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City Report · FL

Sweetwater

Pop. 20,085·35th most expensive in Florida·Sweetwater rents are up 11.2% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$2,858/mo
Year-over-Year
+11.2%
Month-over-Month
+13.0%
vs US Median
+$896
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Sweetwater · $2,858
More expensive than 88% of US cities · National median $1,962/mo
Affordability
62% of income
EXPENSIVE
0%30% benchmark60%+

At $2,858/mo, rent takes about 62% of the local median household income, well above the 30% benchmark.

Income to afford
$114,000/yr
Local median income
$54,967/yr
Based on the 30%-of-income rule using Sweetwater's median rent and household income. See the full affordability breakdown →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

1 BR
$1,059
2 BR
$1,796
3 BR
$2,208
4 BR+
$1,156
Fair Market Rent (HUD)
$1,796/mo

These are HUD Fair Market Rents, the payment standard for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). They often differ from the $2,858 market median above, and that is expected: FMR is the 40th percentile of standard-quality units and counts gross rent, so it includes essential utilities such as electricity, water, gas, sewer, and trash. The market median is asking rent, which usually excludes utilities. HUD sets FMR once a year; market rent here updates monthly.

Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents. Read the methodology →

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: August 17, 2026

Annual cost
$34,296/yr
At $2,858/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 11.2% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+11.2% YoY, +13.0% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Sweetwater, FL is majority renter-occupied, has a median income below the national average, 21.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
20,085
Median income
$54,967
Median age
43.8
Renters
57.9%
Age distribution
17.2%
22.1%
29.3%
14.6%
16.8%
Under 1817.2%
18–3422.1%
35–5429.3%
55–6414.6%
65+16.8%
Gender
49%
51%
Male49%
Female51%
Race & ethnicity
20.5%
95.6%
White20.5%
Black1%
Hispanic95.6%
Education (25+)
23.4%
35.5%
19.7%
21.4%
No HS diploma23.4%
HS diploma35.5%
Some college19.7%
Bachelor's+21.4%
Housing tenure
42.1%
57.9%
Owner42.1%
Renter57.9%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How Sweetwater, FL has changed in 5 years

Income
$46,224 → $54,967
up 18.9%
Population
19,426 → 20,085
up 3.4%
Renter share
61.2% → 57.9%
-3.3 pts
Bachelor's+
19.4% → 21.4%
+2.0 pts
Median age
41.9 → 43.8
+1.9 yrs

Household income in the area moved from $46,224 to $54,967 across the same window, up 18.9% versus 2021. Headcount in the area went from 19,426 to 20,085 between 2021 and 2024, a 3.4% change. About 57.9% of households rent today, against 61.2% in 2021. Educational attainment has shifted as well, with the share of adults holding a bachelor's degree or higher climbed from 19.4% to 21.4%.

Community

Discussions about Sweetwater

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View Sweetwater rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Sweetwater on your salary?

At $2,858/mo, how Sweetwater rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Sweetwater rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Sweetwater. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Sweetwater

About renting in Sweetwater, FL

Last updated: August 17, 2026

The median rent in Sweetwater is $2,858/mo as of August 2026. a 2-bedroom runs $1,796/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,059/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,208/mo.

At 62% of local median household income ($54,967/yr), Sweetwater ranks as expensive compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 11.2% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Sweetwater an affordable city for renters?

Sweetwater is considered expensive for renters. At $2,858/mo, rent takes approximately 62% of the local median household income ($54,967/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Sweetwater significantly exceeds that threshold, making it challenging for many renters.

How much income do you need to rent in Sweetwater?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $114,000/year (~$55/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,858/mo in Sweetwater. The local median household income is $54,967/yr, meaning the typical Sweetwater household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Sweetwater?

Rent in Sweetwater has increased 11.2% over the past year as of August 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does Sweetwater rent compare to other cities in Florida?

Sweetwater is one of the pricier cities in Florida for rent, ranking #35 out of 291 tracked cities at $2,858/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Sweetwater?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Sweetwater ($2,858/mo): West Miami ($2,406/mo), Fountainbleau ($2,444/mo), Hialeah Gardens ($2,637/mo).

What percentage of Sweetwater residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 57.9% of Sweetwater households are renters, while 42.1% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, Sweetwater has a strong rental market.

How does Sweetwater rent compare to the national average?

Sweetwater's median rent of $2,858/mo is $896 (46%) above the US national median of $1,962/mo. Within Florida, it ranks #35 out of 291 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
62%
EXPENSIVE

At $2,858/mo, rent takes ~62% of Sweetwater's median household income ($54,967/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Sweetwater 62%Benchmark 30%
State income taxNone
Run the Sweetwater affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Sweetwater, FL

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