Median Income
$67,292
10% lower than US avg
Home Value
$101,900
64% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
546/100K
44% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
22.1%
34% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$597
49% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.3%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.6%
28% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.7%
78% lower than US avg
How Sandy Creek Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population586
Median Age48.0 yrs
Density434/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans11.4%
Economy
A
Median Income$67,292
Per Capita$37,974
Unemployment2.6%
Poverty2.7%
County GDP$9,256M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$101,900
Rent$597
Ownership82.7%
Zillow$172,388
Housing Units286
Rent Burden51.0%
Crime
F
Violent546/100K
Property4,627/100K
Health
Obesity38.3%
Uninsured7.3%
Smoking19.0%
Depression23.6%
Heart Disease6.5%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain48.0 in/yr
Sunny Days246/yr
Elevation501 ft (153 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+22.1%
High School+93.4%
Graduate+8.1%
School Score5.13
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 38%
Commute23 min
Broadband91.8%
EV Stations7
Libraries11
Is Sandy Creek a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sandy Creek receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates. Sandy Creek offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Sandy Creek is $67,292, 10% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.6%. Only 2.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Sandy Creek is $101,900, 64% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $597 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 546 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,627 per 100,000, 136% above the national average.
Education
22.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Sandy Creek has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. The area gets 246 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 48.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Sandy Creek has a population of 586 with a density of 434 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age is 48.0 years, 23% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49% female and 51% male. The city is predominantly White (98.8%), with 1.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.5% of residents. 11.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.1% of residents have a disability. 96.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
48.0yrs
Median Age
23% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Sandy Creek vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.5%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.5%
89% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Sandy Creek vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Sandy Creek is $67,292, which is 10% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,974. The average weekly wage is $1,195, 17% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,324 business establishments, including 277 restaurants. The cost of living index is 107.9, slightly above the national baseline of 100. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Sandy Creek vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $67,292 |
| 10% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,974 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,195 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,442 |
| Gini Index | 0.447 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.6% |
| 28% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.7% |
| 78% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,324 |
| County GDP | $9,256M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 277 |
| Healthcare | 193 |
| Retail | 338 |
| Manufacturing | 78 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,555 |
| 87% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 107.90 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.43% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.8% |
The median home value in Sandy Creek is $101,900, 64% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $172,388, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $597 (49% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,315 for a one-bedroom to $1,579 for a two-bedroom apartment. 82.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 286 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $6,555 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 51.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $101,900 |
| 64% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $172,388 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $597 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 51.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,215 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,315 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,579 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,976 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,193 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 82.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 82.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 17.3% |
| Housing Units | 286 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,555 |
| 87% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.43% |
In Sandy Creek, 38.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.5% of residents. 33.1% have high blood pressure. 19.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.5% report binge drinking. 30.8% are physically inactive, above the national average. 23.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.3% experience frequent mental distress. 7.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,498. The dentist ratio is 1:2,151. 65.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Sandy Creek vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.3% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.4% |
| Heart Disease | 6.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.1% |
| Asthma | 11.9% |
| COPD | 8.5% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.0% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.8% |
| Depression | 23.6% |
| Mental Distress | 20.3% |
| Physical Distress | 15.4% |
| Short Sleep | 42.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.8% |
| Uninsured | 7.3% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,498 |
| Dentists | 1:2,151 |
| Mental Health | 1:540 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.2% |
| Dental Visits | 55.9% |
| Premature Death | 9,165/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 193 |
Sandy Creek has a violent crime rate of 546 per 100,000 residents, 44% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,627 per 100,000, 136% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Sandy Creek receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Sandy Creek vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 546.3/100K |
| 44% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,627.1/100K |
| 136% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Traffic Accidents | 13 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.7 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Sandy Creek has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. The area gets 246 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 48.0 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 501 feet.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-7°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 44.7°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 20°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 246 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 501 ft (153 m) |
| Area | 1.4 sq mi (3.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 434/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.6434°N, 76.0863°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Oswego County County |
| Nearest Airport | Watertown International (ART)
24 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
48.0"
26% above US avg
Wettest Month (Nov)
4.96"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 67.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 40.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 87.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
10 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M3.3 on Jun 29, 2024.
