Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.6%
42% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.2%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
7.1%
97% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
46.2%
273% higher than US avg
How Taft Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population305
Median Age52.4 yrs
Density85/mi²
Male / Female57% / 43%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans7.8%
Economy
Per Capita$68,890
Unemployment7.1%
Poverty46.2%
County GDP$1,714M
Commute32 min
Housing
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$300,388
Housing Units90
Rent Burden30.7%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property1,746/100K
Health
Obesity38.2%
Uninsured10.6%
Smoking18.0%
Depression31.8%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp60°F (16°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain59.8 in/yr
Sunny Days301/yr
Elevation888 ft (271 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.6%
High School+51.5%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.49
Community
2024 VoteR 82% / D 17%
Commute32 min
Broadband99.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is Taft a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Taft receives an overall livability score of 2.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Taft has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The unemployment rate of 7.1% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 46.2% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes.
Safety & Crime
Taft is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,746 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
19.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 51.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Taft enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F. Winters average 40°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 301 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 59.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Taft has a population of 305 with a density of 85 people per square mile, spread across 3.6 square miles. The median age is 52.4 years, 35% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 43.3% female and 56.7% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 7.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
52.4yrs
Median Age
35% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Per capita income is $68,890 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $973, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 7.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 46.2% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 804 business establishments, including 42 restaurants. The cost of living index is 91.9, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $68,890 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $973 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,203 |
| Gini Index | 0.429 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.1% |
| 97% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 46.2% |
| 273% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 804 |
| County GDP | $1,714M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 42 |
| Healthcare | 70 |
| Retail | 137 |
| Manufacturing | 34 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,298 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 91.90 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 31.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 88.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $300,388. Fair market rent ranges from $924 for a one-bedroom to $1,118 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 90 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2005. The average annual property tax is $2,298 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 30.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $882 |
| 1 Bedroom | $924 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,118 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,445 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,644 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 90 |
| Median Year Built | 2005 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,298 |
| 34% below US avg |
In Taft, 38.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 33.5% have high blood pressure. 18.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.7% report binge drinking. 25.1% are physically inactive. 31.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.5% experience frequent mental distress. 10.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,362. The dentist ratio is 1:4,000. 28.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Taft vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.2% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.5% |
| Asthma | 11.6% |
| COPD | 7.7% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.0% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.1% |
| Depression | 31.8% |
| Mental Distress | 21.5% |
| Physical Distress | 14.6% |
| Short Sleep | 37.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.0% |
| Uninsured | 10.6% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,362 |
| Dentists | 1:4,000 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,584 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.4% |
| Dental Visits | 63.8% |
| Premature Death | 13,045/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 28.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 70 |
Taft has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,746 per 100,000, 11% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Taft receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Taft vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,745.6/100K |
| 11% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Traffic Accidents | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.5 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Taft enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F (16°C). Winters average 40°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 301 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 59.8 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 1.1 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 888 feet.
Temperature
40°F Jan (5°C)
78°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 60.0°F |
| 11% above US avg |
| January Average | 40°F (5°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 301 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 888 ft (271 m) |
| Area | 3.6 sq mi (9.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 85/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.0261°N, 86.7177°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Lincoln County County |
| Nearest Airport | Huntsville International-Carl T Jones Field (HSV)
27 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
59.8"
57% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
6.42"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 58.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 68.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 24.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
72 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.6. Most recent: M2.6 on Feb 25, 2025.
| Apr 29, 2003 |
8 km S of Valley Head, Alabama |
M4.6 |
116 km |
| Dec 8, 2001 |
5 km SW of Pleasant Groves, Alabama |
M3.9 |
57 km |
| Jun 19, 2007 |
10 km ENE of Spencer, Tennessee |
M3.5 |
150 km |
| May 6, 2010 |
11 km ENE of Whitesboro, Alabama |
M3.2 |
117 km |
| Apr 5, 1994 |
10 km N of Trenton, Georgia |
M3.2 |
112 km |
| Mar 21, 2001 |
7 km ESE of Trenton, Georgia |
M3.2 |
118 km |
| May 10, 2020 |
7 km SSE of Sewanee, Tennessee |
M3.1 |
76 km |
| Apr 29, 2003 |
7 km E of Fort Payne, Alabama |
M3.1 |
118 km |
| May 2, 2003 |
8 km S of Valley Head, Alabama |
M3.1 |
118 km |
| May 4, 2007 |
4 km SSW of Jasper, Alabama |
M3.0 |
147 km |
| May 4, 1994 |
12 km NNW of Addison, Alabama |
M3.0 |
94 km |
| May 4, 1994 |
2 km NNW of Addison, Alabama |
M3.0 |
100 km |
| Sep 19, 1990 |
6 km NNW of Menlo, Georgia |
M2.9 |
124 km |
| May 19, 1997 |
9 km NNW of Trion, Georgia |
M2.9 |
132 km |
| Jan 2, 2000 |
4 km SW of Lester, Alabama |
M2.9 |
43 km |
| Jan 2, 2000 |
4 km SW of Lester, Alabama |
M2.9 |
43 km |
| Aug 7, 2006 |
8 km NNE of Trenton, Georgia |
M2.9 |
115 km |
| Mar 20, 2000 |
7 km WSW of Linwood, Georgia |
M2.8 |
129 km |
| May 13, 1999 |
11 km S of Pulaski, Tennessee |
M2.8 |
29 km |
| Sep 20, 1990 |
6 km N of Elkmont, Alabama |
M2.8 |
23 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
675 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 188 fatalities, 2,615 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF5 |
98 km |
25 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF5 |
93 km |
28 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF5 |
47 km |
16 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF4 |
