Median Income
$60,625
19% lower than US avg
Home Value
$112,300
60% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
279/100K
27% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.4%
42% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$724
38% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.3%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.3%
8% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.6%
63% lower than US avg
How Sandusky Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,692
Median Age42.2 yrs
Density1,252/mi²
Male / Female51% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans4.3%
Economy
A
Median Income$60,625
Per Capita$33,625
Unemployment3.3%
Poverty4.6%
County GDP$1,747M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$112,300
Rent$724
Ownership57.5%
Zillow$169,811
Housing Units1,206
Rent Burden28.9%
Crime
F
Violent279/100K
Property1,994/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault279/100K
Burglary399/100K
Health
Obesity39.3%
Uninsured7.8%
Smoking17.7%
Depression29.3%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Sunny Days261/yr
Elevation774 ft (236 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.4%
High School+88.9%
Graduate+5.5%
School Score5.43
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 26%
Commute20 min
Broadband81.2%
EV Stations2
Libraries8
Is Sandusky a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sandusky receives an overall livability score of 3.1 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 high obesity 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 $60,625, 19% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.3%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 4.6% 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 $112,300, 60% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $724 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Sandusky is below the national average at 279 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,994 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
19.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Sandusky experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 261 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Sandusky has a population of 2,692 with a density of 1,252 people per square mile, spread across 2.2 square miles. The median age is 42.2 years, 8% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.5% female and 50.5% male. The city is predominantly White (91%), with 1.6% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.9% of residents. 4.3% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 21.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.2yrs
Median Age
8% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.9%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.1%
84% below US avg
The median household income in Sandusky is $60,625, which is 19% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,625 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $935, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 879 business establishments, including 71 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $60,625 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,625 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $935 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,237 |
| Gini Index | 0.426 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.3% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.6% |
| 63% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 879 |
| County GDP | $1,747M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 71 |
| Healthcare | 103 |
| Retail | 134 |
| Manufacturing | 54 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,870 |
| 11% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.45% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.4% |
The median home value in Sandusky is $112,300, 60% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $169,811, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $724 (38% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $891 for a one-bedroom to $1,113 for a two-bedroom apartment. 57.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,206 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1967. The average annual property tax is $3,870. 28.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $112,300 |
| 60% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $169,811 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $724 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 57.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 57.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 42.5% |
| Housing Units | 1,206 |
| Median Year Built | 1967 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,870 |
| 11% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.45% |
In Sandusky, 39.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 32.7% have high blood pressure. 17.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.8% report binge drinking. 27.1% are physically inactive. 29.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.2% experience frequent mental distress. 7.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,116. The dentist ratio is 1:2,904. 40.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Sandusky vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.3% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.7% |
| Asthma | 11.8% |
| COPD | 7.9% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.7% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.1% |
| Depression | 29.3% |
| Mental Distress | 20.2% |
| Physical Distress | 14.1% |
| Short Sleep | 33.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.3% |
| Uninsured | 7.8% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,116 |
| Dentists | 1:2,904 |
| Mental Health | 1:481 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.9% |
| Dental Visits | 64.7% |
| Premature Death | 9,591/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 40.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 103 |
Sandusky has a violent crime rate of 279 per 100,000 residents, 27% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 279.1 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,994 per 100,000, 2% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,595, burglary at 399, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Sandusky receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Sandusky vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 279.1/100K |
| 27% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 279.1/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,993.6/100K |
| 2% above US avg |
| Burglary | 398.7/100K |
| Theft | 1,594.9/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| 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 46°F (8°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. The area gets 261 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 774 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 46.4°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 261 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 774 ft (236 m) |
| Area | 2.2 sq mi (5.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,252/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.4202°N, 82.8330°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Sanilac County County |
| Nearest Airport | St Clair County International (PHN)
38 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.62"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 70.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 72.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 68.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.4. Most recent: M2.5 on May 23, 2022.
