Tift County, Georgia
Tift County is located in the heart of south Georgia, about 180 miles south of Atlanta. Its county seat, Tifton, is known as "The Friendly City" for its welcoming atmosphere and strong sense of community. Residents take pride in their hospitality, making visitors feel right at home.
Agriculture has long been the foundation of the county’s economy, with fertile soils supporting crops such as cotton, peanuts, and tobacco. Tift County is also home to the University of Georgia Tifton Campus, a leading center for agricultural research and education. Each year, the county hosts the Sunbelt Agricultural Expo, the largest farm show in North America.
Beyond its agricultural heritage, Tift County offers plenty of outdoor recreation. Paradise Public Fishing Area is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and relaxing in nature, while Tifton’s local restaurants are well known for serving some of south Georgia’s best barbecue.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Tift County |
| County Seat | Tifton |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Tifton (county seat), Ty Ty, Omega, and other small communities |
| Interstates and Highways | Interstate 75, U.S. Route 82, Georgia State Route 35 |
| Etymology | Named after Colonel Nelson Tift, U.S. Congressman |
| FIPS Code | 13-277 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 1,290 square miles (land: 1,283 sq mi, water: 7 sq mi) |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time Zone (ET) |
| State | Georgia |
| Coordinates | 31.4881° N, 83.5160° W |
| Major Landmarks | Tifton’s Georgia Museum of Agriculture, and the Tifton Historic District |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Irwin County (Northeast), Berrien County (Southeast), Cook County (South), Colquitt County (Southwest), Worth County (West), Turner County (Northwest) |
| Population | Approximately 41,000 |
