Median Income
$65,000
14% lower than US avg
Home Value
$177,800
37% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
26.8%
20% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$775
33% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.8%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Sweet Water Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population157
Median Age51.9 yrs
Density67/mi²
Male / Female59% / 41%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans7.7%
Economy
A
Median Income$65,000
Per Capita$67,889
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$1,108M
Commute31 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$177,800
Rent$775
Ownership90.0%
Zillow$138,771
Housing Units117
Rent Burden17.5%
Health
Obesity37.8%
Uninsured2.5%
Smoking19.2%
Depression28.1%
Heart Disease6.9%
Climate
Avg Temp64°F (18°C)
Rain56.9 in/yr
Elevation199 ft (61 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+26.8%
High School+94.5%
Graduate+20.7%
School Score4.28
Community
2024 VoteR 52% / D 48%
Commute31 min
Broadband83.8%
EV Stations3
Libraries2
Is Sweet Water a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sweet Water receives an overall livability score of 4.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Sweet Water stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Sweet Water is $65,000, 14% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Sweet Water is $177,800, 37% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $775 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
26.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Sweet Water enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F. Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 56.9 inches.
Sweet Water has a population of 157 with a density of 67 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age is 51.9 years, 33% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 40.8% female and 59.2% male. The city is predominantly White (96.2%), with 3.8% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.3% of residents. 7.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 21.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 97.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
157
Total Population
2023 Census
51.9yrs
Median Age
33% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Sweet Water vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.3%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.4%
97% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Sweet Water vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Sweet Water is $65,000, which is 14% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $67,889 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,027, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 568 business establishments, including 37 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes. 6.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Sweet Water vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $65,000 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $67,889 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,027 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,967 |
| Gini Index | 0.516 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 568 |
| County GDP | $1,108M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 37 |
| Healthcare | 52 |
| Retail | 98 |
| Manufacturing | 15 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,588 |
| 55% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 0.89% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 30.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.9% |
The median home value in Sweet Water is $177,800, 37% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $138,771, lower than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $775 (33% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $772 for a one-bedroom to $936 for a two-bedroom apartment. 90.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 117 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1969. The average annual property tax is $1,588 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 17.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $177,800 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $138,771 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $775 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 17.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $716 |
| 1 Bedroom | $772 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $936 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,206 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,381 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 90.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 90.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 10.0% |
| Housing Units | 117 |
| Median Year Built | 1969 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,588 |
| 55% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 0.89% |
In Sweet Water, 37.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.6% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.9% of residents, above the national average. 39.6% have high blood pressure. 19.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.3% report binge drinking. 29.3% are physically inactive, above the national average. 28.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.3% experience frequent mental distress. 2.5% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,374. The dentist ratio is 1:3,749. 47.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Sweet Water vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.8% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 39.6% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 8.9% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.2% |
| 37% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.3% |
| Depression | 28.1% |
| Mental Distress | 20.3% |
| Physical Distress | 15.5% |
| Short Sleep | 37.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.5% |
| Uninsured | 2.5% |
| 71% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,374 |
| Dentists | 1:3,749 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,336 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.9% |
| Dental Visits | 58.3% |
| Premature Death | 14,679/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 47.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 52 |
Sweet Water enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F (18°C). Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 56.9 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The city sits at an elevation of 199 feet.
Temperature
46°F Jan (8°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 64.0°F |
| 19% above US avg |
| January Average | 46°F (8°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 199 ft (61 m) |
| Area | 2.0 sq mi (5.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 67/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 32.1046°N, 87.8619°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Marengo County County |
| Nearest Airport | Montgomery Regional (Dannelly Field) (MGM)
87 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
56.9"
50% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
5.97"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 52.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 96.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 35.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
44 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.8. Most recent: M2.6 on Apr 23, 2019.
