Home Value
$98,500
65% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
9.5%
72% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$320
72% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.0%
3% lower than US avg
Unemployment
1.6%
56% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
30.3%
144% higher than US avg
How Sandy Hook Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population542
Median Age47.8 yrs
Density553/mi²
Male / Female40% / 60%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans3.2%
Economy
Per Capita$15,743
Unemployment1.6%
Poverty30.3%
County GDP$110M
Commute21 min
Housing
Home Value$98,500
Rent$320
Ownership45.9%
Zillow$141,408
Housing Units372
Rent Burden30.0%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property1,241/100K
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Sunny Days297/yr
Elevation848 ft (258 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.5%
High School+65.8%
Graduate+8.1%
School Score4.55
Community
2024 VoteR 80% / D 18%
Commute21 min
Broadband75.2%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Sandy Hook a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sandy Hook receives an overall livability score of 2.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate. Sandy Hook has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.6%. The poverty rate of 30.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Sandy Hook is $98,500, 65% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $320 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Safety & Crime
Sandy Hook is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,241 per 100,000, 37% below the national average.
Education
9.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 65.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Sandy Hook experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 297 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Sandy Hook has a population of 542 with a density of 553 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 47.8 years, 23% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 59.6% female and 40.4% male. The city is predominantly White (91.3%), with 8.7% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 3.2% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 32.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 98.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
47.8yrs
Median Age
23% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Sandy Hook vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Sandy Hook vs U.S. Average
Per capita income is $15,743 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $904, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 30.3% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 96 business establishments, including 3 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 15.6% of workers work from home.
Income: Sandy Hook vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $15,743 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $904 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $46,160 |
| Gini Index | 0.434 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.6% |
| 56% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 30.3% |
| 144% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 96 |
| County GDP | $110M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 3 |
| Healthcare | 9 |
| Retail | 11 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.20 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 15.6% |
The median home value in Sandy Hook is $98,500, 65% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $141,408, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $320 (72% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $794 for a one-bedroom to $984 for a two-bedroom apartment. 45.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 372 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1982. 30.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $98,500 |
| 65% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $141,408 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $320 |
| 72% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 30.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $719 |
| 1 Bedroom | $794 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $984 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,277 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,442 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 45.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 45.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 54.1% |
| Housing Units | 372 |
| Median Year Built | 1982 |
Property Tax
In Sandy Hook, 31.0% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. The primary care physician ratio is 1:7,381. The dentist ratio is 1:2,431. 12.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
Health Metrics: Sandy Hook vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.0% |
| 3% below US avg |
Behaviors & Mental Health
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.9% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:7,381 |
| Dentists | 1:2,431 |
| Mental Health | 1:362 |
| Dental Visits | 44.0% |
| Premature Death | 10,155/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Exercise Access | 12.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 9 |
Sandy Hook has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,241 per 100,000, 37% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Sandy Hook receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Sandy Hook vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,240.7/100K |
| 37% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Sandy Hook experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 297 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 41. The city sits at an elevation of 848 feet.
Temperature
32°F Jan (0°C)
76°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 54.9°F |
| 2% above US avg |
| January Average | 32°F (0°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 297 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 848 ft (258 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 553/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.0934°N, 83.1226°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Elliott County County |
| Nearest Airport | Greater Portsmouth Regional (PMH)
54 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Jul)
5.12"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 12.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 92.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 11.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
39 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.8 on May 11, 2025.