| Apr 20, 2018 |
Michigan |
M3.4 |
146 km |
| Feb 23, 2011 |
18 km NE of Leamington, Canada |
M3.0 |
144 km |
| May 14, 2017 |
18 km ENE of Leamington, Canada |
M2.6 |
147 km |
| Mar 8, 2010 |
7 km ENE of Grosse Ile, Michigan |
M2.5 |
141 km |
| May 23, 2022 |
2 km NNW of Corunna, Canada |
M2.5 |
66 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
195 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 136 fatalities, 1,320 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF5 |
90 km |
116 |
| May 8, 1964 |
EF4 |
83 km |
11 |
| May 12, 1956 |
EF4 |
83 km |
3 |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF4 |
41 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1953 |
EF4 |
59 km |
2 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF3 |
69 km |
1 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1996 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Sep 2, 1984 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 1984 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1984 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF3 |
81 km |
1 |
| Jul 14, 1974 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2024 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 2021 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2013 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2013 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 2012 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1996 |
EF2 |
33 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 1.5 m (5 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1952 |
LAKE HURON, MI |
Avalanche |
1.5 m |
- |
50 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
32°F (-0°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| June |
65°F (18°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
2.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.6 in |
Wettest |
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
38°F (4°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.3 in |
|
Sandusky has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 22°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.5 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.6") and February the driest (1.4").
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) |
$241 ($144-$385) |
| Specialist Visit |
$337 ($192-$529) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$192 ($96-$337) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,116 ($770-$4,810) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$125 ($72-$192) |
| Dental Filling |
$241 ($144-$385) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24-$72) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$72 ($48-$115) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$289 ($144-$481) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19-$72) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$577 ($385-$962) |
| Battery Replacement |
$192 ($96-$337) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$96 ($58-$144) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($48-$135) |
| HVAC Repair |
$385 ($144-$770) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,734 ($3,848-$11,544) |
| Roof Repair |
$962 ($385-$1,924) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,658 ($5,291-$14,430) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,443 ($481-$3,367) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,430 ($4,810-$28,860) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,810 ($1,924-$9,620) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,443 ($770-$2,886) |
| Will Preparation |
$481 ($192-$962) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,405 ($962-$4,810) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14-$43) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29-$96) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$144 ($72-$241) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14-$43) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24-$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$77 ($48-$125) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.94 ($2.89-$5.29) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.37 ($2.41-$4.81) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.66 ($2.41-$5.29) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.33 ($2.89-$6.25) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.29 ($3.85-$7.22) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.96 ($0.58-$1.73) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$135 ($77-$241) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$67 ($29-$144) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$67 ($38-$115) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$67 ($38-$96) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29-$96) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$82 ($48-$144) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$192 ($72-$481) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,924 ($1,154-$3,367) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$67 ($29-$125) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.70-$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$96 ($29-$241) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($14-$72) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,154 ($577-$2,405) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$962 ($481-$1,924) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$385 ($192-$673) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$48 ($24-$96) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$962 ($385-$2,405) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,025 ($4,810-$28,860) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29-$96) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$96 ($48-$192) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29-$96) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19-$72) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$289 ($144-$481) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$192 ($96-$385) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $482 |
| Toddler | $528 |
| Preschool | $528 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $718 |
| Toddler | $718 |
| Preschool | $696 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sandusky
What is the population of Sandusky?
Sandusky has a population of 2,692 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 1,252 people per square mile, spread across 2.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.5% female and 50.5% male.
Is Sandusky expensive to live in?
Sandusky has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 96.2 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $60,625, 19% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $112,300 (60% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $724 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Sandusky safe?
Sandusky is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 279 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,994 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 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 22°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 261 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Sandusky?
Sandusky has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.3%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $935. There are 879 business establishments in the area, including 71 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 3.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sandusky?
The median home value in Sandusky is $112,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $169,811. For renters, the median monthly rent is $724. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 57.5%. The average annual property tax is $3,870.
How are the schools in Sandusky?
Schools in Sandusky score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.4% of adults in Sandusky hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.9% have completed high school. 5.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sandusky?
The obesity rate in Sandusky is 39.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.7% of adults are smokers. 27.1% are physically inactive. 29.3% of residents report depression. 7.8% lack health insurance. 40.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,116.
What is transportation like in Sandusky?
The average commute in Sandusky is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 81.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sandusky?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sandusky is 91% White, 1.6% Black or African American. 97.9% of residents speak only English at home. 4.3% of the population are military veterans. 21.5% of residents have a disability. 94.3% have health insurance coverage.
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