| Oct 24, 1997 |
15 km NNW of Flomaton, Alabama |
M4.8 |
120 km |
| Jul 16, 1993 |
2 km SSW of Silas, Alabama |
M3.7 |
60 km |
| Oct 26, 1997 |
11 km NNW of Flomaton, Alabama |
M3.7 |
124 km |
| Aug 19, 2004 |
8 km W of Brantleyville, Alabama |
M3.6 |
148 km |
| Mar 25, 1996 |
11 km NNE of Quitman, Mississippi |
M3.5 |
76 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
12 km W of Union, Alabama |
M3.5 |
100 km |
| Jun 24, 1998 |
11 km W of Demopolis, Alabama |
M3.4 |
45 km |
| May 28, 1995 |
14 km WSW of Coker, Alabama |
M3.4 |
121 km |
| Apr 21, 2009 |
12 km S of Centreville, Alabama |
M3.4 |
108 km |
| Sep 30, 2003 |
10 km NNW of Atmore, Alabama |
M3.3 |
115 km |
| Mar 22, 2005 |
9 km NNE of Coffeeville, Alabama |
M3.3 |
35 km |
| Mar 12, 2015 |
14 km W of Union, Alabama |
M3.1 |
98 km |
| Mar 11, 2019 |
4 km N of Flomaton, Alabama |
M3.1 |
131 km |
| Apr 11, 2019 |
6 km NNW of Pollard, Alabama |
M3.1 |
130 km |
| May 4, 1997 |
9 km ESE of Atmore, Alabama |
M3.1 |
130 km |
| Jun 28, 2008 |
7 km WNW of Brookwood, Alabama |
M3.1 |
137 km |
| May 16, 2008 |
10 km W of Coffeeville, Alabama |
M3.1 |
49 km |
| Feb 27, 2015 |
11 km WSW of Union, Alabama |
M3.1 |
97 km |
| Sep 11, 1992 |
5 km SSE of Riverview, Alabama |
M3.0 |
123 km |
| Oct 28, 1997 |
11 km NNW of Flomaton, Alabama |
M3.0 |
124 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Hurricane History
11 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 3. Most recent: Sally (2020, Cat 2).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2020 |
Sally |
Category 2 |
152 km |
| 2020 |
Zeta |
Category 2 |
126 km |
| 2017 |
Nate |
Category 1 |
218 km |
| 2005 |
Dennis |
Category 3 |
155 km |
| 2005 |
Katrina |
Category 3 |
147 km |
| 2004 |
Ivan |
Category 3 |
80 km |
| 1998 |
Georges |
Category 2 |
194 km |
| 1997 |
Danny |
Category 1 |
190 km |
| 1995 |
Opal |
Category 3 |
128 km |
| 1995 |
Erin |
Category 2 |
171 km |
| 1985 |
Elena |
Category 3 |
228 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
430 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 30 fatalities, 585 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 1, 2007 |
EF4 |
43 km |
1 |
| Mar 12, 1986 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1973 |
EF4 |
48 km |
7 |
| Apr 23, 1971 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1953 |
EF4 |
51 km |
2 |
| Mar 30, 2022 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Mar 25, 2021 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Mar 25, 2021 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
60 km |
7 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 2011 |
EF3 |
17 km |
1 |
| Mar 6, 1996 |
EF3 |
69 km |
4 |
| Mar 10, 1992 |
EF3 |
53 km |
2 |
| Mar 10, 1992 |
EF3 |
88 km |
3 |
| Nov 4, 1988 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Mar 24, 1984 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Dec 6, 1983 |
EF3 |
81 km |
1 |
| Apr 18, 1978 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Dec 20, 1971 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Mar 2, 1971 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,870 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
4,870 |
52 km |
| 2022 |
OK COMP 40/53 |
4,093 |
96 km |
| 2020 |
OK PAYNE LAKE |
4,078 |
97 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
4,021 |
50 km |
| 2022 |
OK COMP 50/51/52 |
3,786 |
97 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
3,556 |
93 km |
| 2022 |
OK C-36/38/39 COMBINED |
3,373 |
98 km |
| 2024 |
OAK COMP 55/56 RX |
3,088 |
97 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
2,909 |
98 km |
| 2010 |
COMPARTMENT 057 |
2,806 |
97 km |
| 2022 |
OK 146 |
2,641 |
99 km |
| 2020 |
OK COMPARTMENT 55 AND 56 |
2,462 |
97 km |
| 2021 |
OK COMP 61 AND 63 |
2,213 |
95 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
2,160 |
46 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
2,120 |
72 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
2,072 |
51 km |
| 2024 |
OAK COMPARTMENT 53 RX |
1,811 |
95 km |
| 2020 |
OK COMPARTMENT 65 |
1,800 |
95 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
1,780 |
97 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
1,734 |
96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
46°F (8°C) |
4.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
50°F (10°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| March |
57°F (14°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| April |
64°F (18°C) |
5.3 in |
|
| May |
71°F (22°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| June |
77°F (25°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
6.0 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
79°F (26°C) |
5.3 in |
|
| September |
75°F (24°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
65°F (18°C) |
3.1 in |
Driest |
| November |
55°F (13°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| December |
49°F (9°C) |
5.9 in |
|
Sweet Water has a seasonal temperature swing of 34°F / from 46°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 56.9 inches, with July being the wettest month (6.0") and October the driest (3.1").
