Swea City, IA
Population 612 · Iowa
About Swea City, IA
Swea City is a small community located in Iowa with a population of 612 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $50,625 per year, which is 33% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Swea City features a median home value of $48,800, which is 80% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Swea City one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $670, 42% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 319 total housing units, 70% are owner-occupied (203 units) and 30% are renter-occupied (89 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Swea City shows an unemployment rate of 1.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 28.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Swea City have an average one-way commute time of 21.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
21.6% of Swea City 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 2.3% White, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.7% Asian residents, with 2.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Swea City Ranks in Iowa
Cost of Living in Swea City, IA
Compared to national averages, Swea City has a median household income of $50,625 (33% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $48,800, which is 80% below the national median. Monthly rent at $670 is 42% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Swea City's income is 25% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 63% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Swea City, IA?
Swea City offers affordable housing with a median home value of $48,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $670/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.4%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 21.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($50,625) that falls below the national average. However, Swea City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Swea City has a population of 612 with a median age of 41.1 years. Compare Swea City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
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Demographics
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Economy & Education
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Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Swea City
What is the population of Swea City, IA?
The population of Swea City, IA is 612 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Swea City?
The median household income in Swea City, IA is $50,625 per year, which is 33% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Swea City?
The median home value in Swea City, IA is $48,800, which is 80% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Swea City?
The median monthly rent in Swea City, IA is $670, which is 42% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Swea City?
The unemployment rate in Swea City, IA is 1.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Swea City, IA a good place to live?
Swea City offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 612 and a median age of 41.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Swea City, IA?
21.6% of residents in Swea City 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 Swea City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Swea City, IA: median home value is $48,800 (80% below national), median rent is $670/month, and median household income is $50,625. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Swea City?
The poverty rate in Swea City, IA is 28.9%, 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 Swea City, IA?
Swea City's population is 2.3% White, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.7% Asian, and 0.5% two or more races. 2.6% of residents are foreign-born.