Cost of Living in Swainsboro, GA

Population 7,561 · Georgia · Data vintage 2023

45
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Household incomes in Swainsboro run well below national norms — a median of $45,621 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $105,000). Around 29% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.

Geographically, Swainsboro is about 55 miles south of Augusta-Richmond County, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 36% lower than Augusta-Richmond County's $163,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 34
Rent 60

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Swainsboro

The median home value in Swainsboro is $104,800 — 66% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $788/month, 40% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $45,621/year is 39% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 13.0%, above the national average of 4.8%. Georgia's top state income tax rate is 5.5% and the combined sales tax is 7.3%. Overall, Swainsboro has a cost of living index of 45 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 55% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$104,800
66% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$125,735
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$788/mo
40% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
11.1x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
0.9%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$773
1 BR
$817
2 BR
$984
3 BR
$1,289
4 BR
$1,520
Owner-occupied 44.5%
Renter-occupied 55.5%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$788
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,402/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
33.2 min
23% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
7.5%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
73.2%
Carpooled
12.6%
Public transit
0.4%
Walked
2.3%
Work from home
7.5%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) 5.5%
Total Sales Tax 7.3%
State rate 4.0%
Avg local rate 3.4%
Property Tax 0.9%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$45,621
39% below avg
Per Capita Income
$23,370
Unemployment Rate
13.0%
170% above avg
Poverty Rate
28.6%
Labor Force Participation
56.9%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 6.3%
Graduate degree 7.1%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 31.8
Male median age 29.6
Female median age 32.6

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

84%
4-Year Graduation Rate
14.2:1
Student-teacher ratio
6
Public schools
4,181
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Swainsboro, GA?

Swainsboro has a cost index of 45 (100 = national average). It is 55% below the national average.

What is average rent in Swainsboro, GA?

The median gross rent in Swainsboro is $788 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Swainsboro?

The median home value in Swainsboro is $104,800 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Swainsboro?

The median household income in Swainsboro is $45,621 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Swainsboro, GA?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Swainsboro is 7.3%. The Georgia state income tax top rate is 5.5%.

Is Swainsboro, GA affordable?

Yes, Swainsboro is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 45 — about 55% below the US national average of 100.

Swainsboro at a Glance

Population
7,561
Median Income
$45,621
Home Value
$104,800
Median Rent
$788/mo
Unemployment
13.0%
Sales Tax
7.3%
View all cities in Georgia →
🗺️ County data for Georgia

Explore county-level cost of living data

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