Small Town, Big Plans: Economic Development in Swayzee, Indiana
Charting a New Economic Course
Swayzee, Indiana is a rural community of just under 1,000 residents, located about an hour north of Indianapolis at the crossroads of State Roads 13 and 19. Long known for its small-town charm—even boasting of being the "only Swayzee in the world"—this town is now proactively planning for a brighter economic future. In recent years, Swayzee's leaders and residents have launched new initiatives to spur economic development, attract businesses, and improve infrastructure while preserving the close-knit community character that defines the town.
A major catalyst for Swayzee's renewed focus on growth came in 2024, when the Swayzee Economic Development Corporation (EDC) partnered with Ball State University's Urban Planning Department to create a 10-year comprehensive plan. After months of research and public input, Ball State students presented a revitalization study in October 2024 to enthusiastic local response. "So far I think we'll be able to use this study to help us go forward seeking out grants," said Don Thompson, president of the Swayzee EDC, noting the high level of community engagement in the planning process. Indeed, residents showed up in force to public forums and responded to surveys in large numbers, demonstrating a shared determination to "pitch our arms in together and move forward, because it is a great place to live and we're going to make it even better," Thompson added.
The comprehensive plan—informally dubbed the "Swayzee Way" vision—lays out broad strategies to reinvigorate the local economy. Key goals include creating new community gathering spaces, supporting and growing local businesses, rehabilitating the historic downtown main street, and capitalizing on the steady traffic that passes through town daily. More than 3,000 vehicles drive through Swayzee each day via its state highways, yet few stop currently. The plan sees this as untapped potential: by improving curb appeal and offering more amenities, Swayzee hopes to give travelers and commuters a reason to pull over and explore. "They have not really been provided a reason [to stop]," noted one Ball State planner of the current challenge. Town officials aim to change that narrative by making Swayzee's downtown a more vibrant destination.
In January 2025, the Swayzee Town Council formally adopted the Ball State 10-year Economic Growth Plan, signaling unanimous support for moving from planning to action. "The Town of Swayzee envisions a vibrant and thriving future that fosters local business development, a rehabilitated main street, and public spaces that encourage socialization of residents, without compromising its small town charm and rich traditions," the vision statement declares. Early steps are already underway. For example, the town council approved upgrades to aging water infrastructure in response to the plan—replacing a well pump and servicing another—after the study identified water service as an area for improvement. As Council President Aaron Travis explained, "We are going to replace one of the two well pumps…[and] service number three [high-service pump]" in the water plant, with work scheduled within months. These infrastructure fixes will support both current residents and future growth. Another development in late 2024 was a new tax levy passed by Sims Township to fund improvements for the Swayzee Volunteer Fire Department, including updated equipment and facility upgrades. While it means a slight increase in local taxes (about $25 to $35 per household), the levy is an investment in public safety infrastructure that town leaders hope will pay dividends in quality of life and readiness for growth.
Perhaps the most buzzworthy idea in Swayzee's roadmap is establishing a co-op grocery store or farmers market downtown—a response to the town's lack of local shopping options. Today, many residents drive 20 to 30 minutes to larger communities to buy groceries. To tackle this, the plan proposes developing a community-run market where local farmers, gardeners, and artisans can sell produce and goods. Town Council member Rhonda Fagan is especially passionate about making the market a reality. "People coming together—I'd like to see food trucks there, I'd like to see picnic tables set up…I'd like to see a Saturday morning, Saturday afternoon, just a community coming together," Fagan said, describing her vision for a lively farmers market space. Swayzee has plenty of local growers and makers who could participate, Fagan noted, and such a venue would not only provide convenient fresh food for locals but also attract visitors from around the region. Council President Travis agreed, saying it's initiatives like a farmers market "that we can at least make available, that we can encourage. I hope that people will buy in and will engage with it." If successful, a co-op grocery or regular farm market could become a cornerstone of Swayzee's downtown revitalization—restoring a service the town sorely needs while energizing the local economy with foot traffic and small business activity.
