Median Income
$50,288
33% lower than US avg
Home Value
$137,500
51% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
608/100K
60% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.2%
64% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,011
13% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.6%
33% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.7%
53% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
21.2%
71% higher than US avg
How Sandstone Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,538
Median Age39.6 yrs
Density483/mi²
Male / Female67% / 33%
Largest GroupWhite 78%
Veterans7.0%
Economy
B
Median Income$50,288
Per Capita$17,559
Unemployment1.7%
Poverty21.2%
County GDP$995M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$137,500
Rent$1,011
Ownership54.2%
Zillow$224,581
Housing Units724
Rent Burden24.9%
Crime
F
Violent608/100K
Property3,220/100K
Health
Obesity42.6%
Uninsured13.4%
Smoking21.9%
Depression23.8%
Heart Disease7.0%
Climate
Avg Temp41°F (5°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain33.3 in/yr
Sunny Days249/yr
Elevation1,078 ft (329 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+12.2%
High School+82.8%
Graduate+1.8%
School Score5.36
Community
2024 VoteR 67% / D 32%
Commute26 min
Broadband89.2%
EV Stations2
Libraries3
Is Sandstone a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sandstone receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Sandstone has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Sandstone is $50,288, 33% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.7%. The poverty rate of 21.2% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Sandstone is $137,500, 51% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,011 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 608 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,220 per 100,000, 64% above the national average.
Education
12.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Sandstone has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F. Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. The area gets 249 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 33.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Sandstone has a population of 2,538 with a density of 483 people per square mile, spread across 5.4 square miles. The median age is 39.6 years, 2% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 33.2% female and 66.8% male. The city is predominantly White (77.5%), with 8% Hispanic, 10.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 85.7% of residents, while 14.3% speak Spanish. 7.0% of the population are veterans. 25.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 86.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.6yrs
Median Age
2% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Sandstone vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
85.7%
9% above US avg
Spanish
14.3%
7% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Sandstone vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Sandstone is $50,288, which is 33% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $17,559 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $851, 41% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 21.2% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 733 business establishments, including 76 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 6.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Sandstone vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $50,288 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $17,559 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $851 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $61,352 |
| Gini Index | 0.415 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.7% |
| 53% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 21.2% |
| 71% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 733 |
| County GDP | $995M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 76 |
| Healthcare | 79 |
| Retail | 94 |
| Manufacturing | 28 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,634 |
| 4% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.64% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.4% |
The median home value in Sandstone is $137,500, 51% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $224,581, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,011 (13% 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. 54.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 724 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1966. The average annual property tax is $3,634. 24.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $137,500 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $224,581 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,011 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 54.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 54.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 45.8% |
| Housing Units | 724 |
| Median Year Built | 1966 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,634 |
| 4% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.64% |
In Sandstone, 42.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.6% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.0% of residents, above the national average. 36.3% have high blood pressure. 21.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.4% report binge drinking. 30.6% are physically inactive, above the national average. 23.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.3% experience frequent mental distress. 13.4% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,860. The dentist ratio is 1:2,677. 55.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Sandstone vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.6% |
| 33% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.6% |
| Heart Disease | 7.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.3% |
| Asthma | 9.6% |
| COPD | 7.4% |
| Cancer | 6.8% |
| Stroke | 3.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 21.9% |
| 56% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.6% |
| Depression | 23.8% |
| Mental Distress | 18.3% |
| Physical Distress | 14.5% |
| Short Sleep | 36.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 86.7% |
| Uninsured | 13.4% |
| 56% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:5,860 |
| Dentists | 1:2,677 |
| Mental Health | 1:444 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.3% |
| Dental Visits | 52.1% |
| Premature Death | 8,534/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 55.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 79 |
Sandstone has a violent crime rate of 608 per 100,000 residents, 60% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,220 per 100,000, 64% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 7 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Sandstone receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Sandstone vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 608.2/100K |
| 60% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,220.0/100K |
| 64% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Traffic Accidents | 263 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Sandstone has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. The area gets 249 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 33.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,078 feet.
Temperature
11°F Jan (-12°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 41.4°F |
| 23% below US avg |
| January Average | 11°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 249 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,078 ft (329 m) |
| Area | 5.4 sq mi (14.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 483/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.1290°N, 92.8646°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Pine County County |
| Nearest Airport | Duluth International (DLH)
59 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
33.3"
12% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.25"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 62.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 46.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 67.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
201 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 8 fatalities, 69 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 21, 1957 |
EF4 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 2001 |
EF3 |
42 km |
2 |
| Sep 18, 1997 |
EF3 |
92 km |
1 |
| Jun 25, 1973 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
97 km |
1 |
| Jun 30, 1968 |
EF3 |
18 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF3 |
81 km |
2 |
| Jun 12, 2024 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 2016 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 2011 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF2 |
45 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1997 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
| Oct 26, 1996 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 1995 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1985 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Sep 12, 1982 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1981 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1980 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: GERMANN ROAD FIRE (6,751 ac, 2013).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2013 |
GERMANN ROAD FIRE |
6,751 |
99 km |
| 2002 |
UNIT 4 |
5,887 |
99 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 37 38 39 A |
4,879 |
97 km |
| 1998 |
UNITS 1617 |
4,649 |
94 km |
| 2005 |
RX HFR 05 |
4,253 |
95 km |
| 2009 |
BU9 |
4,112 |
99 km |
| 2007 |
WUI 07 - UNIT 36 |
4,025 |
97 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
3,642 |
87 km |
| 2000 |
UNIT 25 |
3,412 |
98 km |
| 2009 |
BU11 |
3,242 |
99 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
2,998 |
60 km |
| 1997 |
BIG |
2,987 |
98 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
2,904 |
98 km |
| 2015 |
TAMARACK |
2,745 |
65 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 34 33 W |
2,637 |
98 km |
| 2024 |
UNIT 8E RX |
2,551 |
98 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
2,512 |
60 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,486 |
87 km |
| 1992 |
SHARPTAIL |
2,288 |
99 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
2,243 |
79 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
11°F (-12°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
15°F (-9°C) |
0.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
42°F (6°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| December |
14°F (-10°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Sandstone has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 11°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Sandstone. 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 | $914 |
| Toddler | $853 |
| Preschool | $787 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $621 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sandstone
What is the population of Sandstone?
Sandstone has a population of 2,538 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 483 people per square mile, spread across 5.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.6 years. The population is 33.2% female and 66.8% male.
Is Sandstone expensive to live in?
Sandstone 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 $50,288, 33% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $137,500 (51% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,011 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Sandstone safe?
Public safety is a concern in Sandstone, with a violent crime rate of 608 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,220 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Sandstone receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Sandstone?
Sandstone has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 11°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. The area receives 249 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 33.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Sandstone?
The job market in Sandstone is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $851. There are 733 business establishments in the area, including 76 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 6.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sandstone?
The median home value in Sandstone is $137,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $224,581. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,011. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 54.2%. The average annual property tax is $3,634.
How are the schools in Sandstone?
Schools in Sandstone score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 12.2% of adults in Sandstone hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.8% have completed high school. 1.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sandstone?
The obesity rate in Sandstone is 42.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 21.9% of adults are smokers. 30.6% are physically inactive. 23.8% of residents report depression. 13.4% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 55.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,860.
What is transportation like in Sandstone?
The average commute in Sandstone is 26 minutes. 75.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sandstone?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sandstone is 77.5% White, 10.4% Black or African American, 8% Hispanic or Latino. 85.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 14.3% speak Spanish. 7.0% of the population are military veterans. 25.1% of residents have a disability. 86.7% have health insurance coverage.
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