Sweetwater, TX
Population 10,484 · Texas
About Sweetwater, TX
Sweetwater is a mid-sized city located in Texas with a population of 10,484 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $45,720 per year, which is 39% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.5 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 Sweetwater features a median home value of $84,000, which is 66% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Sweetwater one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $862, 26% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,172 total housing units, 57% are owner-occupied (2,403 units) and 43% are renter-occupied (1,786 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Sweetwater shows an unemployment rate of 5.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 23.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Sweetwater have an average one-way commute time of 14.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
11.0% 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 40.3% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 2.9% Asian residents, with 4.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Sweetwater, TX
Compared to national averages, Sweetwater has a median household income of $45,720 (39% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $84,000, which is 66% below the national median. Monthly rent at $862 is 26% below the US average of $1,163. Within Texas, Sweetwater's income is 37% below the state average of $72,726, and home values are 60% below the state median of $211,769.
Why Live in Sweetwater, TX?
Sweetwater offers affordable housing with a median home value of $84,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $862/month, and short commute times averaging just 14.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($45,720) 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 10,484 with a median age of 35.5 years. Compare Sweetwater with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Texas.
Similar Cities Near Sweetwater
Cities in Texas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bastrop | 10,484 | $70,625 | $308,300 | Compare |
| Rockport | 10,449 | $63,303 | $288,600 | Compare |
| Galena Park | 10,527 | $54,167 | $116,400 | Compare |
| Bellmead | 10,550 | $54,048 | $117,600 | Compare |
| Fairview | 10,570 | $107,308 | $544,800 | Compare |
| Bonham | 10,594 | $53,232 | $183,600 | Compare |
| Fair Oaks Ranch | 10,630 | $168,309 | $612,700 | Compare |
| Freeport | 10,639 | $53,606 | $118,900 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Texas
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, TX?
The population of Sweetwater, TX is 10,484 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Texas.
What is the median household income in Sweetwater?
The median household income in Sweetwater, TX is $45,720 per year, which is 39% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Sweetwater?
The median home value in Sweetwater, TX is $84,000, which is 66% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Sweetwater?
The median monthly rent in Sweetwater, TX is $862, which is 26% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Sweetwater?
The unemployment rate in Sweetwater, TX is 5.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Sweetwater, TX a good place to live?
Sweetwater offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 10,484 and a median age of 35.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Sweetwater, TX?
11.0% 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, TX: median home value is $84,000 (66% below national), median rent is $862/month, and median household income is $45,720. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Sweetwater?
The poverty rate in Sweetwater, TX is 23.4%, 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, TX?
Sweetwater's population is 40.3% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 2.9% Asian, and 4.0% two or more races. 4.5% of residents are foreign-born.