Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Swannanoa, NC
Considering a move to Swannanoa, NC? This friendly mountain town of about 5,000 offers affordable living, with a median home price around $315,000 and average rent near $1,175. Residents enjoy a low violent crime rate (176 per 100K), mild four-season weather with 62% sunny days, and a quick 22-minute average commute. Swannanoa boasts good local schools, proximity to Asheville, and a laid-back lifestyle—perfect for those seeking scenic charm and a welcoming community.
Demographics - Swannanoa, NC
Demographics - Swannanoa, NC
Swannanoa is a close-knit community of 5,000 residents with a median age of 43, offering a balanced gender ratio and predominantly White population. The area is lightly populated at 900 people per square mile, and a small portion of the community (5.7%) speaks a language other than English at home. This creates a welcoming atmosphere with a blend of stability and diversity for new residents.
Population:
5,000
Density:
900 per sq mi
Median Age:
43.2
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.7%

Ethnic Composition
White:
91.2%
Black:
3.6%
Asian:
0.8%
Others:
4.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Swannanoa, NC?
Swannanoa's cost of living is slightly below the national average, with a median home value of $315,000 and average rent of $1,175. Utility costs run just above average at $124 per month, while state income taxes remain relatively low at 5.25%. Residents benefit from affordable housing and everyday expenses that support a comfortable lifestyle.
Median House Value:
$315,000
Gross Rent:
$1,175
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$124
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,480
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$510
State Taxes:
Low:
5.25%
|
High:
5.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
97.2
Grocery:
94.1
Housing:
93.6
Utilities:
102.8
Transportation:
93.0
Health Care:
97.5
Miscellaneous:
98.0
Crime
Is Swannanoa, NC a safe place to live?
The crime rate in Swannanoa is lower than many comparable towns, with just 176 violent crimes and 1,482 property crimes per 100,000 people. Residents have a 1 in 568 chance of experiencing violent crime, making it a reassuringly safe place for families and individuals alike. Property crime rates are moderate, providing overall peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
176
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,482
Crime Index:
1,658
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 568
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 67
Weather
What is the weather like in Swannanoa, NC year-round?
Swannanoa experiences all four seasons, featuring mild winters with lows around 27°F and warm summers peaking at 85°F. The town enjoys 62% sunny days each year and receives an average of 44 inches of rainfall, appealing to those who appreciate a balanced climate and outdoor activities. The pleasant weather enhances the area's scenic mountain charm.

Winter
Min:
27°F
Max:
47°F

Spring
Min:
44°F
Max:
69°F

Summer
Min:
63°F
Max:
85°F

Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
44.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Households in Swannanoa have a median income of $54,800, with a moderate poverty rate of 14.3% and an unemployment rate of 4.1%. Most residents commute about 22 minutes for work, and over 88% have completed high school. The local community is friendly and educated, contributing to the town's welcoming vibe.
Median Income:
$32,500
Household Income:
$54,800
Family Income:
$61,900
Per Capita Income:
$26,000
Income Male:
$32,900
Income Female:
$29,200
Poverty Rate:
14.3%
Non English Speakers:
5.7%
Rent:
$1,175
Unemployment Rate:
4.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.6%
Commute Time:
21.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
88.9%
Bachelors or More:
23.5%
Education
How are the schools in Swannanoa, NC?
Families in Swannanoa benefit from reputable public and private schools, such as WD Williams Elementary and ArtSpace Charter School. The area also offers access to higher education, with Warren Wilson College located just 2 miles away and larger colleges nearby in Asheville. This makes Swannanoa an appealing choice for students of all ages.

Public Schools
Name:
WD Williams Elementary School
Street:
161 Bee Tree Rd
Phone:
828-686-3856
Students:
410
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Charles D Owen Middle School
Street:
730 Old US 70
Phone:
828-686-7739
Students:
540
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.2

Private Schools
Name:
ArtSpace Charter School
Street:
2030 US-70
Phone:
828-298-2787
Students:
400

Colleges
Name:
Warren Wilson College
City:
Swannanoa
State:
NC
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
800
Name:
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
City:
Asheville
State:
NC
Distance:
10 miles
Students:
6,900
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality healthcare options, including nearby Mission Hospital and AdventHealth Hendersonville, both offering comprehensive emergency and surgical services. With 2.3 physicians per 1,000 people and over 90% health insurance coverage, Swannanoa provides solid healthcare resources for families and individuals. The town's healthcare index reflects reliable service and coverage.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Mission Hospital
Address:
509 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
Phone:
(828) 213-1111
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
AdventHealth Hendersonville
Address:
100 Hospital Dr, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Phone:
(828) 681-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.6%
Health Care Index:
78.9
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Swannanoa, NC?
Swannanoa's housing market remains accessible, with a median home price of $315,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $1,175. About 65% of homes are owner-occupied, and the area has a low foreclosure rate of just 0.7%. Home values have seen steady appreciation, making it an attractive spot for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$315,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,175
Owner Occupied Rate:
65.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.9%
New Construction Rate:
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Residents can access DMV services through the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in nearby Asheville. The office provides all standard licensing, registration, and vehicle services for Swannanoa locals. Information and online resources are available at the official North Carolina DMV website.
State:
North Carolina
Department:
NC Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1624 Patton Ave, Asheville, NC 28806
Phone:
1-919-715-7000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.