78 km |
1 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF4 |
81 km |
14 |
| Apr 10, 2009 |
EF4 |
82 km |
2 |
| Feb 6, 2008 |
EF4 |
87 km |
4 |
| Feb 6, 2008 |
EF4 |
89 km |
1 |
| Jan 24, 1997 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1995 |
EF4 |
36 km |
1 |
| May 18, 1995 |
EF4 |
70 km |
3 |
| Nov 15, 1989 |
EF4 |
42 km |
21 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
20 km |
11 |
| Apr 24, 1955 |
EF4 |
81 km |
5 |
| Mar 22, 1952 |
EF4 |
54 km |
4 |
| Feb 29, 1952 |
EF4 |
19 km |
2 |
| Feb 13, 1952 |
EF4 |
43 km |
3 |
| May 8, 2024 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2024 |
EF3 |
70 km |
1 |
| May 8, 2024 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BK OWL CREEK (2,838 ac, 2020).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2020 |
BK OWL CREEK |
2,838 |
92 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
2,822 |
96 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
2,710 |
98 km |
| 2011 |
GREEN TOWER |
2,653 |
90 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
2,602 |
100 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
2,264 |
90 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
2,114 |
99 km |
| 2021 |
BK LEOLA/WARREN |
2,007 |
89 km |
| 2010 |
STINSON GAP |
1,922 |
90 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
1,845 |
93 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
1,826 |
93 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,819 |
98 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
1,620 |
90 km |
| 2021 |
BK CLIFTY FORK |
1,612 |
98 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
1,603 |
93 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
1,562 |
97 km |
| 2022 |
BK TAPSVILLE |
1,494 |
93 km |
| 2024 |
BNK HOLMES CHAPEL/MT. OLIVE RX |
1,302 |
97 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
1,271 |
55 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
1,230 |
94 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
40°F (5°C) |
4.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
42°F (5°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| March |
50°F (10°C) |
6.4 in |
Wettest |
| April |
58°F (15°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| May |
66°F (19°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
78°F (26°C) |
4.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
3.4 in |
Driest |
| September |
71°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| October |
59°F (15°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| November |
50°F (10°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| December |
42°F (5°C) |
5.6 in |
|
Taft has a seasonal temperature swing of 38°F / from 40°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 56.1 inches, with March being the wettest month (6.4") and August the driest (3.4").
Average costs for common services in Taft. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$230 ($138–$368) |
| Specialist Visit |
$322 ($184–$505) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$184 ($92–$322) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,022 ($735–$4,595) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$119 ($69–$184) |
| Dental Filling |
$230 ($138–$368) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$69) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$69 ($46–$110) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$276 ($138–$460) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($18–$69) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$551 ($368–$919) |
| Battery Replacement |
$184 ($92–$322) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$92 ($55–$138) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$83 ($46–$129) |
| HVAC Repair |
$368 ($138–$735) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,433 ($3,676–$11,028) |
| Roof Repair |
$919 ($368–$1,838) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,271 ($5,055–$13,785) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,379 ($460–$3,217) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,785 ($4,595–$27,570) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,595 ($1,838–$9,190) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,379 ($735–$2,757) |
| Will Preparation |
$460 ($184–$919) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,298 ($919–$4,595) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$92) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$138 ($69–$230) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$60) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$74 ($46–$119) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.77 ($2.76–$5.05) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.22 ($2.30–$4.60) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.49 ($2.30–$5.05) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.14 ($2.76–$5.97) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.05 ($3.68–$6.89) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.92 ($0.55–$1.65) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$129 ($74–$230) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$64 ($28–$138) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$64 ($37–$110) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$64 ($37–$92) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$60 ($28–$92) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$78 ($46–$138) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$184 ($69–$460) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,838 ($1,103–$3,217) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$64 ($28–$119) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.35–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$92 ($28–$230) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$69) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,103 ($551–$2,298) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$919 ($460–$1,838) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$368 ($184–$643) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$46 ($23–$92) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$919 ($368–$2,298) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,488 ($4,595–$27,570) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$55 ($28–$92) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$92 ($46–$184) |
| Dog Grooming |
$55 ($28–$92) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($18–$69) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$276 ($138–$460) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$184 ($92–$368) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $567 |
| Toddler | $476 |
| Preschool | $476 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $393 |
| Toddler | $422 |
| Preschool | $422 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Taft
What is the population of Taft?
Taft has a population of 305 residents and is located in Tennessee. The population density is 85 people per square mile, spread across 3.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 52.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 43.3% female and 56.7% male.
Is Taft expensive to live in?
Taft is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 91.9 / below the baseline of 100.
Is Taft safe?
Taft is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,746 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Taft receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Taft?
Taft enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F (16°C). Winter temperatures average 40°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 301 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 59.8 inches, with 1.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Taft?
The unemployment rate in Taft is 7.1%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $973. There are 804 business establishments in the area, including 42 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 32 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in Taft?
Schools in Taft score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.6% of adults in Taft hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 51.5% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Taft?
The obesity rate in Taft is 38.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.0% of adults are smokers. 25.1% are physically inactive. 31.8% of residents report depression. 10.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 28.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,362.
What is transportation like in Taft?
The average commute in Taft is 32 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 88.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Taft?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Taft is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 7.8% of the population are military veterans. 16.4% of residents have a disability. 95.0% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
