Located in the heart of Gloucester County, Swedesboro is a small but historically significant borough just 25 miles south of Philadelphia, PA. Once a key colonial settlement established by Swedish and Finnish pioneers as part of New Sweden around 1650, the town later incorporated on April 9, 1902, from portions of Woolwich Township. Despite its compact size—covering 0.77 square miles (1.99 km²)—Swedesboro offers a unique mix of historic charm, diverse demographics, and practical proximity to the Philadelphia metropolitan area. The name itself, adopted in 1765 when it was changed from “Raccoon”, honors the borough’s Swedish early residents.
How Big Is Swedesboro? A Current Snapshot
As of 2026, Swedesboro’s population is estimated at 2,794 residents according to World Population Review, with an annual growth rate of about 0.5%. The borough has a median age of 33.5 years (30.7 years for males, 36.5 years for females) and a sex ratio of 126.2 males for every 100 females. The population is also notably diverse: 51.81% White, 15% Black, 15.08% Two or more races, and 3.88% Native American.
What Is It Like to Live in Swedesboro?
Swedesboro is more family-oriented than the county average, with 38% of households having children compared to 30% countywide. The borough has also been recognized by the National Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree City USA since 2000， reflecting a commitment to green, livable community planning.
The local climate is humid subtropical (Cfa), with an average high in July around 87.5℉ (30.8℃) and an average low in January around 27.9℉ (-2.3℃). Average annual precipitation is 40.66 inches.
Does Swedesboro Expect Changes in Weather due to Climate Change?
Climate projections from Rutgers University indicate that by 2100, New Jersey’s annual average temperature is projected to rise 3.7–6.2 ℉ above the 1991–2020 normal under moderate emissions scenarios, or 5.8–8.6 ℉ above normal under high-emissions scenarios. Swedesboro is expected to experience 7 hot days this year, with that number increasing to 15 days above 103℉ heat index within 30 years.
What’s the Housing Market Like in Swedesboro? (December 2025)
Swedesboro’s housing market has remained dynamic. According to Realtor.com (December 2025), the median home sale price is 415,000∗∗,reflectinga∗∗2.48415,000∗∗,reflectinga∗∗2.48223, up 10.95% year-over-year. Zillow data reports a typical home value of 461,264∗∗asofDecember31,2025,witha∗∗+3.4461,264∗∗asofDecember31,2025,witha∗∗+3.4255,900 for 2024, up 3.39% from the previous year, and Homectic reports a median of 293,095∗∗[reference:18].Themedianrentis∗∗293,095∗∗[reference:18].Themedianrentis∗∗2,750 per month.
Homes remain in demand, with 47 active listings, a median of 50 days on market (down 16.67% year-over-year), and a sale-to-list price ratio of 101%. The market is considered a seller’s market, and houses are selling quickly. The property tax rate is 2.810% as of 2025, meaning the median annual property tax is approximately $7,966.
What Is the Cost of Living in Swedesboro?
Based on recent data, living in Swedesboro is 2% more expensive than the national average but 16% less expensive than the average New Jersey city. This reflects a balance of suburban benefits and affordability within the state.
How Can I Get to and from Swedesboro?
Frederick Street (Kings Highway) runs through Swedesboro’s historic core, providing access to state highways. For commuting to Philadelphia, NJ Transit Line 401 operates a bus route from Kings Hwy at Franklin Street to 6th Street at Race Street in Philadelphia, with a travel time of approximately 1 hour 5 minutes. The drive to Center City Philadelphia is about 25 miles (40 km), while Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is just 9.48 miles (about 28 minutes) away. The average commute time for area residents is 31.9 minutes.
What Are Some Annual Events Attractions and Activities in Swedesboro?
Swedesboro offers a variety of activities and local events:
- Dalton Farms — Tulip Festival & Pick-Your-Own-Flowers: Over 1.5 million tulips and daffodils bloom with food trucks, adult beverages, and live music on weekends.
- Swedesboro-Woolwich Historical Society: Holds regular meetings and special events dedicated to preserving local history.
- Downtown Swedesboro / Swedesboro Day: An annual town-wide event featuring vendors, live music, food, and a car show.
- Swedesboro Borough Hall (1200 Kings Highway): A historic architectural landmark open for community events and tours.
- Swedesboro Historic District: A walkable area with preserved 19th-century buildings and architectural landmarks.
- Restaurants and shops: Local dining includes Botto’s Italian Line Restaurant, Logan Lunchbox and BBQ, Green Tea Restaurant, Village Pub, and national chains including Applebee’s Grill + Bar and McDonald’s.
Where Do Children in Swedesboro Go to School?
Education is provided by the Swedesboro-Woolwich School District. The top-rated public elementary schools include General Charles G. Harker School, Walter Hill School, and Logan Township Elementary School. The district serves about 1,573 students across 4 schools, with a student-to-classroom ratio of about 10:1 (state average: 12).