Emphasizing Key Industries and Opportunities
Local leaders are keenly aware that Swayzee's economic development must build on the community's existing strengths and regional trends. Several sectors stand out as promising avenues for growth:
Manufacturing and Industry: Manufacturing is already one of the top employment sectors for Swayzee residents, even though most work at plants outside the town. A large portion of people living in Swayzee work in manufacturing, the second-largest industry after health care. This reflects the broader region's industrial base, with major employers in nearby Marion, Kokomo, and other Grant County areas. Swayzee's workforce has skills in production and trades, and economic developers see potential to attract a small manufacturing operation or light industry to town. A new or expanding factory could benefit from Swayzee's available land and small-town costs while tapping into a ready labor pool. Moreover, Grant County officials continue to promote industrial growth region-wide, as seen by initiatives like the East Central Indiana Regional Planning District's support for infrastructure and business workshops. With the right incentives or partnership, Swayzee could position itself as a friendly locale for a niche manufacturer or an artisan workshop that adds jobs locally. Even incremental industrial development would help rebuild the town's tax base, which has eroded over decades of population decline.
Agriculture and Agri-Tech: Surrounded by fertile farmland and rooted in a proud agricultural heritage, Swayzee is well-positioned to grow its agricultural economy. The town's annual Farm Days Festival is a testament to this heritage, featuring antique tractor shows and celebrating rural life. Going forward, Swayzee hopes to blend tradition with innovation by supporting agri-tech and farm-to-market initiatives. The proposed farmers market and co-op grocery is one such effort, aimed at giving local farmers and producers a direct outlet and drawing agri-tourists and food enthusiasts from outside town. With many family-owned farms in the surrounding area, there is an opportunity for value-added agriculture businesses—such as specialty food processing, farm breweries, or ag-tech startups—to take root. Grant County's economic profile includes a strong agriculture sector, and trends like precision farming and local organic produce could find a supportive home in Swayzee's community. Town planners also point out that "one of the biggest assets…is its people," noting Swayzee's many skilled hobbyists and artisans who could expand into small businesses. Nurturing these homegrown enterprises—from honey producers to handcrafted goods—can create jobs and preserve the rural character. By marrying modern ag-tech (such as high-tech greenhouses or agri-tourism ventures) with Swayzee's farming tradition, the town can carve out a niche in the growing market for sustainable local food and experiences.
Logistics and Location: Swayzee's geography offers some advantages for logistics and distribution, particularly for small-scale or regional enterprises. The town sits just a few miles off U.S. Route 35/State Road 22 and roughly eight miles west of Marion, placing it within easy reach of Interstate 69 and the broader interstate network via nearby cities. While Swayzee is not on a major interstate itself, the convergence of State Road 13 (north-south) and SR 22/US 35 (east-west) on its periphery means a steady flow of traffic passes close by. A savvy entrepreneur could leverage this central-Indiana location to establish a distribution hub or trucking depot that serves Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and other markets within an hour's drive. Additionally, Grant County has been investing in road improvements through Indiana's Community Crossings grant program to ensure local routes can support economic growth. Swayzee itself maintains a small network of local streets, but improved county roads and bridges will benefit the town's connectivity. Already, Swayzee is home to a regional farm equipment dealer (Tri Green Tractor) and a grain elevator nearby—businesses that rely on moving heavy goods efficiently. Any future development of light logistics, warehousing, or agribusiness distribution could plug into the existing flow of farm products and manufactured goods through the area. With comparatively low land costs and less congestion than urban centers, Swayzee may appeal to companies looking for a strategic, lower-cost operations base in north-central Indiana.