| Dec 25, 1998 |
23 km SE of Cobourg, Canada |
M3.6 |
150 km |
| Apr 23, 2023 |
New York |
M3.6 |
25 km |
| Jun 29, 2024 |
14 km W of Ellisburg, New York |
M3.3 |
21 km |
| Jul 31, 1997 |
0 km WSW of Lyons Falls, New York |
M3.2 |
58 km |
| Nov 7, 2002 |
13 km SSW of Belleville, Canada |
M3.0 |
117 km |
| Oct 13, 1997 |
18 km NW of Cranberry Lake, New York |
M3.0 |
120 km |
| Mar 2, 1995 |
3 km ENE of Tupper Lake, New York |
M3.0 |
148 km |
| Aug 11, 2007 |
4 km N of Kingston, Canada |
M2.6 |
77 km |
| Apr 14, 2023 |
1 km W of Adams Center, New York |
M2.6 |
25 km |
| Apr 11, 2007 |
6 km NNE of Sodus Point, New York |
M2.6 |
79 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
83 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 8 fatalities, 15 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 7, 2023 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
68 km |
1 |
| Jun 2, 1969 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2014 |
EF2 |
81 km |
4 |
| Aug 21, 2011 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1990 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1986 |
EF2 |
82 km |
1 |
| Sep 18, 1977 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
68 km |
1 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 2024 |
EF1 |
20 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2023 |
EF1 |
82 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2023 |
EF1 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2021 |
EF1 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 2021 |
EF1 |
55 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DRY MARSH (1,018 ac, 2010).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2010 |
DRY MARSH |
1,018 |
91 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
20°F (-7°C) |
3.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
22°F (-6°C) |
3.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
31°F (-0°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
60°F (15°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
5.0 in |
Wettest |
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
4.5 in |
|
Sandy Creek has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 20°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 46.3 inches, with November being the wettest month (5.0") and February the driest (3.2").
Average costs for common services in Sandy Creek. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$270 ($162–$432) |
| Specialist Visit |
$378 ($216–$593) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$216 ($108–$378) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,374 ($863–$5,395) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$140 ($81–$216) |
| Dental Filling |
$270 ($162–$432) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$49 ($27–$81) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$81 ($54–$129) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$324 ($162–$540) |
| Tire Rotation |
$43 ($22–$81) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$647 ($432–$1,079) |
| Battery Replacement |
$216 ($108–$378) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$108 ($65–$162) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$97 ($54–$151) |
| HVAC Repair |
$432 ($162–$863) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,553 ($4,316–$12,948) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,079 ($432–$2,158) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,711 ($5,935–$16,185) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,619 ($540–$3,777) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$16,185 ($5,395–$32,370) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,395 ($2,158–$10,790) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,619 ($863–$3,237) |
| Will Preparation |
$540 ($216–$1,079) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,698 ($1,079–$5,395) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$27 ($16–$49) |
| Women's Haircut |
$59 ($32–$108) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$162 ($81–$270) |
| Manicure |
$27 ($16–$49) |
| Pedicure |
$43 ($27–$70) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$86 ($54–$140) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.42 ($3.24–$5.93) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.78 ($2.70–$5.40) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$4.10 ($2.70–$5.93) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.86 ($3.24–$7.01) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.93 ($4.32–$8.09) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.08 ($0.65–$1.94) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$151 ($86–$270) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$76 ($32–$162) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$76 ($43–$129) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$76 ($43–$108) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$70 ($32–$108) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$92 ($54–$162) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$216 ($81–$540) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,158 ($1,295–$3,777) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$76 ($32–$140) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.63–$27) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$108 ($32–$270) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$32 ($16–$81) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,295 ($647–$2,698) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,079 ($540–$2,158) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$432 ($216–$755) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$54 ($27–$108) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,079 ($432–$2,698) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,488 ($5,395–$32,370) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$65 ($32–$108) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$108 ($54–$216) |
| Dog Grooming |
$65 ($32–$108) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$43 ($22–$81) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$324 ($162–$540) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$216 ($108–$432) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,070 |
| Toddler | $996 |
| Preschool | $866 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $823 |
| Toddler | $779 |
| Preschool | $758 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sandy Creek
What is the population of Sandy Creek?
Sandy Creek has a population of 586 residents and is located in New York. The population density is 434 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 48.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49% female and 51% male.
Is Sandy Creek expensive to live in?
Sandy Creek is slightly more expensive than average, with a cost of living index of 107.9 compared to the national baseline of 100. The median household income is $67,292, 10% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $101,900 (64% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $597 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Sandy Creek safe?
The violent crime rate in Sandy Creek is 546 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,627 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Sandy Creek receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Sandy Creek?
Sandy Creek has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 20°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. The area receives 246 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 48.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Sandy Creek?
The job market in Sandy Creek is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,195. There are 2,324 business establishments in the area, including 277 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 5.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sandy Creek?
The median home value in Sandy Creek is $101,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $172,388. For renters, the median monthly rent is $597. Fair market rent is $1,315 for a 1-bedroom and $1,579 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 82.7%. The average annual property tax is $6,555.
How are the schools in Sandy Creek?
Schools in Sandy Creek score 5.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 22.1% of adults in Sandy Creek hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.4% have completed high school. 8.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sandy Creek?
The obesity rate in Sandy Creek is 38.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.0% of adults are smokers. 30.8% are physically inactive. 23.6% of residents report depression. 7.3% lack health insurance. 65.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,498.
What is transportation like in Sandy Creek?
The average commute in Sandy Creek is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 84.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sandy Creek?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sandy Creek is 98.8% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino. 98.5% of residents speak only English at home. 11.4% of the population are military veterans. 11.1% of residents have a disability. 96.8% have health insurance coverage.
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