Swampscott, MA
Population 15,209 · Massachusetts
About Swampscott, MA
Swampscott is a mid-sized city located in Massachusetts with a population of 15,209 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $128,964 per year, which is 72% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 45.3 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Swampscott features a median home value of $690,800, which is 182% above the national median of $244,900. This places Swampscott in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,223, 91% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,631 total housing units, 74% are owner-occupied (4,664 units) and 26% are renter-occupied (1,633 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Swampscott shows an unemployment rate of 5.4%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 7.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Swampscott have an average one-way commute time of 35.2 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
61.7% of Swampscott residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 0.4% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, and 6.1% Asian residents, with 19.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Swampscott Ranks in Massachusetts
Cost of Living in Swampscott, MA
Compared to national averages, Swampscott has a median household income of $128,964 (72% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $690,800, which is 182% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,223 is 91% above the US average of $1,163. Within Massachusetts, Swampscott's income is 22% above the state average of $105,630, and home values are 23% above the state median of $561,296.
Why Live in Swampscott, MA?
Swampscott offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $128,964, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 61.7% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 7.0%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $690,800. However, Swampscott’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Swampscott has a population of 15,209 with a median age of 45.3 years. Compare Swampscott with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Massachusetts.
Similar Cities Near Swampscott
Cities in Massachusetts with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hudson | 15,610 | $96,149 | $457,400 | Compare |
| Longmeadow | 15,724 | $144,639 | $425,800 | Compare |
| Easthampton Town | 16,103 | $72,925 | $343,800 | Compare |
| Abington | 17,008 | $119,787 | $516,300 | Compare |
| Amesbury Town | 17,277 | $100,599 | $475,400 | Compare |
| Lynnfield | 12,964 | $172,484 | $904,200 | Compare |
| Greenfield | 17,662 | $53,961 | $252,000 | Compare |
| North Adams | 12,660 | $48,521 | $185,300 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Massachusetts
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Swampscott With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Swampscott
What is the population of Swampscott, MA?
The population of Swampscott, MA is 15,209 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Massachusetts.
What is the median household income in Swampscott?
The median household income in Swampscott, MA is $128,964 per year, which is 72% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Swampscott?
The median home value in Swampscott, MA is $690,800, which is 182% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Swampscott?
The median monthly rent in Swampscott, MA is $2,223, which is 91% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Swampscott?
The unemployment rate in Swampscott, MA is 5.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Swampscott, MA a good place to live?
Swampscott offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 15,209 and a median age of 45.3, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Swampscott, MA?
61.7% of residents in Swampscott aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Swampscott?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Swampscott, MA: median home value is $690,800 (182% above national), median rent is $2,223/month, and median household income is $128,964. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.4x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Swampscott?
The poverty rate in Swampscott, MA is 7.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Swampscott, MA?
Swampscott's population is 0.4% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, 6.1% Asian, and 2.7% two or more races. 19.8% of residents are foreign-born.