Median Income
$50,921
32% lower than US avg
Home Value
$130,600
54% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
23.5%
30% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.5%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.1%
75% lower than US avg
How Sanderson Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population678
Median Age60.2 yrs
Density162/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 79%
Veterans13.3%
Economy
A
Median Income$50,921
Per Capita$31,567
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty3.1%
County GDP$57M
Commute12 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$130,600
Ownership89.0%
Zillow$106,954
Housing Units536
Rent Burden29.9%
Health
Obesity34.5%
Uninsured13.1%
Smoking9.9%
Depression20.5%
Heart Disease4.5%
Climate
Avg Temp66°F (19°C)
Rain14.3 in/yr
Elevation2,867 ft (874 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+23.5%
High School+92.5%
Graduate+11.3%
School Score5.73
Community
2024 VoteR 78% / D 22%
Commute12 min
Broadband80.1%
Libraries1
Is Sanderson a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sanderson receives an overall livability score of 4.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Sanderson stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Sanderson is $50,921, 32% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 3.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Sanderson is $130,600, 54% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
23.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Sanderson enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F. Winters average 47°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 14.3 inches.
Sanderson has a population of 678 with a density of 162 people per square mile, spread across 4.2 square miles. The median age is 60.2 years, 55% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.3% female and 50.7% male. The city is predominantly White (79.2%), with 53.7% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 57.3% of residents, while 41.4% speak Spanish. 13.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 21.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 86.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
678
Total Population
2023 Census
60.2yrs
Median Age
55% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Sanderson vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
57.3%
27% below US avg
Spanish
41.4%
209% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Sanderson vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Sanderson is $50,921, which is 32% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,567 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,177, 18% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 48 business establishments, including 20 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Sanderson vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $50,921 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,567 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,177 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $59,165 |
| Gini Index | 0.384 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.1% |
| 75% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 48 |
| County GDP | $57M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 20 |
| Healthcare | 6 |
| Retail | 3 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 97.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 12.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.1% |
The median home value in Sanderson is $130,600, 54% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $106,954, lower than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $935 for a one-bedroom to $1,149 for a two-bedroom apartment. 89.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 536 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1954. 29.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $130,600 |
| 54% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $106,954 |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 89.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 89.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 11.0% |
| Housing Units | 536 |
| Median Year Built | 1954 |
Property Tax
In Sanderson, 34.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 4.5% of residents, below the national average. 29.1% have high blood pressure. 9.9% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 19.3% report binge drinking. 24.2% are physically inactive. 20.5% report depression. 15.6% experience frequent mental distress. 13.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The food environment index is 3.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Sanderson vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.5% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.4% |
| Heart Disease | 4.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.1% |
| Asthma | 8.8% |
| COPD | 3.9% |
| Cancer | 5.7% |
| Stroke | 2.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 9.9% |
| 29% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.2% |
| Depression | 20.5% |
| Mental Distress | 15.6% |
| Physical Distress | 11.4% |
| Short Sleep | 36.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 86.9% |
| Uninsured | 13.1% |
| 52% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 72.2% |
| Dental Visits | 63.9% |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 3.7/10 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 6 |
Sanderson enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F (19°C). Winters average 47°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 14.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The city sits at an elevation of 2,867 feet.
Temperature
47°F Jan (8°C)
82°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 65.8°F |
| 22% above US avg |
| January Average | 47°F (8°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,867 ft (874 m) |
| Area | 4.2 sq mi (10.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 162/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 30.1508°N, 102.4079°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Terrell County County |
| Nearest Airport | Del Rio International (DRT)
104 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
14.3"
62% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
2.30"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 0.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 72.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 4.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
171 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.7. Most recent: M2.6 on Mar 28, 2025.
| Apr 14, 1995 |
13 km NW of Marathon, Texas |
M5.7 |
92 km |
| May 14, 2015 |
84 km S of Sanderson, Texas |
M4.0 |
86 km |
| Apr 15, 1995 |
10 km NW of Marathon, Texas |
M4.0 |
89 km |
| Aug 5, 2023 |
10 km E of Study Butte, Texas |
M3.7 |
134 km |
| Nov 12, 1995 |
14 km NW of Marathon, Texas |
M3.6 |
92 km |
| Jan 24, 2012 |
17 km NW of Marathon, Texas |
M3.6 |
95 km |
| Sep 6, 2016 |
22 km WSW of Coyanosa, Texas |
M3.6 |
144 km |
| Apr 15, 1998 |
5 km WSW of Marathon, Texas |
M3.6 |
86 km |
| Jun 1, 1995 |
14 km NW of Marathon, Texas |
M3.5 |
92 km |
| Jan 30, 2020 |
western Texas |
M3.4 |
137 km |
| Aug 4, 2015 |
22 km WSW of Coyanosa, Texas |
M3.3 |
140 km |
| Apr 4, 2020 |
28 km ESE of Balmorhea, Texas |
M3.3 |
130 km |
| Apr 4, 2015 |
19 km WSW of Coyanosa, Texas |
M3.3 |
137 km |
| May 24, 2021 |
37 km E of Balmorhea, Texas |
M3.3 |
127 km |
| Feb 17, 2011 |
11 km SSW of Marathon, Texas |
M3.3 |
86 km |
| Feb 4, 2022 |
24 km SSW of Coyanosa, Texas |
M3.3 |
121 km |
| Apr 14, 1995 |
14 km NW of Marathon, Texas |
M3.3 |
92 km |
| Oct 22, 2017 |
26 km WSW of Coyanosa, Texas |
M3.3 |
145 km |
| Feb 20, 2016 |
25 km W of Coyanosa, Texas |
M3.3 |
148 km |
| Jul 31, 2019 |
9 km N of Coyanosa, Texas |
M3.3 |
145 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
80 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 2, 2024 |
EF3 |
2 km |
0 |
| Sep 21, 1965 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1961 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2024 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2024 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 2011 |
EF2 |
7 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 2009 |
EF2 |
47 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 1990 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 1965 |
EF2 |
2 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1962 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1961 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1960 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1954 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
