Median Income
$77,027
2% higher than US avg
Home Value
$239,600
15% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
163/100K
57% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.6%
39% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,044
10% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.1%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.6%
28% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.5%
56% lower than US avg
How Sandwich Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population7,121
Median Age38.9 yrs
Density1,502/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans6.6%
Economy
A
Median Income$77,027
Per Capita$34,336
Unemployment2.6%
Poverty5.5%
County GDP$5,408M
Commute28 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$239,600
Rent$1,044
Ownership71.5%
Zillow$315,533
Housing Units2,632
Rent Burden28.3%
Crime
F
Violent163/100K
Property339/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault122/100K
Burglary68/100K
Health
Obesity36.1%
Uninsured9.6%
Smoking14.0%
Depression23.6%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.4 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation671 ft (205 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.6%
High School+92.8%
Graduate+7.3%
School Score6.07
Community
2024 VoteR 48% / D 50%
Commute28 min
Broadband94.4%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Sandwich a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sandwich receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Sandwich offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Sandwich is $77,027, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.6%. Only 5.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Sandwich is $239,600, 15% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,044 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.1x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Sandwich is below the national average at 163 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 339 per 100,000, 83% below the national average.
Education
20.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.8% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Sandwich experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Sandwich has a population of 7,121 with a density of 1,502 people per square mile, spread across 4.7 square miles. The median age is 38.9 years, 0% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51% female and 49% male. The city is predominantly White (89.6%), with 1.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 91.1% of residents, while 8.9% speak Spanish. 6.6% of the population are veterans. 13.0% of residents have a disability. 95.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.9yrs
Median Age
0% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
91.1%
16% above US avg
Spanish
8.9%
34% below US avg
The median household income in Sandwich is $77,027, which is 2% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,336 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $985, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,463 business establishments, including 235 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes. 10.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $77,027 |
| 2% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,336 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $985 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $87,438 |
| Gini Index | 0.348 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.6% |
| 28% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.5% |
| 56% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,463 |
| County GDP | $5,408M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 235 |
| Healthcare | 218 |
| Retail | 253 |
| Manufacturing | 85 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $8,287 |
| 137% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.46% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 10.0% |
The median home value in Sandwich is $239,600, 15% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $315,533, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 98.3% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,044 (10% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 71.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 2,632 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1976. The average annual property tax is $8,287 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $239,600 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $315,533 |
| Median List Price | $249,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $249,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $229 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.3% |
| Price Drops | 21.4% |
| Inventory | 14 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,044 |
| 10% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 71.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 71.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 28.5% |
| Housing Units | 2,632 |
| Median Year Built | 1976 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,287 |
| 137% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.46% |
In Sandwich, 36.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 30.0% have high blood pressure. 14.0% are current smokers. 21.0% report binge drinking. 22.4% are physically inactive. 23.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.3% experience frequent mental distress. 9.6% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,372. The dentist ratio is 1:2,542. 90.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Sandwich vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.1% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.0% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.0% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.4% |
| Depression | 23.6% |
| Mental Distress | 18.3% |
| Physical Distress | 12.4% |
| Short Sleep | 35.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.4% |
| Uninsured | 9.6% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,372 |
| Dentists | 1:2,542 |
| Mental Health | 1:693 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.9% |
| Dental Visits | 62.5% |
| Premature Death | 4,543/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 90.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 218 |
Sandwich has a violent crime rate of 163 per 100,000 residents, 57% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 122.2 per 100,000, robbery at 13.6, rape at 27.2. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 339 per 100,000, 83% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 244, burglary at 68, vehicle theft at 27 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Sandwich receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Sandwich vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 163.0/100K |
| 57% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 27.2/100K |
| Robbery | 13.6/100K |
| Assault | 122.2/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 339.5/100K |
| 83% below US avg |
| Burglary | 67.9/100K |
| Theft | 244.4/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 27.2/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Traffic Accidents | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 1.7 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Sandwich experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 71°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 37.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 671 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 47.8°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 671 ft (205 m) |
| Area | 4.7 sq mi (12.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,502/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.6501°N, 88.6190°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Kendall County County |
| Nearest Airport | Joliet Regional (JOT)
25 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.4"
2% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.13"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 80.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 96.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
8 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Mar 15, 2025.
