Median Income
$77,578
3% higher than US avg
Home Value
$136,300
52% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
299/100K
21% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
25.9%
23% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,080
7% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.7%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.4%
61% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.9%
60% lower than US avg
How Sweetser Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,115
Median Age37.7 yrs
Density1,104/mi²
Male / Female52% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans8.0%
Economy
A+
Median Income$77,578
Per Capita$30,071
Unemployment1.4%
Poverty4.9%
County GDP$3,220M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$136,300
Rent$1,080
Ownership83.6%
Zillow$169,712
Housing Units485
Rent Burden36.7%
Crime
F
Violent299/100K
Property4,251/100K
Health
Obesity37.7%
Uninsured7.2%
Smoking14.4%
Depression27.7%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (10°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain41.8 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation847 ft (258 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+25.9%
High School+94.5%
Graduate+9.6%
School Score5.48
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 28%
Commute22 min
Broadband95.4%
EV Stations4
Libraries8
Is Sweetser a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sweetser receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Sweetser offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Sweetser is $77,578, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.4%. Only 4.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Sweetser is $136,300, 52% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,080 per month. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Sweetser is below the national average at 299 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,251 per 100,000, 117% above the national average.
Education
25.9% 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 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Sweetser experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 41.8 inches, including 24.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Sweetser has a population of 1,115 with a density of 1,104 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 37.7 years, 3% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.5% female and 51.5% male. The city is predominantly White (94.4%), with 3.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.8% of residents. 8.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.0% of residents have a disability. 95.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.7yrs
Median Age
3% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.8%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.2%
99% below US avg
The median household income in Sweetser is $77,578, which is 3% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,071 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $979, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,280 business establishments, including 132 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $77,578 |
| 3% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,071 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $979 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $53,014 |
| Gini Index | 0.432 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.4% |
| 61% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.9% |
| 60% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,280 |
| County GDP | $3,220M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 132 |
| Healthcare | 170 |
| Retail | 215 |
| Manufacturing | 58 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,512 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.84% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 88.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.3% |
The median home value in Sweetser is $136,300, 52% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $169,712, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 98.1% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,080 (7% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $882 for a one-bedroom to $1,096 for a two-bedroom apartment. 83.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 485 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1965. The average annual property tax is $2,512 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 36.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $136,300 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $169,712 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $94 |
| Homes Sold | 4 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.1% |
| Price Drops | 25.0% |
| Inventory | 4 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,080 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 36.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $882 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,096 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,391 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 83.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 83.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 16.4% |
| Housing Units | 485 |
| Median Year Built | 1965 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,512 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.84% |
In Sweetser, 37.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 32.9% have high blood pressure. 14.4% are current smokers. 19.3% report binge drinking. 21.7% are physically inactive. 27.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.1% experience frequent mental distress. 7.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,367. The dentist ratio is 1:1,572. 74.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Sweetser vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.7% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.9% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 6.4% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.4% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.7% |
| Depression | 27.7% |
| Mental Distress | 18.1% |
| Physical Distress | 12.3% |
| Short Sleep | 38.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.0% |
| Uninsured | 7.2% |
| 16% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,367 |
| Dentists | 1:1,572 |
| Mental Health | 1:339 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.8% |
| Dental Visits | 61.9% |
| Premature Death | 14,895/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 170 |
Sweetser has a violent crime rate of 299 per 100,000 residents, 21% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,251 per 100,000, 117% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 10 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Sweetser receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Sweetser vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 298.6/100K |
| 21% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,251.1/100K |
| 117% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Sweetser experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 275 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 41.8 inches. The area receives 24.5 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 847 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 50.5°F |
| 6% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 847 ft (258 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,104/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.5688°N, 85.7654°W |
| Timezone | America/Indiana/Indianapolis |
| County | Grant County County |
| Nearest Airport | Delaware County Regional (MIE)
30 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
41.8"
10% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.37"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 69.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 67.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 69.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| 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
10 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M2.6 on Jun 12, 2015.