Remote Work and Digital Economy: Perhaps the most immediate opportunity for Swayzee comes from the rise of remote work. A striking finding from the recent Ball State study is that only 6% of residents work within Swayzee itself, while 94% work remotely or commute to other towns. In other words, the vast majority of Swayzee's working population earns their living outside the town—some driving to jobs in Marion, Kokomo, or Indianapolis, and others working from home for employers located elsewhere. This dynamic could be flipped from a challenge to an opportunity. Swayzee can market itself as a haven for remote workers seeking a quiet, affordable place to live with reliable connectivity. To that end, major investments in broadband internet are in progress. In late 2024, Grant County officials backed a partnership with Mainstream Fiber Networks to expand high-speed fiber broadband to unserved rural areas, aiming to reach over 1,200 locations in the county in the next phase. This project—part of Indiana's Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program—is expected to lay 166 miles of fiber to connect 6,500 locations countywide, with Mainstream Fiber investing $8.2 million alongside federal funds. Swayzee will benefit through the creation of an Infrastructure Development Zone that enables the fiber build-out and offers property tax abatement for the new broadband infrastructure. Once completed, residents will enjoy internet speeds and reliability on par with big cities. That is a game-changer for remote professionals and entrepreneurs. A software developer, consultant, or tech startup can operate from a Swayzee home office just as effectively as from Indianapolis—while enjoying Swayzee's lower cost of living and small-town lifestyle. Town leaders hope to attract more of these remote workers and even co-working spaces in the downtown area as part of the revitalization. With a strong broadband backbone, Swayzee could also cultivate digital entrepreneurship—for example, e-commerce businesses or IT services—that diversifies the economy beyond the traditional sectors.
Investing in Infrastructure and Quality of Life
Economic development in Swayzee is not just about businesses—it's also about ensuring a high quality of life that can attract and retain residents. On this front, Swayzee shines as a quintessential Midwestern small town with many advantages:
Affordable Cost of Living: Housing in Swayzee is very affordable compared to national averages. The median home value in town is around $118,800, which is less than half the U.S. median home price. Many houses are modest single-family homes on quiet streets, often with sizable yards. Rental costs (around $800 to $900 for a three-bedroom) are also far below big-city rents. These low housing costs, combined with a median household income in the $60,000-plus range, give Swayzee residents a comfortable margin. In fact, the town's median income of about $66,000 is roughly 25% higher than that of the surrounding Marion micropolitan area, reflecting the presence of dual-income families and professionals who choose to live in Swayzee. The poverty rate stands around 10.9%, which has been declining year-over-year. For families and entrepreneurs, Swayzee's affordability means lower overhead—whether it's buying a home, paying property taxes, or starting a business—and that can be a significant draw.
Good Schools and Amenities: Swayzee is part of the Oak Hill United School Corporation, a well-regarded district serving southwestern Grant County. Local children attend nearby elementary schools (including Swayzee Elementary for fifth and sixth graders) and then Oak Hill Junior/Senior High School in Converse, which consistently offers strong academics and competitive sports. The community places a priority on education and youth. Recently, all three elementary schools in the Oak Hill district—including Swayzee Elementary—received upgrades to their playgrounds and facilities as part of a district improvement plan funded at approximately $451,000 to enhance student environments. "Playground renovations will start at Swayzee Elementary School," an Oak Hill official noted, emphasizing the focus on safe, modern recreation for kids. Beyond K-12 education, Grant County is also home to institutions like Indiana Wesleyan University and Ivy Tech Community College in Marion, giving residents access to higher education and workforce training nearby.
Swayzee might be small, but it offers everyday conveniences. The town operates its own public library, a branch known for community programming and a personal touch. There are also several parks and green spaces—West Park is a popular spot, hosting events and providing playgrounds and sports fields for youth leagues. In summer 2023, Swayzee even reopened its public swimming pool after volunteers and donors came together, illustrating the community's commitment to local amenities. Such facilities contribute to the town's family-friendly atmosphere.