1 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 2023 |
EF1 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1995 |
EF1 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1992 |
EF1 |
15 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1990 |
EF1 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1988 |
EF1 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1982 |
EF1 |
99 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: IRON MOUNTAIN (85,016 ac, 2011).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2011 |
IRON MOUNTAIN |
85,016 |
76 km |
| 2008 |
HUCKABEE |
84,897 |
58 km |
| 2011 |
SCHWARTZ FIRE |
80,788 |
41 km |
| 2008 |
PORTER |
47,570 |
40 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
33,784 |
72 km |
| 2020 |
HOLCOMBE RD |
25,771 |
91 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
24,743 |
90 km |
| 2011 |
DHR |
21,345 |
66 km |
| 2011 |
LITTLE SMOKEY |
19,841 |
70 km |
| 2008 |
CATHEDRAL |
19,342 |
95 km |
| 2014 |
MALONE |
11,836 |
89 km |
| 2011 |
CANNON |
10,449 |
83 km |
| 2020 |
SMITH CANYON |
8,590 |
89 km |
| 2011 |
DHI |
7,149 |
69 km |
| 2008 |
ROCKING JBH |
7,004 |
91 km |
| 2020 |
LONGFELLOW NINE MILE COMPLEX |
5,780 |
21 km |
| 1991 |
SHAKELFORD |
5,586 |
90 km |
| 2006 |
WEST |
4,791 |
92 km |
| 2011 |
STEGALL |
4,724 |
20 km |
| 2011 |
PINON FIRE |
4,372 |
53 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
47°F (8°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
52°F (11°C) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
59°F (15°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| April |
67°F (19°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| May |
75°F (24°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| June |
82°F (28°C) |
2.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
82°F (28°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| August |
82°F (28°C) |
1.6 in |
Warmest |
| September |
76°F (24°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| October |
66°F (19°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| November |
55°F (13°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
48°F (9°C) |
0.7 in |
|
Sanderson has a seasonal temperature swing of 35°F / from 47°F in January to 82°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 14.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (2.3") and February the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Sanderson. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$243 ($146-$388) |
| Specialist Visit |
$340 ($194-$534) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$194 ($97-$340) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,136 ($777-$4,855) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$126 ($73-$194) |
| Dental Filling |
$243 ($146-$388) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($24-$73) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$73 ($49-$117) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$291 ($146-$486) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($19-$73) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$583 ($388-$971) |
| Battery Replacement |
$194 ($97-$340) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$97 ($58-$146) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($49-$136) |
| HVAC Repair |
$388 ($146-$777) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,797 ($3,884-$11,652) |
| Roof Repair |
$971 ($388-$1,942) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,739 ($5,341-$14,565) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,457 ($486-$3,399) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,565 ($4,855-$29,130) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,855 ($1,942-$9,710) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,457 ($777-$2,913) |
| Will Preparation |
$486 ($194-$971) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,428 ($971-$4,855) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($15-$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29-$97) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$146 ($73-$243) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($15-$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24-$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$78 ($49-$126) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.98 ($2.91-$5.34) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.40 ($2.43-$4.86) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.69 ($2.43-$5.34) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.37 ($2.91-$6.31) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.34 ($3.88-$7.28) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.97 ($0.58-$1.75) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$136 ($78-$243) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$68 ($29-$146) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$68 ($39-$117) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$68 ($39-$97) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29-$97) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$83 ($49-$146) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$194 ($73-$486) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,942 ($1,165-$3,399) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$68 ($29-$126) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.77-$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$97 ($29-$243) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($15-$73) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,165 ($583-$2,428) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$971 ($486-$1,942) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$388 ($194-$680) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($24-$97) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$971 ($388-$2,428) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,138 ($4,855-$29,130) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29-$97) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$97 ($49-$194) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29-$97) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($19-$73) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$291 ($146-$486) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$194 ($97-$388) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $671 |
| Toddler | $624 |
| Preschool | $606 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $598 |
| Toddler | $567 |
| Preschool | $559 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sanderson
What is the population of Sanderson?
Sanderson has a population of 678 residents and is located in Texas. The population density is 162 people per square mile, spread across 4.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 60.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.3% female and 50.7% male.
Is Sanderson expensive to live in?
Sanderson has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 97.1 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $50,921, 32% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $130,600 (54% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Sanderson?
Sanderson enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F (19°C). Winter temperatures average 47°F in January, while summers reach an average of 82°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 14.3 inches.
How is the job market in Sanderson?
The job market in Sanderson is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,177. There are 48 business establishments in the area, including 20 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 12 minutes, and 3.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sanderson?
The median home value in Sanderson is $130,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $106,954. The homeownership rate is 89.0%.
How are the schools in Sanderson?
Schools in Sanderson score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 23.5% of adults in Sanderson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.5% have completed high school. 11.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sanderson?
The obesity rate in Sanderson is 34.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 9.9% of adults are smokers. 24.2% are physically inactive. 20.5% of residents report depression. 13.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate).
What is transportation like in Sanderson?
The average commute in Sanderson is 12 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 75.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sanderson?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sanderson is 79.2% White, 53.7% Hispanic or Latino. 57.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 41.4% speak Spanish. 13.3% of the population are military veterans. 21.2% of residents have a disability. 86.9% have health insurance coverage.