Median Income
$45,621
39% lower than US avg
Home Value
$104,800
63% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
511/100K
34% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.4%
60% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$788
32% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
45.8%
43% higher than US avg
Unemployment
7.4%
106% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
31.7%
156% higher than US avg
How Swainsboro Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population7,561
Median Age31.8 yrs
Density601/mi²
Male / Female48% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 32%
Economy
D
Median Income$45,621
Per Capita$23,370
Unemployment7.4%
Poverty31.7%
County GDP$996M
Commute29 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$104,800
Rent$788
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$125,736
Crime
F
Violent511/100K
Property5,017/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault445/100K
Burglary1,389/100K
Health
Obesity45.8%
UninsuredN/A
Depression21.4%
Heart Disease6.9%
Climate
Avg Temp64°F
AQI44 (Good)
Rain45.7 in/yr
Elevation266 ft
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.4%
High School+81.9%
School Score4.92
Community
2024 VoteR 72% / D 28%
Commute29 min
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is Swainsboro a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Swainsboro receives an overall livability score of 2.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Swainsboro has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Swainsboro is $45,621, 39% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 7.4% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 31.7% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Swainsboro is $104,800, 63% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $788 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 511 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 — something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,017 per 100,000, 156% above the national average.
Education
13.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Swainsboro enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F. Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 45.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 44.
Swainsboro has a population of 7,561 with a density of 601 people per square mile. The median age is 31.8 years, 18% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly Black (60.3%), with 31.7% White, 2.6% Hispanic.
Population
31.8yrs
Median Age
18% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Swainsboro vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 96.2% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Spanish | 3.8% |
| 72% below US avg |
Social Characteristics
Swainsboro vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Swainsboro is $45,621, which is 39% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 7.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 31.7% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.
Income: Swainsboro vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $45,621 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,370 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $877 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $51,371 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.4% |
| 106% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 31.7% |
| 156% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 471 |
| County GDP | $996M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 39 |
| Healthcare | 38 |
| Retail | 80 |
| Manufacturing | 34 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,672 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.55% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.3 min |
| Work from Home | 7.5% |
The median home value in Swainsboro is $104,800, 63% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $788 (32% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $125,736.
Home Values
| Census Median | $104,800 |
| 63% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $125,736 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $788 |
| 32% below US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $979 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,023 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,203 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,524 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,775 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,672 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.55% |
In Swainsboro, 45.8% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 21.4% report depression. 38.9% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Swainsboro vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 45.8% |
| 43% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 16.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 43.7% |
| Asthma | 12.5% |
| COPD | 9.6% |
| Stroke | 4.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 12.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 38.9% |
| Depression | 21.4% |
| Mental Distress | 22.0% |
| Physical Distress | 17.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 81.7% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 78.8% |
| Premature Death | 13,933/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 14.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 38 |
Swainsboro has a violent crime rate of 511 per 100,000 residents, 34% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 5,017 per 100,000 (156% above US avg). The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000.
Crime Rates: Swainsboro vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 510.9/100K |
| 34% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 13.1/100K |
| Robbery | 52.4/100K |
| Assault | 445.4/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 5,017.0/100K |
| 156% above US avg |
| Burglary | 1,388.5/100K |
| Theft | 3,536.8/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 91.7/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Swainsboro has an average annual temperature of 64°F (18°C). Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. Annual precipitation is 45.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 44.
Temperature
46°F Jan (8°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 64.0°F |
| 19% above US avg |
| January Average | 46°F (8°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 45.7 inches |
| 20% above US avg |
| Snowfall | 0.0 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 44.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 266 ft (81 m) |
| Area | 12.6 sq mi (32.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 601/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 32.5856°N, 82.3348°W |
| County FIPS | 13107 |