Median Income
$31,838
58% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
485/100K
28% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.6%
63% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$608
48% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.6%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
33.5%
170% higher than US avg
How Sanders Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population738
Median Age27.6 yrs
Density285/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 4%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
C
Median Income$31,838
Per Capita$16,248
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty33.5%
County GDP$2,948M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Rent$608
Ownership29.2%
Zillow$195,743
Housing Units261
Rent Burden26.4%
Crime
F
Violent485/100K
Property2,509/100K
Health
Obesity39.6%
Uninsured17.3%
Smoking29.3%
Depression22.3%
Heart Disease9.4%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI45 (Good)
Rain8.2 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation5,874 ft (1,790 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+12.6%
High School+83.8%
Graduate+7.9%
School Score3.29
Community
2024 VoteR 40% / D 59%
Commute22 min
Broadband60.1%
EV Stations3
Libraries8
Is Sanders a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sanders receives an overall livability score of 2.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Sanders has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Sanders is $31,838, 58% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 33.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
Renters pay a median of $608 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 485 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,509 per 100,000, 28% above the national average.
Education
12.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.8% have completed high school. School test scores average 3.3/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Sanders experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 8.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 45.
Sanders has a population of 738 with a density of 285 people per square mile, spread across 2.4 square miles. The median age is 27.6 years, 29% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.7% female and 49.3% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (95.8%), with 4.2% White, 90.8% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 40% of residents, while 60% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 9.8% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 68.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
27.6yrs
Median Age
29% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
40.0%
49% below US avg
Spanish
60.0%
348% above US avg
The median household income in Sanders is $31,838, which is 58% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $16,248 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,092, 24% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 33.5% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 630 business establishments, including 62 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100.7, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $31,838 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $16,248 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,092 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $46,478 |
| Gini Index | 0.514 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 33.5% |
| 170% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 630 |
| County GDP | $2,948M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 62 |
| Healthcare | 70 |
| Retail | 98 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,061 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.70 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.7% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $195,743. Monthly rent averages $608 (48% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,151 for a one-bedroom to $1,419 for a two-bedroom apartment. 29.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 261 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1991. The average annual property tax is $2,061 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 26.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $608 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,053 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,151 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,889 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,158 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 29.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 29.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 70.8% |
| Housing Units | 261 |
| Median Year Built | 1991 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,061 |
| 41% below US avg |
In Sanders, 39.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 18.6% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 9.4% of residents, above the national average. 36.5% have high blood pressure. 29.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 11.8% report binge drinking. 34.6% are physically inactive, above the national average. 22.3% report depression. 25.0% experience frequent mental distress. 17.3% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,430. The dentist ratio is 1:1,335. 17.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 3.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Sanders vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.6% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 18.6% |
| Heart Disease | 9.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.5% |
| Asthma | 15.4% |
| COPD | 13.8% |
| Cancer | 6.2% |
| Stroke | 6.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 29.3% |
| 109% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 11.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 34.6% |
| Depression | 22.3% |
| Mental Distress | 25.0% |
| Physical Distress | 23.0% |
| Short Sleep | 44.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 68.1% |
| Uninsured | 17.3% |
| 101% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,430 |
| Dentists | 1:1,335 |
| Mental Health | 1:834 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.8% |
| Dental Visits | 38.0% |
| Premature Death | 27,851/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 3.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 17.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 70 |
Sanders has a violent crime rate of 485 per 100,000 residents, 28% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,509 per 100,000, 28% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 23 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Sanders receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Sanders vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 484.6/100K |
| 28% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,508.6/100K |
| 28% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 23 |
| Traffic Accidents | 11 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Sanders experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 330 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 8.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 3.6 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 45. The city sits at an elevation of 5,874 feet, a high-altitude location.