| Jun 28, 2004 |
12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois |
M4.2 |
32 km |
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
37 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
68 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
68 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
8 km |
| Mar 25, 2015 |
3 km WNW of Lake in the Hills, Illinois |
M2.9 |
63 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
39 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
63 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
645 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 122 fatalities, 2,257 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 28, 1990 |
EF5 |
23 km |
29 |
| Apr 9, 2015 |
EF4 |
60 km |
2 |
| Jun 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF4 |
52 km |
2 |
| Sep 28, 1972 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
68 km |
24 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
63 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
66 km |
33 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
66 km |
6 |
| Apr 17, 1963 |
EF4 |
68 km |
1 |
| Jun 20, 2021 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
46 km |
2 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 2004 |
EF3 |
71 km |
8 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
27 km |
1 |
| Apr 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 3.0 m (10 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1954 |
MICHIGAN CITY, IN (LAKE MICHIGAN) |
Avalanche |
3.0 m |
7 |
144 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
8 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,741 ac, 2019).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,741 |
48 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,664 |
53 km |
| 2021 |
NORTHEAST PRAIRIE UNIT 3 |
978 |
58 km |
| 2024 |
NORTHEAST PRAIRIE 3 RX |
938 |
57 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
738 |
56 km |
| 2021 |
MIDDLE GRANT CREEK |
700 |
50 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
698 |
56 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
549 |
49 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.3 in |
Driest |
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
2.3 in |
|
Sandwich has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 21°F in January to 71°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 36.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (1.3").
Average costs for common services in Sandwich. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$250 ($150–$400) |
| Specialist Visit |
$350 ($200–$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100–$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,200 ($800–$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75–$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150–$400) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25–$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50–$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$600 ($400–$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100–$350) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60–$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50–$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$400 ($150–$800) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,000 ($4,000–$12,000) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,000 ($400–$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,000 ($5,500–$15,000) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,500 ($500–$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,000 ($5,000–$30,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,000 ($2,000–$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,500 ($800–$3,000) |
| Will Preparation |
$500 ($200–$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,500 ($1,000–$5,000) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30–$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75–$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50–$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.10 ($3.00–$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.50 ($2.50–$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.80 ($2.50–$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.50 ($3.00–$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.50 ($4.00–$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60–$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80–$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30–$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50–$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75–$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,000 ($1,200–$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.00–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30–$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,200 ($600–$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,000 ($500–$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$400 ($200–$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25–$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,000 ($400–$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,500 ($5,000–$30,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50–$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100–$400) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,238 |
| Toddler | $1,016 |
| Preschool | $987 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $900 |
| Toddler | $917 |
| Preschool | $794 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sandwich
What is the population of Sandwich?
Sandwich has a population of 7,121 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 1,502 people per square mile, spread across 4.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.9 years. The population is 51% female and 49% male.
Is Sandwich expensive to live in?
Sandwich has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $77,027, 2% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $239,600 (15% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,044 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Sandwich safe?
Sandwich is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 163 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 339 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Sandwich receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Sandwich?
Sandwich has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Sandwich?
The job market in Sandwich is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $985. There are 2,463 business establishments in the area, including 235 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and 10.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sandwich?
The median home value in Sandwich is $239,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $315,533. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,044. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 71.5%. The average annual property tax is $8,287.
How are the schools in Sandwich?
Schools in Sandwich score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.6% of adults in Sandwich hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.8% have completed high school. 7.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sandwich?
The obesity rate in Sandwich is 36.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.0% of adults are smokers. 22.4% are physically inactive. 23.6% of residents report depression. 9.6% lack health insurance. 90.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,372.
What is transportation like in Sandwich?
The average commute in Sandwich is 28 minutes. 80.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sandwich?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sandwich is 89.6% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino. 91.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 8.9% speak Spanish. 6.6% of the population are military veterans. 13.0% of residents have a disability. 95.4% have health insurance coverage.
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