Town in Brazoria County, part of the Houston metro

Living in Sweeny, TX

B+

179th of 745Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people
Overall score 75 of 100
41st of 125 in the Houston area

Sweeny gets an overall grade of B+ and ranks 179th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on internet access and jobs and income, and trails on getting around and health. It is a strong pick for young professionals, retirees and remote workers.

  • Good for young professionals
  • Good for retirees
  • Good for remote workers
  • Well connected
  • Getting around scores low (10 of 100)
  • River flooding risk is very high
Map of Texas showing where Sweeny isHoustonSan AntonioDallasAustinFort WorthSweeny
Where Sweeny is in Texas.
Population
3,594-0.9% since 2020
Median rent
$1,20314% lower than Texas
Median home value
$199,10030% lower than Texas
Household income
$73,457Median
Average commute
32 minOne way
Violent crime
83Per 100k, 2025

What it's like to live in Sweeny

Sweeny sits about 54 miles from downtown Houston, in the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands metro. 3,594 people lived here in 2025, down 0.9% from 2020. It is spread out.

Local spots people know include A.M. "Chick" Anderson Park, Backyard Park and Sweeny Community Library.

The median age is 32.3, 31% of households have children, 74% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $73,457 a year (6% lower than the Texas median).

Pros of living in Sweeny

  • Low violent crime. 83 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, 78% lower than the Texas rate.
  • Lower rent. Median rent is $1,203, 14% lower than the Texas median.

Cons of living in Sweeny

  • Long commutes. The average trip to work takes 32 minutes, against 27 across Texas.
  • Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of river flooding, coastal flooding and hurricanes as very high here.

Who Sweeny suits

  • FamiliesA reasonable fit: 33% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is 78% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 56% for families.
  • Young professionalsA reasonable fit: household income is 6% lower than the Texas median, with 12 restaurants and 1 cafe in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 82% for young professionals.
  • RetireesA reasonable fit: 15% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 78% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 80% for retirees.
  • Remote workersA reasonable fit: 98% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $1,203 is 14% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 96% for remote workers.
  • People on a budgetA reasonable fit: the median rent of $1,203 is 14% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 72% for people on a budget.

Sweeny report card

Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Sweeny with other US towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. Schools, safety and errands compare it with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.

  • Cost of living: grade B

    Median rent $1,203, homes cost 2.7x income.

    68 of 100 vs US towns

  • Jobs and income: grade A-

    Median household income $73,457, 2.3% unemployed.

    81 of 100 vs US towns

  • Schools: grade D+

    3 rated campuses, 33% rated A or B.

    30 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Safety: grade B

    83 violent crimes per 100k, 667 property crimes per 100k.

    64 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Errands and things to do: grade B-

    0 grocery stores, 12 restaurants, 2 parks mapped in town.

    63 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Getting around: grade D-

    Average commute 32 min, 16% work from home.

    10 of 100 vs US towns

  • Education levels: grade B

    23% have a bachelor’s degree.

    68 of 100 vs US towns

  • Health: grade D+

    15% of adults uninsured.

    30 of 100 vs US towns

  • Home ownership: grade C

    74% of homes owner-occupied.

    42 of 100 vs US towns

  • Internet access: grade A

    98% of homes have broadband.

    91 of 100 vs US towns

Where Sweeny stands out compared with Texas

Better than Texas

  • Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent: 25%27 points lower than Texas (52%)
  • Homes owned by the people living in them: 74%11 points higher than Texas (63%)
  • People below the poverty line: 3.3%10 points lower than Texas (14%)

Worse than Texas

  • Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 23%10 points lower than Texas (34%)
  • Average commute: 32 min20% higher than Texas (27 min)
  • Vacant homes: 12%3 points higher than Texas (9.4%)

Cost of living in Sweeny

Sweeny renters pay a median of $1,203 a month, 14% lower than the statewide median. The usual rule is to spend no more than 30% of income on rent, which means earning around $48,000 a year for a median unit. Right now 25% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.

HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $1,212 for a one-bedroom, $1,319 for a two-bedroom and $1,790 for a three-bedroom (fiscal year 2027). These figures include utilities and describe a modest unit, so newer apartments often ask for more.

The median home is worth $199,100, 30% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $1,090 before tax, or $1,321 with property tax. That is close to the median rent, so buying can make sense if you plan to stay.

