The neighborhood is named for Swan Canyon, a small (30 acres (12 ha)) canyon that runs through the middle of it in a north-to-south direction. The canyon is undeveloped and has sometimes been a focus for crime and transient encampments. The state of California's Coastal Conservancy has undertaken a project to restore the canyon so that it can provide usable open space, wildlife habitat, and educational resources.[2] A monthly volunteer cleanup project is organized by San Diego Canyonlands, a local nonprofit organization.[3]
Swan Canyon occupies a total area of 0.296 square miles (77 ha). As of 2011, the total population was 2,640 in which 1,278 were male and 1,362 were female.[1]
Swan Canyon is part of the City Heights Community Plan Area.[4] It is part of City Council District 9.[5]
Hamilton Elementary School is located in the neighborhood.[6]