Median Income
$72,978
3% lower than US avg
Home Value
$270,800
4% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
30.8%
9% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$692
40% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.9%
1% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.3%
92% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.8%
5% lower than US avg
How Swannanoa Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population6,043
Median Age32.9 yrs
Density947/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 83%
Economy
A
Median Income$72,978
Per Capita$26,785
Unemployment0.3%
Poverty11.8%
County GDP$21,262M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$270,800
Rent$692
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$355,889
Health
Obesity31.9%
UninsuredN/A
Depression26.6%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F
AQI40 (Good)
Elevation2,210 ft
Education
B
Bachelor's+30.8%
High School+88.2%
School Score5.46
Community
2024 VoteR 37% / D 62%
Commute17 min
Libraries12
Is Swannanoa a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Swannanoa receives an overall livability score of 4.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include low unemployment. Swannanoa stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Swannanoa is $72,978, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.3%. 11.8% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Swannanoa is $270,800, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $692 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.7x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
30.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Swannanoa experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 37°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Swannanoa has a population of 6,043 with a density of 947 people per square mile. The median age is 32.9 years, 15% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (82.7%), with 3.8% Hispanic.
Population
32.9yrs
Median Age
15% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Swannanoa vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 92.0% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Spanish | 8.0% |
| 40% below US avg |
Social Characteristics
Swannanoa vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Swannanoa is $72,978, which is 3% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 0.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 11.8% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes.
Income: Swannanoa vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $72,978 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,785 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,130 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $86,785 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.3% |
| 92% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.8% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 13,107 |
| County GDP | $21,262M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 971 |
| Healthcare | 1,283 |
| Retail | 1,329 |
| Manufacturing | 331 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,058 |
| 45% above US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.87% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.3 min |
| Work from Home | 11.3% |
The median home value in Swannanoa is $270,800, 4% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $692 (40% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $355,889.
Home Values
| Census Median | $270,800 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $355,889 |
| Median List Price | $690,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $690,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $209 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.4% |
| Price Drops | 27.3% |
| Inventory | 11 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $692 |
| 40% below US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $932 |
| 1 Bedroom | $981 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,161 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,499 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,058 |
| 45% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.87% |
In Swannanoa, 31.9% of adults are obese (below the 32.1% national rate). 26.6% report depression. 21.5% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Swannanoa vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.9% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.6% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 16.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.5% |
| Depression | 26.6% |
| Mental Distress | 17.8% |
| Physical Distress | 12.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 84.8% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 76.0% |
| Premature Death | 8,557/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 76.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,283 |
Crime Rates: Swannanoa vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 34 |
Safety Score
Swannanoa has an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 37°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Temperature
37°F Jan (3°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 55.4°F |
| 3% above US avg |
| January Average | 37°F (3°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,210 ft (674 m) |
| Area | 6.4 sq mi (16.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 947/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.6008°N, 82.3872°W |
| County FIPS | 37021 |