Texas has no state income tax, but it leans on property taxes instead, though they are lighter here than in much of the state. The median homeowner in Sweeny pays $2,777 a year, 34% lower than the Texas median of $4,232. Budget for it, along with homeowners insurance, which our numbers do not include.

Typical rent by apartment size

Fair market rent by bedroom count in SweenyStudio$1,0211 bedroom$1,2122 bedrooms$1,3193 bedrooms$1,7904 bedrooms$2,205
HUD fair market rent for FY2027, Brazoria County, TX HUD Metro FMR Area. This is what a typical, modest unit rents for, including utilities.
MeasureHereTexasUS
Median rent14% lower than Texas$1,203$1,403$1,413
Median home value30% lower than Texas$199,100$283,800$332,700
Home value to income25% lower than Texas2.7x3.6x4.1x
Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent27 points lower than Texas25%52%51%
Median property tax per year34% lower than Texas$2,777$4,232$3,119
Homes owned by the people living in them11 points higher than Texas74%63%65%
Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas197219921980

Monthly cost to buy a median home

$1,321
Mortgage payment
$1,090
Property tax
$231
Median rent, for comparison
$1,203

Based on a $199,100 home in Sweeny, 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28% (Freddie Mac average, week of 2026-10-01). Property tax is the median paid locally, or the county median where the local figure is not published. Insurance and fees are not included.

Is Sweeny safe?

In 2025, Sweeny Police Department reported 3 violent crimes and 24 property crimes. That works out to 83 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 78% lower than the Texas rate of 387, and 667 property crimes per 100,000, 68% lower than the state rate.

Violent crime is down about 62% since 2021, based on the yearly rates below.

Crime rates describe the whole area a police department covers. Some streets are much quieter than the average and some are busier, so look at the neighborhood grades and visit at different times of day.

Violent crimes per 100,000 people in Sweeny by yearTexas8320212022202320242025

Violent crimes per 100,000 people by year. The dashed line is the Texas rate for 2025.

Violent crime
83
per 100k, Texas 387
Property crime
667
per 100k, Texas 2,086
Property crimes per 100,000 people in Sweeny by yearTexas66720212022202320242025

Property crimes per 100,000 people by year.

Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer, Sweeny Police Department, 2025. Rates count reported crimes only and cover the area this police department serves.

Schools in Sweeny

Sweeny has 3 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 33% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Sweeny ISD.

Texas districts usually assign students by attendance zone rather than the closest campus, so check the zone for a specific address with the district before you sign a lease or buy.

Schools grade
30
of 100 vs Texas towns
Average rating
76
Texas median 81

Ratings are the 2025 Texas Education Agency A to F accountability ratings. Always check which school serves a specific address with the district.

Top-rated schools

  • BSweeny High SchoolHigh, Sweeny ISD80 of 100
  • CSweeny Junior HighMiddle, Sweeny ISD75 of 100
  • CSweeny ElementaryElementary, Sweeny ISD74 of 100

Daily life in Sweeny

Everyday places mapped inside Sweeny, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include A.M. "Chick" Anderson Park, Backyard Park, Sweeny Community Library.

The average one-way commute is 32 minutes, 20% longer than the Texas average. 16% of workers work from home. Fewer than 3% walk, bike or take transit to work, so plan on driving for almost everything.

Downtown Houston is about 54 miles away in a straight line. Many people who live in Sweeny work elsewhere in the metro, so test the drive at rush hour before you commit.

The median household income is $73,457, income per person is $45,366, unemployment is 2.3% and 23% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.

Grocery stores
0
Pharmacies
2
Restaurants
12
Cafes
1
Bars
0
Parks
2
Gyms
1
Hospitals and urgent care
1
Childcare
0
Libraries
1

Jobs, income and education

MeasureHereTexasUS
Median household income6% lower than Texas$73,457$78,476$80,734
Income per person11% higher than Texas$45,366$40,752$44,673
Unemployment rate3 points lower than Texas2.3%5.3%5.2%
People below the poverty line10 points lower than Texas3.3%14%12%
Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher10 points lower than Texas23%34%36%
Adults with a high school diploma or higher11 points higher than Texas97%86%90%
Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance5 points lower than Texas15%20%11%
Homes with broadband internet6 points higher than Texas98%91%91%

Getting to work

MeasureHereTexasUS
Average commute20% higher than Texas32 min27 min26 min
Workers who work from home2 points higher than Texas16%14%15%
Workers who work from home16%
Workers who take transit0%
Workers who walk0.5%
Workers who bike0%

Who lives in Sweeny

Under 1824%
18 to 3431%
35 to 6427%
65 and over18%

Median age 32.3 years. 31% of households have children.

