Georgia · 2026 Federal Benchmarks

Cost of Living in Thomas County, GA

The median household in Thomas County, GA earns $60,736 a year ($5,061/month) according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data. Benchmark 2-bedroom rent is $1,149/month under HUD Fair Market Rents, requiring an annual income of at least $45,960 under the federal 30% housing rule, with overall consumer prices sitting 3.7% below the national baseline.

Key Economic Benchmarks

Median Household Income

$60,736$5,061 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year
2-Bedroom Rent$1,149HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent
Price Parity (RPP)96.3-3.7% vs national baseline
Electricity Rate16.4¢per kWh · EIA Residential GA
Census Population45,777Official resident count

Fair market rent & 30% rule in Thomas County, GA

Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.

Affordable (< 30% of income)
HUD Fair Market Rent$1,149Monthly market rent
Share of gross income22.7%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$45,960To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$1,518At 30% of $60,736
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Thomas County, GA

Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Thomas County, GA. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.

HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent Schedule for Thomas County, GA
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$1,001$12,012$40,04019.8%
1-Bedroom Apartment$1,048$12,576$41,92020.7%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$1,149$13,788$45,96022.7%
3-Bedroom Home$1,456$17,472$58,24028.8%
4-Bedroom Home$1,521$18,252$60,84030.1%

See dedicated rental breakdown for Thomas County, GA →

50/30/20 Living Budget in Thomas County, GA

Based on the local median household income of $60,736/year ($5,061/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:

Needs (50%)$2,531/moRent ($1,149 2-BR), utilities (~$147/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$1,518/moDiscretionary spending: dining, leisure, recreation at 96.3 RPP price level
Savings & Debt (20%)$1,012/moEmergency fund, 401(k), IRA retirement, student loan and debt reduction

Take-Home Pay & Tax Explorer in Georgia

Explore net income after federal income tax, FICA, and Georgia state income tax based on the local median baseline.

$60,736
$20,000$125,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$60,736
Net 80%
Fed 8%
GA 4%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$48,699After all taxes
Monthly deposit$4,058Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$1,873Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate19.8%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$5,108 / yr
Georgia state income tax$2,282 / yr
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$4,646 / yr

Compare earnings and living costs across Georgia with official federal datasets:

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Thomas County, GA

What is the median household income in Thomas County, GA?

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Thomas County, GA is $60,736 per year (approximately $5,061 per month).

What is the average rent in Thomas County, GA?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Thomas County, GA are $1,001 for a studio, $1,048 for 1 bedroom, $1,149 for 2 bedrooms, $1,456 for 3 bedrooms, and $1,521 for 4 bedrooms.

How does the cost of living in Thomas County, GA compare to the national average?

Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Thomas County, GA is 96.3 (3.7% lower than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).

How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Thomas County, GA?

Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($1,149/month) in Thomas County, GA requires a minimum gross household income of $45,960 per year ($3,830 per month).

What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Thomas County, GA?

For a typical household earning the median income of $60,736/year ($5,061/month) in Thomas County, GA, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $2,531/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,518/month to discretionary spending, and $1,012/month to savings and debt repayment.

What are typical electricity and utility costs in Thomas County, GA?

Residential electricity rates in Georgia average 16.4¢ per kWh according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). For an average home using 900 kWh per month, the estimated electric bill is approximately $147 per month.