Average costs for common services in Sweet Water. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$222 ($133-$355) |
| Specialist Visit |
$311 ($178-$488) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$178 ($89-$311) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,954 ($710-$4,440) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$115 ($67-$178) |
| Dental Filling |
$222 ($133-$355) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22-$67) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$67 ($44-$107) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$266 ($133-$444) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18-$67) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$533 ($355-$888) |
| Battery Replacement |
$178 ($89-$311) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$89 ($53-$133) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$80 ($44-$124) |
| HVAC Repair |
$355 ($133-$710) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,216 ($3,552-$10,656) |
| Roof Repair |
$888 ($355-$1,776) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,992 ($4,884-$13,320) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,332 ($444-$3,108) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,320 ($4,440-$26,640) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,440 ($1,776-$8,880) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,332 ($710-$2,664) |
| Will Preparation |
$444 ($178-$888) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,220 ($888-$4,440) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27-$89) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$133 ($67-$222) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($22-$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($44-$115) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.64 ($2.66-$4.88) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.11 ($2.22-$4.44) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.37 ($2.22-$4.88) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.00 ($2.66-$5.77) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.88 ($3.55-$6.66) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.89 ($0.53-$1.60) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$124 ($71-$222) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($27-$133) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($36-$107) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($36-$89) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27-$89) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44-$133) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$178 ($67-$444) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,776 ($1,066-$3,108) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($27-$115) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.10-$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$89 ($27-$222) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13-$67) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,066 ($533-$2,220) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$888 ($444-$1,776) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$355 ($178-$622) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22-$89) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$888 ($355-$2,220) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,100 ($4,440-$26,640) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($27-$89) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$89 ($44-$178) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($27-$89) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18-$67) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$266 ($133-$444) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$178 ($89-$355) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $591 |
| Toddler | $574 |
| Preschool | $557 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $449 |
| Toddler | $449 |
| Preschool | $449 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet Water
What is the population of Sweet Water?
Sweet Water has a population of 157 residents and is located in Alabama. The population density is 67 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 51.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 40.8% female and 59.2% male.
Is Sweet Water expensive to live in?
Sweet Water is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $65,000, 14% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $177,800 (37% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $775 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Sweet Water?
Sweet Water enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F (18°C). Winter temperatures average 46°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 56.9 inches.
How is the job market in Sweet Water?
The job market in Sweet Water is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,027. There are 568 business establishments in the area, including 37 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 31 minutes, and 6.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sweet Water?
The median home value in Sweet Water is $177,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $138,771. For renters, the median monthly rent is $775. Fair market rent is $772 for a 1-bedroom and $936 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 90.0%. The average annual property tax is $1,588.
How are the schools in Sweet Water?
Schools in Sweet Water have an average test score of 4.3 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 26.8% of adults in Sweet Water hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.5% have completed high school. 20.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sweet Water?
The obesity rate in Sweet Water is 37.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.2% of adults are smokers. 29.3% are physically inactive. 28.1% of residents report depression. 2.5% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 47.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,374.
What is transportation like in Sweet Water?
The average commute in Sweet Water is 31 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 80.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sweet Water?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sweet Water is 96.2% White, 3.8% Black or African American. 99.3% of residents speak only English at home. 7.7% of the population are military veterans. 21.7% of residents have a disability. 97.5% have health insurance coverage.