| Nov 10, 2012 |
6 km W of Blackey, Kentucky |
M4.2 |
106 km |
| Aug 17, 1990 |
9 km NNW of Loyall, Kentucky |
M4.0 |
131 km |
| Feb 19, 1995 |
8 km SSE of Rocky Fork Point, Ohio |
M3.6 |
118 km |
| Apr 24, 2009 |
7 km ENE of Rio Grande, Ohio |
M3.4 |
115 km |
| May 24, 2017 |
1 km S of McArthur, Ohio |
M3.4 |
138 km |
| Sep 8, 1990 |
5 km N of Owingsville, Kentucky |
M3.3 |
58 km |
| Nov 8, 1990 |
5 km SW of Blackey, Kentucky |
M3.2 |
110 km |
| Feb 3, 2025 |
2 km NNW of Oak Hill, Ohio |
M3.1 |
103 km |
| Jan 17, 1999 |
7 km NNW of Flat Lick, Kentucky |
M3.1 |
146 km |
| Apr 25, 2020 |
2 km SE of South Shore, Kentucky |
M2.9 |
70 km |
| May 6, 2002 |
3 km SE of Racine, Ohio |
M2.8 |
143 km |
| Mar 17, 1999 |
2 km NNE of Ripley, Ohio |
M2.8 |
97 km |
| Feb 15, 2005 |
12 km NNW of Raven, Virginia |
M2.8 |
146 km |
| May 11, 2025 |
11 km SE of High Bridge, Kentucky |
M2.8 |
136 km |
| May 22, 2024 |
18 km SSE of Hyden, Kentucky |
M2.7 |
121 km |
| Jan 22, 2018 |
13 km ENE of Flat Lick, Kentucky |
M2.7 |
141 km |
| Feb 8, 2005 |
15 km E of Vansant, Virginia |
M2.7 |
143 km |
| Nov 8, 1990 |
6 km WSW of Cumberland, Kentucky |
M2.7 |
127 km |
| Jan 12, 2023 |
4 km E of Burgin, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
145 km |
| Aug 4, 2023 |
11 km ENE of Lancaster, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
127 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
156 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 24 fatalities, 391 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF5 |
73 km |
7 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF3 |
46 km |
2 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF3 |
48 km |
10 |
| May 10, 2003 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
91 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1967 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1965 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1965 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1961 |
EF3 |
78 km |
1 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 2016 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF2 |
87 km |
1 |
| Feb 29, 2012 |
EF2 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 2000 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1995 |
EF2 |
36 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1995 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Mar 10, 1986 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1982 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (66,345 ac, 1987).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
66,345 |
79 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
66,145 |
74 km |
| 1987 |
BRUSHY |
61,231 |
89 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
38,312 |
63 km |
| 1991 |
JENNINGS CREEK |
29,308 |
73 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
27,317 |
86 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
21,562 |
43 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
20,994 |
39 km |
| 1991 |
TUG RIVER |
20,813 |
99 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
18,013 |
75 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
17,759 |
70 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
17,406 |
90 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
17,328 |
91 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
15,526 |
96 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
14,554 |
74 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
14,264 |
76 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
13,124 |
58 km |
| 1991 |
ROCK HOUSE BRANCH |
13,056 |
86 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
11,117 |
97 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
10,990 |
99 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
32°F (0°C) |
3.0 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
35°F (2°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| March |
44°F (7°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
76°F (25°C) |
5.1 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
67°F (19°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| December |
36°F (2°C) |
3.7 in |
|
Sandy Hook has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 32°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 44.5 inches, with July being the wettest month (5.1") and January the driest (3.0").
Average costs for common services in Sandy Hook. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$226 ($135–$361) |
| Specialist Visit |
$316 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$316) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,984 ($722–$4,510) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$226 ($135–$361) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$271 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($361–$902) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$316) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$361 ($135–$722) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,314 ($3,608–$10,824) |
| Roof Repair |
$902 ($361–$1,804) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,118 ($4,961–$13,530) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,353 ($451–$3,157) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,530 ($4,510–$27,060) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,510 ($1,804–$9,020) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,353 ($722–$2,706) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$902) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,255 ($902–$4,510) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$226) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.70 ($2.71–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.16 ($2.26–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.43 ($2.26–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.06 ($2.71–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.61–$6.77) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$226) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,804 ($1,082–$3,157) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.22–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$226) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,082 ($541–$2,255) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$902 ($451–$1,804) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$361 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$902 ($361–$2,255) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,275 ($4,510–$27,060) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$271 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$361) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $491 |
| Toddler | $489 |
| Preschool | $489 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $348 |
| Toddler | $355 |
| Preschool | $355 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sandy Hook
What is the population of Sandy Hook?
Sandy Hook has a population of 542 residents and is located in Kentucky. The population density is 553 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 47.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 59.6% female and 40.4% male.
Is Sandy Hook expensive to live in?
Sandy Hook is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.2 / below the baseline of 100. The median home value is $98,500 (65% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $320 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
Is Sandy Hook safe?
Sandy Hook is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,241 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Sandy Hook receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Sandy Hook?
Sandy Hook has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 32°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 297 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Sandy Hook?
The job market in Sandy Hook is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $904. There are 96 business establishments in the area, including 3 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 15.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sandy Hook?
The median home value in Sandy Hook is $98,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $141,408. For renters, the median monthly rent is $320. Fair market rent is $794 for a 1-bedroom and $984 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 45.9%.
How are the schools in Sandy Hook?
Schools in Sandy Hook have an average test score of 4.6 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 9.5% of adults in Sandy Hook hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 65.8% have completed high school. 8.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sandy Hook?
The obesity rate in Sandy Hook is 31.0% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 12.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:7,381.
What is transportation like in Sandy Hook?
The average commute in Sandy Hook is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 15.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sandy Hook?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sandy Hook is 91.3% White, 8.7% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 3.2% of the population are military veterans. 32.9% of residents have a disability. 98.9% have health insurance coverage.
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