Median Income
$96,118
28% higher than US avg
Home Value
$223,400
21% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
873/100K
130% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
29.2%
13% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.5%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Sandusky Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population355
Median Age59.1 yrs
Density248/mi²
Male / Female61% / 39%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans15.1%
Economy
A+
Median Income$96,118
Per Capita$53,034
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$824M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$223,400
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$79,376
Housing Units195
Rent Burden25.1%
Crime
F
Violent873/100K
Property4,087/100K
Health
Obesity37.5%
Uninsured7.5%
Smoking18.9%
Depression21.2%
Heart Disease6.6%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain39.8 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation518 ft (158 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+29.2%
High School+98.2%
Graduate+5.0%
School Score5.97
Community
2024 VoteR 74% / D 24%
Commute20 min
Broadband92.7%
EV Stations3
Libraries8
Is Sandusky a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sandusky receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates. Sandusky offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Sandusky is $96,118, 28% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Sandusky is $223,400, 21% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 873 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 4,087 per 100,000, 108% above the national average.
Education
29.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Sandusky experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Sandusky has a population of 355 with a density of 248 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age is 59.1 years, 52% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 38.6% female and 61.4% male. The city is predominantly White (95.2%), with 4.8% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 15.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 4.1% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 91.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
59.1yrs
Median Age
52% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Sandusky is $96,118, which is 28% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $53,034 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $881, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 412 business establishments, including 37 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $96,118 |
| 28% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $53,034 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $881 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,288 |
| Gini Index | 0.451 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 412 |
| County GDP | $824M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 37 |
| Healthcare | 25 |
| Retail | 63 |
| Manufacturing | 19 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,612 |
| 3% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.62% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.0% |
The median home value in Sandusky is $223,400, 21% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $79,376, lower than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 195 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1980. The average annual property tax is $3,612. 25.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $223,400 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $79,376 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 195 |
| Median Year Built | 1980 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,612 |
| 3% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.62% |
In Sandusky, 37.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.6% of residents. 32.2% have high blood pressure. 18.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.8% report binge drinking. 25.8% are physically inactive. 21.2% report depression. 18.2% experience frequent mental distress. 7.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,480. The dentist ratio is 1:2,874. 55.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Sandusky vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.5% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.3% |
| Heart Disease | 6.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.2% |
| Asthma | 9.8% |
| COPD | 7.1% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.9% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.8% |
| Depression | 21.2% |
| Mental Distress | 18.2% |
| Physical Distress | 13.3% |
| Short Sleep | 36.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.2% |
| Uninsured | 7.5% |
| 13% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,480 |
| Dentists | 1:2,874 |
| Mental Health | 1:464 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.0% |
| Dental Visits | 64.1% |
| Premature Death | 7,758/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 55.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 25 |
Sandusky has a violent crime rate of 873 per 100,000 residents, 130% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,087 per 100,000, 108% above the U.S. average. Overall, Sandusky receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Sandusky vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 873.0/100K |
| 130% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,086.6/100K |
| 108% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Sandusky experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 275 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 39.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 518 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
76°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 52.1°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 518 ft (158 m) |
| Area | 1.4 sq mi (3.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 248/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.4480°N, 91.3890°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Hancock County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southeast Iowa Regional (BRL)
27 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.8"
5% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.53"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 31.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 64.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 61.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.9. Most recent: M2.9 on Feb 8, 2004.
| Feb 8, 2004 |
6 km SSW of Stoutsville, Missouri |
M2.9 |
114 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
449 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 7 fatalities, 300 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF4 |
16 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 4, 2023 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2003 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
12 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1981 |
EF3 |
69 km |
1 |
| Jul 23, 1975 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1975 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Sep 30, 1973 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
29 km |
2 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 1967 |
EF3 |
66 km |
2 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 3 (1,206 ac, 1999).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1999 |
UNIT 3 |
1,206 |
78 km |
| 2002 |
HSB 03 2 |
1,130 |
78 km |
| 2000 |
DESTRUST A |
756 |
79 km |
| 2006 |
HSB 003 |
674 |
78 km |
| 2004 |
HSB 009 |
608 |
79 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
29°F (-1°C) |
1.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| April |
53°F (11°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
76°F (25°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
74°F (24°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
67°F (19°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.9 in |
|
Sandusky has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 25°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.5 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in Sandusky. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Sandusky
What is the population of Sandusky?
Sandusky has a population of 355 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 248 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 59.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 38.6% female and 61.4% male.
Is Sandusky expensive to live in?
Sandusky is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $96,118, 28% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $223,400 (21% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Sandusky safe?
Public safety is a concern in Sandusky, with a violent crime rate of 873 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 4,087 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Sandusky receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Sandusky?
Sandusky has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Sandusky?
The job market in Sandusky is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $881. There are 412 business establishments in the area, including 37 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 7.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sandusky?
The median home value in Sandusky is $223,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $79,376. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $3,612.
How are the schools in Sandusky?
Schools in Sandusky score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 29.2% of adults in Sandusky hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.2% have completed high school. 5.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sandusky?
The obesity rate in Sandusky is 37.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.9% of adults are smokers. 25.8% are physically inactive. 21.2% of residents report depression. 7.5% lack health insurance. 55.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,480.
What is transportation like in Sandusky?
The average commute in Sandusky is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 82.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sandusky?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sandusky is 95.2% White, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 15.1% of the population are military veterans. 4.1% of residents have a disability. 91.2% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
