Median Income
$63,958
15% lower than US avg
Home Value
$112,500
60% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
40.0%
19% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.9%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Sweetwater Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population125
Median Age37.6 yrs
Density8/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$63,958
Per Capita$28,634
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$1,261M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$112,500
Ownership22.8%
Zillow$84,836
Housing Units86
Rent Burden27.0%
Health
Obesity39.9%
Uninsured3.2%
Smoking20.2%
Depression26.5%
Heart Disease7.1%
Climate
Avg Temp60°F (15°C)
Rain23.3 in/yr
Elevation2,178 ft (664 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+40.0%
High School+98.7%
Graduate+4.7%
School Score5.09
Community
2024 VoteR 84% / D 14%
Commute18 min
Broadband96.5%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Sweetwater a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sweetwater receives an overall livability score of 4.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A+. Key strengths include low unemployment, a highly educated population, affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Sweetwater stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Sweetwater is $63,958, 15% 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 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Sweetwater is $112,500, 60% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 40.0% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 98.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Sweetwater enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F. Winters average 38°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 23.3 inches, including 5.9 inches of snow.
Sweetwater has a population of 125 with a density of 8 people per square mile, spread across 15.9 square miles. The median age is 37.6 years, 3% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52% female and 48% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 4.8% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 96.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
125
Total Population
2023 Census
37.6yrs
Median Age
3% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Sweetwater vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Sweetwater vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Sweetwater is $63,958, which is 15% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,634 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,041, 27% 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 777 business establishments, including 69 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Sweetwater vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $63,958 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,634 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,041 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $61,083 |
| Gini Index | 0.459 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 777 |
| County GDP | $1,261M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 69 |
| Healthcare | 81 |
| Retail | 127 |
| Manufacturing | 16 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,513 |
| 0% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.12% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 41.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Sweetwater is $112,500, 60% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $84,836, lower than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $791 for a one-bedroom to $995 for a two-bedroom apartment. 22.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 86 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1972. The average annual property tax is $3,513. 27.0% 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 | $112,500 |
| 60% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $84,836 |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $744 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $995 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,501 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 22.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 22.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 77.2% |
| Housing Units | 86 |
| Median Year Built | 1972 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,513 |
| 0% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.12% |
In Sweetwater, 39.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 7.1% of residents, above the national average. 38.2% have high blood pressure. 20.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.5% report binge drinking. 33.0% are physically inactive, above the national average. 26.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.7% experience frequent mental distress. 3.2% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,004. The dentist ratio is 1:2,001. 79.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Sweetwater vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.9% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.8% |
| Heart Disease | 7.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 38.2% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 9.1% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.2% |
| 44% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.0% |
| Depression | 26.5% |
| Mental Distress | 19.7% |
| Physical Distress | 15.2% |
| Short Sleep | 38.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.8% |
| Uninsured | 3.2% |
| 63% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,004 |
| Dentists | 1:2,001 |
| Mental Health | 1:319 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.4% |
| Dental Visits | 50.6% |
| Premature Death | 11,753/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 79.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 81 |
Sweetwater enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F (15°C). Winters average 38°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 23.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 5.9 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 2,178 feet.
Temperature
38°F Jan (3°C)
82°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 59.5°F |
| 10% above US avg |
| January Average | 38°F (3°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,178 ft (664 m) |
| Area | 15.9 sq mi (41.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 8/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.4150°N, 99.9203°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Beckham County County |
| Nearest Airport | Elk City Regional Business (ELK)
30 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
23.3"
39% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.00"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 57.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 88.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 20.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very High |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
265 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.3. Most recent: M2.6 on Jan 21, 2025.
