Swannanoa, NC
Population 6,043 · North Carolina
About Swannanoa, NC
Swannanoa is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 6,043 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $72,978 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 32.9 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Swannanoa features a median home value of $270,800, which is 11% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Swannanoa in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $692, 40% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,415 total housing units, 80% are owner-occupied (1,439 units) and 20% are renter-occupied (359 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Swannanoa shows an unemployment rate of 0.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 15.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Swannanoa have an average one-way commute time of 17.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
30.8% of Swannanoa residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 9.1% White, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.4% Asian residents, with 4.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Swannanoa Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in Swannanoa, NC
Compared to national averages, Swannanoa has a median household income of $72,978 (3% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $270,800, which is 11% above the national median. Monthly rent at $692 is 40% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Swannanoa's income is 13% above the state average of $64,468, and home values are 18% above the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Swannanoa, NC?
Swannanoa offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $692/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.6%, and short commute times averaging just 17.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($72,978) that falls below the national average. However, Swannanoa’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Swannanoa has a population of 6,043 with a median age of 32.9 years. Compare Swannanoa with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Swannanoa
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas | 6,012 | $57,755 | $221,700 | Compare |
| Briar Chapel | 6,084 | $154,583 | $508,300 | Compare |
| Mocksville | 6,001 | $55,544 | $210,900 | Compare |
| Hamlet | 6,000 | $38,500 | $103,800 | Compare |
| Stokesdale | 5,943 | $135,389 | $368,600 | Compare |
| Barbecue | 5,933 | $80,380 | $199,300 | Compare |
| Cherryville | 6,154 | $58,701 | $198,000 | Compare |
| Boiling Spring Lakes | 6,206 | $59,750 | $260,400 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in North Carolina
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Swannanoa With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Swannanoa
What is the population of Swannanoa, NC?
The population of Swannanoa, NC is 6,043 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in Swannanoa?
The median household income in Swannanoa, NC is $72,978 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Swannanoa?
The median home value in Swannanoa, NC is $270,800, which is 11% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Swannanoa?
The median monthly rent in Swannanoa, NC is $692, which is 40% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Swannanoa?
The unemployment rate in Swannanoa, NC is 0.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Swannanoa, NC a good place to live?
Swannanoa offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 6,043 and a median age of 32.9, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Swannanoa, NC?
30.8% of residents in Swannanoa 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 Swannanoa?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Swannanoa, NC: median home value is $270,800 (11% above national), median rent is $692/month, and median household income is $72,978. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Swannanoa?
The poverty rate in Swannanoa, NC is 15.1%, 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 Swannanoa, NC?
Swannanoa's population is 9.1% White, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.4% Asian, and 0.7% two or more races. 4.0% of residents are foreign-born.