Are There Good Internet Options in Swedesboro?
Yes. Xfinity (Comcast) offers plans up to 2,000 Mbps and claims 100% coverage, while Verizon provides 5G Home Internet up to 940 Mbps. AT&T supplies wireless 5G home internet, Viasat satellite covers 100% of the community, and EarthLink Fiber reaches 92.36% of the city with speeds up to 5 Gbps.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is Swedesboro a walkable town?
Yes, much of downtown Swedesboro is considered walkable, with historic buildings, local shops, and dining options accessible on foot.
Q2: What is the median household income in Swedesboro?
Annual household income is roughly 88,542to88,542to88,801. The per capita income is about $40,239.
Q3: What is the oldest log cabin in the US really located in Swedesboro?
The C. A. Nothnagle Log House (built c. 1640) — often cited as the oldest standing log house in the United States — is located in Swedesboro and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Q4: What are the safest neighborhoods or parts of Swedesboro?
Neighborhoods like Woolwich Township are known for being family-oriented, safe, and well-rated for their schools.
Q5: Is Swedesboro considered a suburb of Philadelphia?
Yes. Swedesboro is part of the Philadelphia metropolitan area and is often classified as a South Jersey suburb.
Q6: How can I find out what’s happening this weekend in Swedesboro?
The Swedesboro-Woolwich Historical Society and local community boards on Nextdoor often post event calendars, and Dalton Farms’ seasonal schedules are shared widely in spring and fall.
📐 Calculations: Cost of Living & Home Affordability in Swedesboro
1. Cost of Living Comparison Check
To check if you can maintain your lifestyle moving to Swedesboro, use the cost-of-living ratio:
Equation:
Salary Required = Current Salary × (Cost of Living in Swedesboro / Cost of Living in Current City)
Example using ERI data:
- Current city: National average (cost index 100)
- Swedesboro’s cost index: 102 (2% above national average)
- Current salary: $60,000
Salary Required = 60,000×(102/100)=61,200 per year to maintain the same standard of living.
2. Home Affordability Calculator
Rule of thumb: Your housing expense should not exceed 28% of your gross monthly income.
Swedesboro expenses can be split into mortgage payment (P&I) and estimated property tax.
Step 1 – Calculate monthly mortgage payment (P&I)
Suppose you have a 20% down payment on a $415,000 house (December 2025 median home sale price):
- Down payment: 415,000×0.20=83,000
- Loan amount: $332,000
- Interest rate: 6.5% (as recent market average)
- Loan term: 30 years
Using the standard mortgage payment formula:
M = P × [ r(1 + r)ⁿ ] / [ (1 + r)ⁿ – 1 ]
Where:
M = monthly mortgage payment
P = loan amount ($332,000)
r = monthly interest rate (0.065 ÷ 12 = 0.005417)
n = total months (30 × 12 = 360)
M ≈ 332,000 × [0.005417 × (1.005417)³⁶⁰] / [ (1.005417)³⁶⁰ – 1 ]
M ≈ 332,000 × 0.00632 ≈ $2,099
Step 2 – Calculate monthly property tax
Swedesboro property tax rate: 2.810% of assessed value.
If assessed at the median home value of $415,000:
Annual property tax ≈ 415,000×0.02810=11,661.50
Monthly property tax ≈ $971.80
Step 3 – Add other annual expenses
Homeowner’s insurance: 0.35% of value = 1,452.50/year→121/month
Step 4 – Total monthly housing expense
Mortgage P&I: 2,099∗∗Propertytax:∗∗972
Insurance: 121∗∗Totalmonthlycost≈3,192**
Step 5 – Calculate required income
Housing costs should be ≤ 28% of your gross monthly income:
Required gross income needed:
Monthly Income × 0.28 = 3,192MonthlyIncome=3,192 ÷ 0.28 = 11,400permonth∗∗∗∗Annualsalary≈11,400permonth∗∗∗∗Annualsalary≈136,800
Similarly, the 36% debt-to-income rule applies in practice, which adds other debt payments (student loans, car loans, credit cards) as part of the calculation.
3. Rent Affordability Check
Rent in Swedesboro runs median 2,750permonth∗∗[reference:51].Rentshouldbe≤30Monthlyincome=2,750permonth∗∗[reference:51].Rentshouldbe≤30Monthlyincome=2,750 ÷ 0.30 = 9,166.67permonth.∗∗Annualincome≈9,166.67permonth.∗∗Annualincome≈110,000 required to afford median rent comfortably without heavy other debts.
🏁 Final Summary
Swedesboro is a small but vibrant South Jersey borough with historic roots, modern convenience, a growing and diverse population, and relatively straightforward commuting access to Philadelphia. The housing market has remained strong (median home price ~415,000–461,000), and while home prices are rising, the cost of living remains 16% lower than the average New Jersey city, making Swedesboro appealing for first-time homebuyers and families seeking suburban living with a small-town feel.
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