Median Income
$43,438
42% lower than US avg
Home Value
$58,800
79% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
7.8%
77% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$99
91% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.4%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.4%
89% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
16.5%
33% higher than US avg
How Sanborn Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population328
Median Age52.2 yrs
Density158/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans9.9%
Economy
B
Median Income$43,438
Per Capita$28,301
Unemployment0.4%
Poverty16.5%
County GDP$865M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$58,800
Rent$99
Ownership91.7%
Zillow$90,091
Housing Units208
Rent Burden9.0%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Health
Obesity37.4%
Uninsured8.6%
Smoking18.2%
Depression25.9%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain29.3 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,101 ft (336 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+7.8%
High School+92.2%
Graduate+1.6%
School Score5.99
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 29%
Commute23 min
Broadband79.6%
EV Stations2
Libraries3
Is Sanborn a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sanborn receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Sanborn offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Sanborn is $43,438, 42% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.4%. The poverty rate of 16.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Sanborn is $58,800, 79% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $99 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Sanborn is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000, 100% below the national average.
Education
7.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Sanborn has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 29.3 inches, including 46.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Sanborn has a population of 328 with a density of 158 people per square mile, spread across 2.1 square miles. The median age is 52.2 years, 34% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.9% female and 45.1% male. The city is predominantly White (90.9%), with 5.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97% of residents. 9.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
52.2yrs
Median Age
34% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.0%
24% above US avg
Spanish
3.0%
78% below US avg
The median household income in Sanborn is $43,438, which is 42% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,301 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $944, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 16.5% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 447 business establishments, including 19 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $43,438 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,301 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $944 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $66,746 |
| Gini Index | 0.415 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.4% |
| 89% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 16.5% |
| 33% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 447 |
| County GDP | $865M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 19 |
| Healthcare | 36 |
| Retail | 45 |
| Manufacturing | 16 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,244 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.52% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.4% |
| Public Transit | 1.3% |
| Work from Home | 5.2% |
The median home value in Sanborn is $58,800, 79% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $90,091, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $99 (91% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 91.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 208 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1945. The average annual property tax is $3,244. 9.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $58,800 |
| 79% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $90,091 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $99 |
| 91% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 9.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 91.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 91.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 8.3% |
| Housing Units | 208 |
| Median Year Built | 1945 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,244 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.52% |
In Sanborn, 37.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 29.5% have high blood pressure. 18.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.5% report binge drinking. 24.0% are physically inactive. 25.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.1% experience frequent mental distress. 8.6% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,653. The dentist ratio is 1:1,893. 67.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Sanborn vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.0% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.5% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 6.3% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.2% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.0% |
| Depression | 25.9% |
| Mental Distress | 18.1% |
| Physical Distress | 12.6% |
| Short Sleep | 30.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.6% |
| Uninsured | 8.6% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,653 |
| Dentists | 1:1,893 |
| Mental Health | 1:707 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.8% |
| Dental Visits | 59.7% |
| Premature Death | 6,976/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 67.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 36 |
Sanborn has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes.
Crime Rates: Sanborn vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 66 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
Sanborn has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 276 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 29.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 46.3 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,101 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.4°F |
| 18% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,101 ft (336 m) |
| Area | 2.1 sq mi (5.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 158/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.2100°N, 95.1295°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Cottonwood County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southwest Minnesota Regional Marshall/Ryan Field (MML)
38 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
29.3"
23% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
3.66"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 27.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 46.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 72.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.1. Most recent: M2.8 on Apr 25, 2017.
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
88 km |
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
90 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
461 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 18 fatalities, 372 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF5 |
85 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 1968 |
EF5 |
50 km |
9 |
| Jul 25, 2000 |
EF4 |
88 km |
1 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF4 |
43 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1955 |
EF4 |
90 km |
1 |
| Jun 19, 1951 |
EF4 |
96 km |
1 |
| Jul 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
69 km |
1 |
| Aug 1, 2006 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
77 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1985 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LINCOLN WPA RX (575 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
LINCOLN WPA RX |
575 |
71 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
31°F (-0°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| November |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Sanborn has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 14°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 26.0 inches, with July being the wettest month (3.7") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Sanborn. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$247 ($148–$394) |
| Specialist Visit |
$345 ($197–$542) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$197 ($99–$345) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,169 ($789–$4,930) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$128 ($74–$197) |
| Dental Filling |
$247 ($148–$394) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($25–$74) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$74 ($49–$118) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$592 ($394–$986) |
| Battery Replacement |
$197 ($99–$345) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$99 ($59–$148) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$89 ($49–$138) |
| HVAC Repair |
$394 ($148–$789) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,902 ($3,944–$11,832) |
| Roof Repair |
$986 ($394–$1,972) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,874 ($5,423–$14,790) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,479 ($493–$3,451) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,790 ($4,930–$29,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,930 ($1,972–$9,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,479 ($789–$2,958) |
| Will Preparation |
$493 ($197–$986) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,465 ($986–$4,930) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($30–$99) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$148 ($74–$247) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($25–$64) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$79 ($49–$128) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.04 ($2.96–$5.42) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.45 ($2.47–$4.93) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.75 ($2.47–$5.42) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.44 ($2.96–$6.41) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.42 ($3.94–$7.40) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.99 ($0.59–$1.77) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$138 ($79–$247) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$148) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$118) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$99) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$64 ($30–$99) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$84 ($49–$148) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$197 ($74–$493) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,972 ($1,183–$3,451) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$128) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.89–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$99 ($30–$247) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$74) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,183 ($592–$2,465) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$986 ($493–$1,972) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$394 ($197–$690) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($25–$99) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$986 ($394–$2,465) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,325 ($4,930–$29,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$99 ($49–$197) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$197 ($99–$394) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $758 |
| Toddler | $697 |
| Preschool | $637 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $621 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sanborn
What is the population of Sanborn?
Sanborn has a population of 328 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 158 people per square mile, spread across 2.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 52.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54.9% female and 45.1% male.
Is Sanborn expensive to live in?
Sanborn has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 98.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $43,438, 42% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $58,800 (79% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $99 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Sanborn safe?
Sanborn is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000 (below the national average).
What is the weather like in Sanborn?
Sanborn has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 14°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 29.3 inches, with 46.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Sanborn?
The job market in Sanborn is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $944. There are 447 business establishments in the area, including 19 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 5.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sanborn?
The median home value in Sanborn is $58,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $90,091. For renters, the median monthly rent is $99. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 91.7%. The average annual property tax is $3,244.
How are the schools in Sanborn?
Schools in Sanborn score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 7.8% of adults in Sanborn hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.2% have completed high school. 1.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sanborn?
The obesity rate in Sanborn is 37.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.2% of adults are smokers. 24.0% are physically inactive. 25.9% of residents report depression. 8.6% lack health insurance. 67.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,653.
What is transportation like in Sanborn?
The average commute in Sanborn is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 84.4% of workers drive alone to work, 1.3% use public transit, and 5.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sanborn?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sanborn is 90.9% White, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino. 97% of residents speak only English at home. 9.9% of the population are military veterans. 18.3% of residents have a disability. 96.6% have health insurance coverage.
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