| Apr 14, 2021 |
34 km NNE of Skellytown, Texas |
M4.3 |
110 km |
| May 25, 2021 |
3 km WNW of Shattuck, Oklahoma |
M4.1 |
97 km |
| May 1, 2015 |
8 km NNE of Quinlan, Oklahoma |
M3.8 |
149 km |
| Sep 16, 2015 |
9 km ENE of Quinlan, Oklahoma |
M3.7 |
148 km |
| Feb 29, 2016 |
9 km NE of Quinlan, Oklahoma |
M3.6 |
150 km |
| Sep 15, 2015 |
11 km ENE of Quinlan, Oklahoma |
M3.6 |
149 km |
| Aug 9, 2021 |
4 km N of Wheeler, Texas |
M3.5 |
33 km |
| Apr 13, 2015 |
5 km N of Quinlan, Oklahoma |
M3.5 |
144 km |
| Aug 27, 2017 |
15 km WSW of Watonga, Oklahoma |
M3.5 |
129 km |
| Apr 10, 2016 |
9 km NE of Quinlan, Oklahoma |
M3.4 |
149 km |
| Feb 26, 2016 |
10 km E of Seiling, Oklahoma |
M3.4 |
128 km |
| Jun 25, 2016 |
5 km N of Quinlan, Oklahoma |
M3.4 |
144 km |
| Mar 28, 2015 |
7 km NNE of Quinlan, Oklahoma |
M3.4 |
147 km |
| Sep 15, 2015 |
10 km ENE of Quinlan, Oklahoma |
M3.4 |
148 km |
| May 20, 2015 |
7 km NNE of Quinlan, Oklahoma |
M3.3 |
147 km |
| Mar 24, 2015 |
7 km NNE of Quinlan, Oklahoma |
M3.3 |
148 km |
| Jun 15, 2016 |
5 km NW of Quinlan, Oklahoma |
M3.3 |
140 km |
| Feb 29, 2016 |
9 km NE of Quinlan, Oklahoma |
M3.3 |
149 km |
| Sep 30, 2016 |
5 km NNW of Quinlan, Oklahoma |
M3.3 |
144 km |
| May 7, 2015 |
6 km NNW of Quinlan, Oklahoma |
M3.3 |
144 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
679 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 22 fatalities, 224 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 8, 1995 |
EF4 |
29 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1995 |
EF4 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 1967 |
EF4 |
53 km |
4 |
| May 25, 1962 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1955 |
EF4 |
54 km |
2 |
| Nov 16, 2015 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 2012 |
EF3 |
79 km |
6 |
| May 5, 2007 |
EF3 |
5 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 2007 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 2007 |
EF3 |
60 km |
1 |
| Mar 28, 2007 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 2001 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 2001 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1997 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1991 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Mar 22, 1987 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1986 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1982 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1982 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 11, 1982 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SMOKEHOUSE CREEK (1,047,464 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
SMOKEHOUSE CREEK |
1,047,464 |
83 km |
| 2006 |
EAST AMARILLO COMPLEX |
593,394 |
84 km |
| 2017 |
PERRYTON |
290,211 |
75 km |
| 2017 |
LEFORS EAST |
68,701 |
55 km |
| 2017 |
RANKIN RANCH ROAD |
37,706 |
99 km |
| 2022 |
CANADIAN RIVER BOTTOM |
37,663 |
60 km |
| 2022 |
WASHITA RIVER FIRE |
35,421 |
48 km |
| 2024 |
GRAPE VINE CREEK |
33,576 |
79 km |
| 2014 |
HIGGINS |
28,466 |
65 km |
| 2018 |
MCCLELLAN |
23,051 |
76 km |
| 2006 |
SWEETWATER DOBSON |
23,045 |
16 km |
| 2011 |
LIPSCOMB COUNTY COMPLEX |
23,028 |
97 km |
| 2018 |
MILLIRON |
20,437 |
56 km |
| 2009 |
MAGIC CITY |
18,922 |
38 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
16,290 |
66 km |
| 2006 |
HARDWICK |
15,289 |
90 km |
| 2016 |
I40 |
14,780 |
44 km |
| 2001 |
OREAR COMPLEX FIRE |
14,749 |
83 km |
| 1996 |
NORTH MEMPHIS |
12,550 |
85 km |
| 2018 |
CARBON |
12,143 |
26 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
38°F (3°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
41°F (5°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
50°F (10°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
59°F (15°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| May |
68°F (20°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| June |
77°F (25°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| July |
82°F (28°C) |
1.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
81°F (27°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| September |
72°F (22°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| October |
60°F (16°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| November |
48°F (9°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
39°F (4°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Sweetwater has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 38°F in January to 82°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 23.3 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.0") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Sweetwater. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132-$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176-$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88-$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702-$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66-$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132-$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22-$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44-$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132-$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18-$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351-$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88-$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53-$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44-$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132-$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512-$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351-$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829-$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439-$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390-$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756-$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702-$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176-$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878-$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26-$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66-$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22-$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44-$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63-$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20-$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20-$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63-$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51-$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53-$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70-$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26-$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35-$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35-$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26-$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44-$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66-$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054-$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26-$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02-$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26-$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13-$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527-$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439-$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176-$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22-$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351-$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390-$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26-$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44-$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26-$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18-$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132-$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88-$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $887 |
| Toddler | $767 |
| Preschool | $767 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $644 |
| Toddler | $592 |
| Preschool | $592 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sweetwater
What is the population of Sweetwater?
Sweetwater has a population of 125 residents and is located in Oklahoma. The population density is 8 people per square mile, spread across 15.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.6 years. The population is 52% female and 48% male.
Is Sweetwater expensive to live in?
Sweetwater is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $63,958, 15% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $112,500 (60% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Sweetwater?
Sweetwater enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 38°F in January, while summers reach an average of 82°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 23.3 inches, with 5.9 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Sweetwater?
The job market in Sweetwater is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,041. There are 777 business establishments in the area, including 69 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sweetwater?
The median home value in Sweetwater is $112,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $84,836. The homeownership rate is 22.8%. The average annual property tax is $3,513.
How are the schools in Sweetwater?
Schools in Sweetwater score 5.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 40.0% of adults in Sweetwater hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 98.7% have completed high school. 4.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sweetwater?
The obesity rate in Sweetwater is 39.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.2% of adults are smokers. 33.0% are physically inactive. 26.5% of residents report depression. 3.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 79.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,004.
What is transportation like in Sweetwater?
The average commute in Sweetwater is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 41.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sweetwater?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sweetwater is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 4.8% of residents have a disability. 96.8% have health insurance coverage.