Race and ethnicity
White70%
Hispanic or Latino19%
Black7.0%
Asian0.2%
Other or more than one race3.6%

Shown for information only. It is never part of any grade.

Weather in Sweeny

Sweeny has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 93°F and January lows about 45°F. There are about 94 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 46 inches of rain a year.

Average monthly high and low temperatures in Sweeny40°60°80°100°65J68F74M79A86M91J93J93A89S84O74N67DRain

Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Angleton Brazoria Ap, 15 mi away. Orange months average 90°F or more.

Natural hazard risk

FEMA's National Risk Index says river flooding risk is very high, coastal flooding risk is very high, hurricane risk is very high, tornado risk is very high and hail risk is moderate. Before you buy, look up the FEMA flood zone for the exact address and get a flood insurance quote, since standard home policies do not cover floods.

  • River floodingVery high
  • Coastal floodingVery high
  • HurricanesVery high
  • TornadoesVery high
  • HailModerate
  • Heat wavesHigh
  • WildfiresVery high
  • Winter stormsLow
  • Strong windModerate

Source: FEMA National Risk Index, December 2025, Census tract level averaged for the city. Check the FEMA flood map for any address before you buy.

Places near Sweeny

Nearby, Wild Peach Village gets a D+, West Columbia gets a D+ and Brazoria gets a C. Each is graded against Texas places of its own size, so a small town and a big city can both earn an A.

  1. D+Wild Peach VillageTown, 2,502 people4 mi
  2. D+West ColumbiaTown, 3,621 people7 mi
  3. CBrazoriaTown, 2,880 people8 mi
  4. D+Van VleckTown, 1,763 people11 mi
  5. B-Jones CreekTown, 2,343 people14 mi
  6. B-Lake JacksonSmall city, 27,974 people16 mi

Sweeny in the Houston area

How it ranks among 125 places in the metro.

  1. 1A+Taylor Lake Village3,721 people25 mito downtown
  2. 2A+Bunker Hill Village3,829 people9 mito downtown
  3. 3A+West University Place14,982 people6 mito downtown
  4. 38B+Pleak2,344 people33 mito downtown
  5. 39B+Bayou Vista1,754 people42 mito downtown
  6. 40B+Atascocita99,354 people18 mito downtown
  7. 41B+Sweeny3,591 people54 mito downtown
  8. 42B+Seabrook13,768 people26 mito downtown
  9. 43B+Jersey Village7,817 people13 mito downtown
  10. 44B+Danbury2,161 people39 mito downtown

See all of the best suburbs of houston

Living in Sweeny: common questions

Is Sweeny, TX a good place to live?

Sweeny gets an overall grade of B+ and ranks 179th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on internet access and jobs and income, and trails on getting around and health. It is a strong pick for young professionals, retirees and remote workers.

How much does it cost to live in Sweeny?

Renters in Sweeny pay a median of $1,203 a month, 14% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $199,100, 30% lower than the Texas median. A median home costs 2.7x the median household income, compared with 3.6x across Texas. With 20% down at a 7.28% rate, the monthly payment on a median home is about $1,321, including property tax.

Is Sweeny safe?

In 2025, Sweeny Police Department reported 83 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 78% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 667 per 100,000, 68% lower than the Texas rate.

Are the schools good in Sweeny?

We found 3 rated public school campuses inside Sweeny. 33% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 30 of 100 compared with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.

Does Sweeny flood?

FEMA rates river flooding risk in Sweeny as very high, and coastal flooding as very high. Hazards rated high or very high here: river flooding, coastal flooding, hurricanes, tornadoes, heat waves and wildfires. Always check the flood map for a specific address before you buy.

What is the weather like in Sweeny?

Summers in Sweeny peak at about 93°F in July, and January nights fall to about 45°F. Expect around 94 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 46 inches of rain.

How long is the commute in Sweeny?

The average one-way commute is 32 min, 20% higher than the Texas average. About 16% of workers work from home. It is about 54 miles from downtown Houston.

Sources: US Census Bureau 2020-2024 ACS 5-year and 2025 population estimates, CDC PLACES 2025, Texas Education Agency 2025 ratings, FBI Crime Data Explorer, FEMA National Risk Index, NOAA climate normals, HUD fair market rents, Overture Maps. Updated 2026-10-04. How we grade.