| Sep 12, 2004 |
4 km NW of Manilla, Indiana |
M3.8 |
108 km |
| Dec 20, 1990 |
5 km S of Stilesville, Indiana |
M3.7 |
131 km |
| Apr 14, 2000 |
4 km NW of Heritage Lake, Indiana |
M3.6 |
123 km |
| Dec 17, 1990 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.2 |
122 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
114 km |
| Apr 17, 1990 |
8 km NW of Fort Recovery, Ohio |
M3.0 |
78 km |
| Apr 4, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Minster, Ohio |
M2.9 |
117 km |
| May 12, 2006 |
2 km E of Lima, Ohio |
M2.8 |
143 km |
| Jun 12, 2015 |
6 km NW of Convoy, Ohio |
M2.6 |
95 km |
| Jan 30, 2004 |
2 km S of Rockford, Ohio |
M2.5 |
95 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
604 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 46 fatalities, 1,523 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF4 |
87 km |
4 |
| Jun 11, 1998 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
71 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 14, 1972 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
55 km |
25 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
33 km |
4 |
| Mar 6, 1956 |
EF4 |
17 km |
1 |
| Mar 14, 2024 |
EF3 |
70 km |
1 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
18 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
91 km |
1 |
| Aug 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2004 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
2.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.0 in |
Driest |
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| April |
49°F (10°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.4 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
3.0 in |
|
Sweetser has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 25°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.5 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.4") and February the driest (2.0").
Average costs for common services in Sweetser. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$233 ($140–$373) |
| Specialist Visit |
$327 ($187–$513) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$187 ($93–$327) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,053 ($746–$4,665) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70–$187) |
| Dental Filling |
$233 ($140–$373) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($47–$112) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$560 ($373–$933) |
| Battery Replacement |
$187 ($93–$327) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56–$140) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($47–$131) |
| HVAC Repair |
$373 ($140–$746) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,531 ($3,732–$11,196) |
| Roof Repair |
$933 ($373–$1,866) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,397 ($5,132–$13,995) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,400 ($467–$3,266) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,995 ($4,665–$27,990) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,665 ($1,866–$9,330) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,400 ($746–$2,799) |
| Will Preparation |
$467 ($187–$933) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,333 ($933–$4,665) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$140 ($70–$233) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.83 ($2.80–$5.13) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.27 ($2.33–$4.67) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.55 ($2.33–$5.13) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.20 ($2.80–$6.06) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.13 ($3.73–$7.00) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56–$1.68) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$131 ($75–$233) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$140) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$112) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($47–$140) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$187 ($70–$467) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,866 ($1,120–$3,266) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.46–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28–$233) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,120 ($560–$2,333) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$933 ($467–$1,866) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$373 ($187–$653) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($23–$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$933 ($373–$2,333) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,663 ($4,665–$27,990) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($47–$187) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$187 ($93–$373) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Sweetser
What is the population of Sweetser?
Sweetser has a population of 1,115 residents and is located in Indiana. The population density is 1,104 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.7 years. The population is 48.5% female and 51.5% male.
Is Sweetser expensive to live in?
Sweetser is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 93.3 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $77,578, 3% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $136,300 (52% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,080 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Sweetser safe?
Sweetser is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 299 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,251 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Sweetser receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Sweetser?
Sweetser has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 41.8 inches, with 24.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Sweetser?
The job market in Sweetser is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $979. There are 1,280 business establishments in the area, including 132 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 4.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sweetser?
The median home value in Sweetser is $136,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $169,712. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,080. Fair market rent is $882 for a 1-bedroom and $1,096 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 83.6%. The average annual property tax is $2,512.
How are the schools in Sweetser?
Schools in Sweetser score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 25.9% of adults in Sweetser hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.5% have completed high school. 9.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sweetser?
The obesity rate in Sweetser is 37.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.4% of adults are smokers. 21.7% are physically inactive. 27.7% of residents report depression. 7.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 74.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,367.
What is transportation like in Sweetser?
The average commute in Sweetser is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 88.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sweetser?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sweetser is 94.4% White, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino. 99.8% of residents speak only English at home. 8.0% of the population are military veterans. 14.0% of residents have a disability. 95.0% have health insurance coverage.
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