64 · 3 bd: 18 · 4 bd: 6 · In service since 2017 · For families · (229) 382-6278
- Amp 2 Public housing 1923 Woodlawn Ave, Tifton 31794 90 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Tifton · Average payment: $350 a month · Average wait: 28 months · Homes at several sites · (229) 382-5434
- Wildwood Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1220 Sussex Dr, Tifton 31794 88 homes, 87 low-income · 2 bd: 72 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2007
- Tift Tower Apartments HUD-assisted 311 2nd St E, Tifton 31794 85 low-income homes · For older adults · (229) 386-8911
- The Groves Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 2822 Rainwater Rd, Tifton 31793 96 homes, 76 low-income · In service since 2006
- Tiffany Square Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1430 Prince Ave, Tifton 31794 46 low-income homes · 1 bd: 2 · 2 bd: 44 · In service since 1997
- Harbor Pointe Tax credit (LIHTC) 88 Richards Dr, Tifton 31794 56 homes, 44 low-income · In service since 2003
- J.M. Deas HUD-assisted 120 13th St E, Tifton 31794 44 low-income homes · For families · (229) 382-5434
- Magnolia Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 4 Pertilla Pl, Tifton 31794 36 low-income homes · 2 bd: 17 · 3 bd: 19 · In service since 1996
- Meadow Crossing Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 408 Spinks Drive, Omega 31775 36 low-income homes · In service since 1995
- Azalea Trace Apartments HUD-assisted 38 Pertilla Pl, Tifton 31794 19 homes, 17 low-income · For older adults · (229) 386-7861
- Azalea Trace II HUD-assisted 44 Pertilla Pl, Tifton 31794 17 low-income homes · For older adults · (229) 382-2142
- Groves Place Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 2840 Rainwater Rd, Tifton 31793 56 homes, 8 low-income · In service since 2016 · (229) 396-5599
- Options for Living East One HUD-assisted 1606 Red Fox Trl, Tifton 31793 5 homes, 4 low-income · For people with disabilities · (229) 388-9001
- The Residences at West Haven Tax credit (LIHTC) 2700 Eb Hamilton Dr, Tifton 31793 49 homes · In service since 2017
- West Haven Senior Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 2760 Eb Hamilton Dr, Tifton 31793 40 homes · 2 bd: 40 · In service since 2011
- Tifton Estates Tax credit (LIHTC) 1510 Coley Ave, Tifton 31794 34 homes · In service since 2010
2 properties have two programs at the same address and appear once. Search HUD's map
Source: HUD, retrieved November 6, 2026. LIHTC database, updated May 14, 2025; Assisted multifamily properties, updated October 23, 2026; Public housing developments, updated October 23, 2026.
Section 8
The Section 8 voucher in Tift County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 1 agency serves in Tift County. Here is what the rules say:
The rules, with their source
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You apply at the public housing agency. If you qualify, your name usually goes on a waiting list. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or noncitizens with eligible status as HUD defines it. Source: HUD
-
Generally, your family must have very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income, by family size (the middle column of the table). Source: 24 CFR §5.603, §982.201(b)
-
Each year, at least 75% of the families an agency admits from its list must have extremely low income (the 30% column). Source: 24 CFR §982.201(b)(2)
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If the rent is below the payment standard, the family generally pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. If it is above, the family pays more. Source: 24 CFR §982.1(a)(3)
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When you move in, if the rent is above the payment standard, your share cannot go over 40% of your adjusted monthly income. Source: 24 CFR §982.508
-
Each agency sets a payment standard for each size. Without asking HUD, it can go from 90% to 110% of the fair market rent. Source: 24 CFR §982.503(b), (c)
| People | Extremely low (30%) | Very low (50%) | Low |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $16,200 | $26,950 | $43,150 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $30,800 | $49,300 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $34,650 | $55,450 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $38,500 | $61,600 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $41,600 | $66,550 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $44,700 | $71,500 |
| 7 people | $47,750 | $47,750 | $76,400 |
| 8 people | $50,850 | $50,850 | $81,350 |
Area median income: $74,700. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Tift County, GA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $760 – $928
- 1 bedroom $764 – $934
- 2 bedrooms $902 – $1,102
- 3 bedrooms $1,127 – $1,377
- 4 bedrooms $1,352 – $1,652
The range the rule allows: 90% to 110% of the county's fair market rent. Your agency publishes its own.
Housing agencies that serve this place
- Housing Authority of the City of Tifton Public housing · 337 public housing units (229) 382-5434 Housing Authority of the City of Tifton: info@tiftonhousing.org
Housing agencies in Georgia Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026
Your rights as a tenant in Georgia
What Georgia law says about deposits, notices and eviction, with the citation for each rule.
See your rights, rule by ruleCompare these rules with other states →
A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.
- How much can they charge for a deposit?
- Up to 2 months of rent
- O.C.G.A. §44-7-30.1
- When must they return my deposit?
- 30 days
- O.C.G.A. §44-7-34
- If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?
- 3 business days
- O.C.G.A. §44-7-50(a)
- How much notice ends a month-to-month rental?
- 60 days
- O.C.G.A. §44-7-7
- Only a court order can remove youO.C.G.A. §44-7-14.1; §44-7-50 et seq.
- Protection from retaliationO.C.G.A. §44-7-24
Help
Where to get help with rent in Tift County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Family Visions Outreach, Inc.
601 West Price St., Sylvester · 20 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 6 more
-
City of Albany, Georgia
230 S Jackson St Ste 315, Albany · 38 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 5 more
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Nid-Hca Albany (FLETCHER)
230 S Jackson St Ste 154, Albany · 38 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 6 more
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Tift County or the whole state, with what each page says about being open.
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Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Run by Georgia Department of Human Services, Division of Family & Children Services (DFCS)
Help from the federal LIHEAP program in Georgia to pay the home energy bill, through your county's community action agency
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Tift County. Change the rent, the deposit and the fees to yours: the numbers stay in your browser.
Count power on top of the rent: in Georgia, the average home bill was $151 a month in 2024 (EIA). See electricity and gas costs
Your move
We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.
Adjust advanced details
Let's do the math
Cash to move in
$2,004
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,002
- Security deposit
- $1,002
- Total
- $2,004
When you'll have it
Enter what you can set aside each month to see how long it takes.
What helps
- Ask for a receipt for every payment and keep a copy of the lease.
- On move-in day, walk through the home and take dated photos.
- Never send money for a home you haven't seen or a lease you haven't read.
This is a planning estimate, not a price. What you are asked for depends on the landlord, your lease and your state's and city's rules. It is not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fair market rent in Tift County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $844; 1 bedroom: $849; 2 bedrooms: $1,002; 3 bedrooms: $1,252; 4 bedrooms: $1,502. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Tift County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,002) without spending more than 30% of income takes $19.27 an hour full time, or $40,080 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Tift County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $38,500 a year (Fiscal year 2026). The family usually pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. You apply at the housing agency.
How much does Section 8 pay in Tift County?
The voucher pays up to your housing agency's payment standard, minus your share. The rule lets the agency set it between 90% and 110% of the fair market rent: for 2 bedrooms here, between $902 and $1,102 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Tift County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,000 in 31727 to $1,010 in 31794. Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses.
How many low-income apartments are there in Tift County?
HUD lists 19 properties with homes for low-income households in Tift County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest. For tax-credit apartments and HUD-assisted buildings, you apply directly at the building's management office. They tell you whether units are open and how to apply; HUD does not have that information.
How many households spend too much on rent in Tift County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Tift County, 43% of renter households are in that position; in Georgia, 52%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).