What to know before you move: cost, market timing, who it fits.
If you're considering a move to Swansea, IL, the most important variables are the local housing market, the cost structure (taxes, insurance, utilities), and how well the city fits your day-to-day life. This page summarizes the housing market read; pair it with the cost of living page for the full picture.
Swansea is a city in St. Clair County, Illinois, with an estimated population of 14,445. It anchors the St. Louis metro area. The median home value in Swansea is $265,249 as of 2026-04, up 2.1% over the last 12 months. Over the last five years, home values have averaged +5.7% annual growth, with prices at or near the 5-year peak. Rents in Swansea average $1,445 per month, up 8.3% year-over-year. The composite momentum score is 68 of 100 (Rising). The market is healthy with prices supported by underlying demand.
Quiet strength: prices near or at all-time highs (-0.2% from 5-year peak). Solid market for owner-occupiers; investors should underwrite conservatively given the elevated entry point.
Reasons people move here
- Healthy 5-year run: +5.7% annualized over 5 years, outpacing US inflation.
- Quiet strength: +2.1% over the trailing year — not a melt-up, but the market is bid.
- Held the highs: currently -0.2% from the 5-year peak — this market refused to give back gains.
- Hot rental market: rents up 8.3% YoY — landlords have pricing power, supports new investment math.
Things to know first
- Rental squeeze: rents up 8.3% YoY — tenants face tough renewals. Affordability deteriorating fast.
- Thin housing market: small population means fewer transactions and slower resale. Liquidity risk on exit.
More about Swansea
Sources: Zillow ZHVI (home values), Zillow ZORI (rents), US Census ACS + place population. Updated when source agencies publish revisions.