Sweetwater, FL
Population 19,544 · Florida
About Sweetwater, FL
Sweetwater is a mid-sized city located in Florida with a population of 19,544 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $55,154 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Sweetwater features a median home value of $251,000, which is 2% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Sweetwater in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,699, 46% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,419 total housing units, 39% are owner-occupied (2,471 units) and 61% are renter-occupied (3,790 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Sweetwater shows an unemployment rate of 4.6%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 16.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Sweetwater have an average one-way commute time of 27.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
21.0% of Sweetwater residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 1.0% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, and 38.4% Asian residents, with 75.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Sweetwater, FL
Compared to national averages, Sweetwater has a median household income of $55,154 (27% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $251,000, which is 2% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,699 is 46% above the US average of $1,163. Within Florida, Sweetwater's income is 27% below the state average of $75,893, and home values are 29% below the state median of $353,675.
Why Live in Sweetwater, FL?
Potential considerations include median household income ($55,154) that falls below the national average. However, Sweetwater’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Sweetwater has a population of 19,544 with a median age of 41.9 years. Compare Sweetwater with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Florida.
Similar Cities Near Sweetwater
Cities in Florida with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bradfordville | 19,548 | $129,276 | $358,400 | Compare |
| Lynn Haven | 19,451 | $83,093 | $286,700 | Compare |
| Naples | 19,421 | $140,833 | $1,254,200 | Compare |
| Englewood | 19,385 | $65,557 | $295,600 | Compare |
| Tavares | 19,738 | $57,644 | $225,500 | Compare |
| Seminole | 19,336 | $77,335 | $312,700 | Compare |
| Cocoa | 19,330 | $56,553 | $215,700 | Compare |
| Palm Valley | 19,775 | $118,280 | $646,200 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Florida
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Sweetwater With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Sweetwater
What is the population of Sweetwater, FL?
The population of Sweetwater, FL is 19,544 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Florida.
What is the median household income in Sweetwater?
The median household income in Sweetwater, FL is $55,154 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Sweetwater?
The median home value in Sweetwater, FL is $251,000, which is 2% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Sweetwater?
The median monthly rent in Sweetwater, FL is $1,699, which is 46% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Sweetwater?
The unemployment rate in Sweetwater, FL is 4.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Sweetwater, FL a good place to live?
Sweetwater offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 19,544 and a median age of 41.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Sweetwater, FL?
21.0% of residents in Sweetwater aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Sweetwater?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Sweetwater, FL: median home value is $251,000 (2% above national), median rent is $1,699/month, and median household income is $55,154. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.6x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Sweetwater?
The poverty rate in Sweetwater, FL is 16.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Sweetwater, FL?
Sweetwater's population is 1.0% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, 38.4% Asian, and 0.5% two or more races. 75.0% of residents are foreign-born.