Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Sweet Home, OR
Thinking of moving to Sweet Home, OR? With a population of about 9,860, Sweet Home offers affordable living with a median home price of $295,000 and average rent around $1,120. Residents enjoy a relaxed pace, short commute times (22 minutes on average), and access to scenic Willamette Valley surroundings. While property crime is higher than average, the community is known for its small-town feel, local schools, and mild climate with wet winters and pleasant summers. See more below to help plan your move!
Demographics - Sweet Home, OR
Demographics - Sweet Home, OR
Sweet Home, Oregon has a close-knit population of nearly 10,000 residents, with a median age of 39.3 and a balanced gender ratio. The community is predominantly White, with a small percentage of non-English speakers, contributing to a welcoming small-town atmosphere. The city’s population density and diverse backgrounds create a friendly and accessible environment for newcomers.
Population:
9,860
Density:
1,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.3
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
89.2%
Black:
0.3%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
9.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Sweet Home, OR?
Living in Sweet Home is affordable, with a median house value of $295,000 and average rent around $1,120 per month. Residents benefit from a cost of living index below the national average, meaning housing, utilities, and groceries are generally less expensive than in larger Oregon cities. Local and state taxes are moderate, making Sweet Home an attractive option for budget-conscious movers.
Median House Value:
$295,000
Gross Rent:
$1,120
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,090
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,450
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$445
State Taxes:
Low:
4.75%
|
High:
9.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
93.1
Grocery:
99.2
Housing:
88.0
Utilities:
91.3
Transportation:
92.6
Health Care:
95.8
Miscellaneous:
97.5
Crime
Is Sweet Home, OR a safe place to live?
Sweet Home experiences a higher rate of property crime, with the chance of being affected at about 1 in 41, while violent crime is less common at 1 in 343. The overall crime index suggests residents should remain vigilant, but many find the community-oriented atmosphere helps promote safety. Local law enforcement and neighborhood watch programs support a secure living environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
291
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,470
Crime Index:
2,761
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 343
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 41
Weather
What is the weather like in Sweet Home, OR year-round?
Sweet Home offers a mild climate with wet winters and warm, pleasant summers, featuring average winter lows around 34°F and summer highs near 82°F. The city sees about 51 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine roughly 43% of the year. This weather supports lush scenery and outdoor recreational opportunities in the surrounding Willamette Valley.
Winter
Min:
34°F
Max:
47°F
Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
66°F
Summer
Min:
51°F
Max:
82°F
Fall
Min:
42°F
Max:
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
51.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
43%
Neighbors
The Sweet Home community enjoys a median household income of about $51,000 and a family-oriented lifestyle, though the local poverty rate is slightly above the national average. Most residents commute about 22 minutes for work, and public transportation usage is low. Educational attainment is solid, with nearly 85% holding a high school diploma or higher.
Median Income:
$28,900
Household Income:
$50,900
Family Income:
$59,800
Per Capita Income:
$24,400
Income Male:
$36,400
Income Female:
$27,100
Poverty Rate:
17.8%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$1,120
Unemployment Rate:
6.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
22.3 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
84.7%
Bachelors or More:
10.8%
Education
How are the schools in Sweet Home, OR?
Sweet Home supports its families with local public schools like Sweet Home High School and Oak Heights Elementary, offering reasonable class sizes and a supportive learning environment. While the city does not have private schools, higher education opportunities are available nearby at Linn-Benton Community College, just 21 miles away. The community values education, with a high percentage of residents holding at least a high school diploma.
Public Schools
Name:
Sweet Home High School
Street:
1641 Long St
Phone:
541-367-7147
Students:
695
Student Teacher Ratio:
20.1
Name:
Oak Heights Elementary School
Street:
610 Elm St
Phone:
541-367-7153
Students:
350
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.3
Colleges
Name:
Linn-Benton Community College
City:
Albany
State:
OR
Distance:
21 miles
Students:
5,400
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality healthcare services, including the Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital nearby, along with a physician rate of 1.6 per 1,000 people. About 90% of the community has health insurance coverage, contributing to overall well-being. Healthcare in Sweet Home is accessible and reliable for families and individuals alike.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital
Address:
525 N Santiam Hwy, Lebanon, OR 97355
Phone:
(541) 258-2101
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.5%
Health Care Index:
79.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Sweet Home, OR?
Sweet Home's housing market is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $295,000 and a homeownership rate of nearly 63%. Rental options are available with average rents for a two-bedroom apartment around $1,120, and vacancy rates remain moderate. Modest home appreciation and low foreclosure rates make this area appealing for first-time buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$295,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,120
Owner Occupied Rate:
62.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.9%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
DMV services for Sweet Home residents are provided by the Oregon Driver & Motor Vehicle Services, located in nearby Albany. Residents can access resources for licensing, vehicle registration, and more both in person and online. The DMV’s accessible location and comprehensive website make managing vehicle needs straightforward.
State:
Oregon
Department:
Oregon Driver & Motor Vehicle Services
Address:
870 23rd Ave SE, Albany, OR 97322
Phone:
1-503-945-5000
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.