Temperature
33°F Jan (1°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 52.2°F |
| 3% below US avg |
| January Average | 33°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 5,874 ft (1,790 m) |
| Area | 2.4 sq mi (6.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 285/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.2092°N, 109.3191°W |
| Timezone | America/Phoenix |
| County | Apache County County |
| Nearest Airport | Show Low Regional (SOW)
76 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
8.2"
79% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
1.81"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 45.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 2.7 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 78.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 99.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 0.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively High |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Very High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
14 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.6 on May 8, 2025.
| Jan 6, 1998 |
15 km WSW of Joseph City, Arizona |
M3.9 |
112 km |
| Mar 18, 2025 |
13 km NNE of Clay Springs, Arizona |
M3.2 |
118 km |
| Sep 23, 2019 |
22 km NNW of Saint Johns, Arizona |
M3.1 |
57 km |
| Jul 4, 2021 |
24 km SW of Lake Valley, New Mexico |
M3.1 |
119 km |
| Jun 18, 2022 |
4 km SW of Clay Springs, Arizona |
M3.0 |
134 km |
| Sep 23, 2013 |
7 km WSW of Pinedale, Arizona |
M2.8 |
138 km |
| Jun 10, 2020 |
5 km WNW of Tsaile, Arizona |
M2.8 |
124 km |
| Aug 10, 2019 |
5 km E of Bluewater Village, New Mexico |
M2.8 |
127 km |
| Jan 1, 2021 |
17 km S of Winslow West, Arizona |
M2.7 |
138 km |
| Sep 7, 2014 |
4 km WSW of Sun Valley, Arizona |
M2.6 |
76 km |
| Aug 26, 2024 |
8 km S of Rough Rock, Arizona |
M2.6 |
135 km |
| May 20, 2024 |
11 km WNW of Ramah, New Mexico |
M2.6 |
64 km |
| May 8, 2025 |
44 km SSW of San Rafael, New Mexico |
M2.6 |
130 km |
| Jul 16, 2022 |
11 km NW of Many Farms, Arizona |
M2.5 |
140 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
18 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF0.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 7, 2024 |
EF0 |
92 km |
0 |
| Sep 13, 2022 |
EF0 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2021 |
EF0 |
19 km |
0 |
| Oct 20, 2015 |
EF0 |
64 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2011 |
EF0 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2009 |
EF0 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jul 25, 2005 |
EF0 |
23 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2005 |
EF0 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2005 |
EF0 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2005 |
EF0 |
64 km |
0 |
| Oct 3, 2003 |
EF0 |
81 km |
0 |
| Sep 9, 2003 |
EF0 |
29 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 2001 |
EF0 |
85 km |
0 |
| Oct 22, 1997 |
EF0 |
86 km |
0 |
| Oct 27, 1974 |
EF0 |
57 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF0 |
93 km |
0 |
| Oct 17, 1962 |
EF0 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 1960 |
EF0 |
96 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
2 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Red Hill (116 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Red Hill |
Volcanic field |
2,300 m (7,546 ft) |
-9450 |
116 km |
| Zuni-Bandera |
Volcanic field |
2,550 m (8,366 ft) |
-1170 |
129 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
16 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: WOOD SPRINGS 2 (13,208 ac, 2020).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2020 |
WOOD SPRINGS 2 |
13,208 |
77 km |
| 2005 |
LITTLE WATER1 |
4,342 |
96 km |
| 2009 |
SAWMILL ROAD RX |
3,411 |
71 km |
| 2007 |
OAK RIDGE 3 |
2,959 |
37 km |
| 1996 |
ALLENTOWN5 |
2,653 |
12 km |
| 2010 |
FLUTED ROCK LAKE RX |
2,630 |
80 km |
| 2006 |
KINLICHEE CANYON 1 |
2,283 |
59 km |
| 1996 |
HDSCRABBLE |
2,217 |
28 km |
| 2022 |
RANCH |
2,189 |
98 km |
| 2005 |
KINLICHEE |
1,949 |
58 km |
| 2011 |
CATTAIL CANYON JACKPOT BURN |
1,801 |
91 km |
| 2006 |
KINLICHEE 2 |
1,738 |
56 km |
| 2006 |
FOREST UNIT |
1,408 |
72 km |
| 2001 |
9400 FMZ |
1,312 |
80 km |
| 2005 |
OAK RIDGE |
1,309 |
46 km |
| 2009 |
JARALOSA |
1,143 |
59 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
33°F (1°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| February |
37°F (3°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
42°F (6°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
1.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
1.8 in |
Wettest |
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
33°F (0°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest |
Sanders has a seasonal temperature swing of 40°F / from 33°F in December to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 10.3 inches, with August being the wettest month (1.8") and May the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Sanders. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$252 ($151–$403) |
| Specialist Visit |
$352 ($201–$554) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$201 ($101–$352) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,215 ($806–$5,035) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$131 ($76–$201) |
| Dental Filling |
$252 ($151–$403) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25–$76) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$76 ($50–$121) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$302 ($151–$504) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$76) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$604 ($403–$1,007) |
| Battery Replacement |
$201 ($101–$352) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$101 ($60–$151) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$91 ($50–$141) |