Community Spirit and Culture: Perhaps Swayzee's greatest asset is its people and the strong sense of community they foster. Residents often say Swayzee exemplifies "small-town living" at its best—where neighbors know each other, and civic pride runs deep. In a recent survey, nearly half of Swayzee respondents said they talk to their neighbors at least once a week, and 30% reported chatting with neighbors daily. This social cohesion is evident in the town's traditions. Each year, Swayzee hosts Swayzee Day, a summertime festival (previously known as Swayzee Farm Days) that brings together locals and visitors for a day of celebration. The festival features a morning 5K race through town, a pancake breakfast at Town Hall, a kids' bike parade, a classic small-town parade down Washington Street led by the volunteer fire department, live music, food trucks, and even a silent auction. "One thing that Swayzee really prides itself on is small-town living and the strong community," said event coordinator Brittany Reiner. Swayzee Day is a time "for people to come around and see each other and enjoy all the amenities that rural country life offers." Longtime residents embrace the event as a homecoming of sorts, while newcomers quickly feel the welcoming vibe. "Everybody knows everybody, and relationships are strong," Reiner noted—a culture that the town council is happy to sustain year after year.
Beyond festivals, Swayzee's community groups and churches (Methodist, Nazarene, and United Church of Christ congregations) are active in organizing charity drives, holiday celebrations, and youth activities. During the winter holidays, for example, the Swayzee Volunteer Fire Department transforms into Santa's helpers, driving through town with lights and music to spread Christmas cheer—a beloved local tradition. Such quality-of-life factors might not grab big headlines, but they are crucial in convincing both businesses and families to invest in Swayzee. This tight-knit, friendly environment is a selling point that the town hopes will entice former residents to return, and new residents to put down roots, especially as remote work enables more people to choose where they live.
Swayzee's history and identity also contribute to its cultural appeal. The town is famously the home of the longest high school basketball game in Indiana history—a 1964 nine-overtime thriller that earned the Swayzee Speedkings a place in the record books. A sign downtown commemorates that feat, and the legacy of Swayzee's one-time high school lives on in local lore. This proud sports heritage, alongside the "Only Swayzee in the World" motto born from a World War II postal anecdote, gives the community a distinct story to tell newcomers and investors alike. It's a place that has always punched above its weight in spirit and togetherness.
A Balanced Path Forward
From upgrading water wells and internet fiber to energizing Main Street with new markets and events, Swayzee is balancing progress with preservation. Town officials, business owners, and residents are working hand-in-hand to ensure that economic development doesn't mean losing the character that makes Swayzee special. There are certainly challenges ahead—decades of population decline and limited tax revenue cannot be reversed overnight. As one Ball State urban planner observed, Swayzee's population has held around roughly 1,000 for a long time, slowly shrinking by "about eight to 10 people a year" since 1970. That slow decline, combined with aging infrastructure, means the town must catch up on deferred investments even as it tries to spark new growth.
Yet, the momentum is clearly building. The collaborative planning with Ball State has given Swayzee a clearer roadmap and galvanized residents around a vision. There is optimism that with strategic improvements, the town can attract a few new businesses, encourage entrepreneurs to set up shop, and maybe even draw tourists off the highway for a meal or a farm market on Saturday. Each small win—a new shop opening, a grant awarded, a family choosing to move in—will contribute to an upward trajectory. And the fundamental selling points remain intact: Swayzee offers a safe, communal, and cost-effective place to live or start a business, with the benefits of rural tranquility and the convenience of urban centers within reach.
In the words of Swayzee's leaders, the goal is to make this "great place to live…even better." By leveraging its hardworking people, embracing both its agricultural roots and digital future, and investing in quality of life, Swayzee is positioning itself for a new era of growth. For site selectors and entrepreneurs, the message is that Swayzee is open for business and brimming with untapped potential. For current and prospective residents, the message is equally compelling: this small town is committed to thriving "without compromising its small town charm and rich traditions." In Swayzee, Indiana, economic development and community spirit are marching forward together—the epitome of a small town with big plans.
References
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