Swanton City Demographics

Swanton, located near Garrett, MD, is a small community with an estimated population of around 2,700. The median age is approximately 50 years, highlighting a notably older demographic. Gender distribution is nearly equal, with about 51% male and 49% female residents. Swanton is predominantly White (about 97%), with small percentages of African American (1%), Asian (1%), and those identifying as Hispanic or other races (1%). The area reflects rural Western Maryland’s demographic trends: largely homogeneous, older, and stable in population size.

Swanton City Housing

Swanton, an unincorporated community near Garrett, MD, offers primarily single-family homes and vacation cabins, with homeownership rates exceeding 80%. Median home values are approximately $285,000, with rental units rare and median rents around $1,200/month. Many properties cater to seasonal Deep Creek Lake visitors, influencing higher property values. Residential areas are spread across forested, lakefront, and rural settings. Property taxes in Garrett County average about 0.88% of assessed value, making taxes moderately low. The market has remained stable in 2023–2024, with modest yearly value increases of 3–5% as demand for lake-area properties persists.

Education in Swanton City

Swanton, located in Garrett County, MD, does not have its own public high school; local students typically attend Southern Garrett High School in nearby Oakland. Garrett County Public Schools boasts a graduation rate of around 90%. Adult education is supported through Garrett College, with approximately 26% of local adults holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. The county maintains 12 public schools, with an average school safety score of 8/10. Educational programs include Advanced Placement and career-technical offerings, ensuring diverse learning opportunities for students in and near Swanton.

Transportation in Swanton City

Swanton, an unincorporated area in Garrett County, MD, relies heavily on personal vehicles for transportation—over 95% of residents commute by car, with carpooling accounting for about 10%. Public transit is minimal, with Garrett Transit Service covering limited routes; less than 1% use public transport. The average commute time is approximately 28 minutes. Most households own two or more vehicles. Key employment hubs are in nearby Oakland and Deep Creek Lake, connected by MD Route 135 and US Route 219. Local transportation infrastructure mainly supports road traffic with sparse sidewalks or bike lanes.

Swanton City Healthcare

Swanton, located in Garrett County, MD, is a rural area primarily served by Garrett Regional Medical Center in nearby Oakland, about 15 miles away, with additional care from local clinics and urgent care centers. Garrett County has approximately 17,800 residents; around 94% have health insurance, with many covered by public plans. The county faces a physician shortage with roughly 89 physicians per 100,000 people (lower than the national average). Common health concerns include obesity (29%), hypertension, and diabetes. Access to specialty care often requires travel outside the area, reflecting the rural healthcare challenges in Swanton and Garrett County.

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