| HVAC Repair |
$403 ($151–$806) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,049 ($4,028–$12,084) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,007 ($403–$2,014) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,063 ($5,539–$15,105) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,511 ($504–$3,525) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,105 ($5,035–$30,210) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,035 ($2,014–$10,070) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,511 ($806–$3,021) |
| Will Preparation |
$504 ($201–$1,007) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,518 ($1,007–$5,035) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30–$101) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$151 ($76–$252) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$81 ($50–$131) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.13 ($3.02–$5.54) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.52 ($2.52–$5.04) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.83 ($2.52–$5.54) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.53 ($3.02–$6.55) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.54 ($4.03–$7.55) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.01 ($0.60–$1.81) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$141 ($81–$252) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$151) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$121) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$101) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30–$101) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$86 ($50–$151) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$201 ($76–$504) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,014 ($1,208–$3,525) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$131) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.06–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$101 ($30–$252) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$76) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,208 ($604–$2,518) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,007 ($504–$2,014) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$403 ($201–$705) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25–$101) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,007 ($403–$2,518) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,588 ($5,035–$30,210) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30–$101) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$101 ($50–$201) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30–$101) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$76) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$302 ($151–$504) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$201 ($101–$403) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $974 |
| Toddler | $758 |
| Preschool | $758 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $758 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $650 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sanders
What is the population of Sanders?
Sanders has a population of 738 residents and is located in Arizona. The population density is 285 people per square mile, spread across 2.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 27.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.7% female and 49.3% male.
Is Sanders expensive to live in?
Sanders has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100.7 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $31,838, 58% below the national average of $75,149. Renters pay a median of $608 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
Is Sanders safe?
The violent crime rate in Sanders is 485 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,509 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Sanders receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Sanders?
Sanders has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 33°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 8.2 inches, with 3.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 45.
How is the job market in Sanders?
The job market in Sanders is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,092. There are 630 business establishments in the area, including 62 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 7.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sanders?
For renters, the median monthly rent is $608. Fair market rent is $1,151 for a 1-bedroom and $1,419 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 29.2%. The average annual property tax is $2,061.
How are the schools in Sanders?
Schools in Sanders have an average test score of 3.3 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 12.6% of adults in Sanders hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.8% have completed high school. 7.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sanders?
The obesity rate in Sanders is 39.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 29.3% of adults are smokers. 34.6% are physically inactive. 22.3% of residents report depression. 17.3% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 17.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,430.
What is transportation like in Sanders?
The average commute in Sanders is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 86.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sanders?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sanders is 4.2% White, 95.8% Hispanic or Latino, 90.8% Asian. 40% of residents speak only English at home, while 60% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 9.8% of residents have a disability. 68.1% have health insurance coverage.
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