Violent Crime
491/100K
29% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.6%
8% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Sandy Hook Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population196
Median Age40.3 yrs
Density891/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans9.4%
Economy
Per Capita$21,228
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$3,037M
Housing
Ownership64.4%
Zillow$404,751
Housing Units97
Rent Burden28.4%
Crime
F
Violent491/100K
Property1,309/100K
Health
Obesity34.6%
Uninsured7.3%
Smoking13.3%
Depression24.5%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain43.5 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation404 ft (123 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+31.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.85
Community
2024 VoteR 57% / D 41%
Broadband97.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Sandy Hook a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sandy Hook receives an overall livability score of 1.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, strong internet connectivity. Sandy Hook faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
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%.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 491 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,309 per 100,000, 33% below the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 31.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Sandy Hook experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 43.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Sandy Hook has a population of 196 with a density of 891 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 40.3 years, 4% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.6% female and 47.4% male. The city is predominantly White (96.4%), with 3.6% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 9.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 22.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 81.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.3yrs
Median Age
4% 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 $21,228 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,189, 17% 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 2,314 business establishments, including 129 restaurants. The cost of living index is 105, roughly in line with the national average. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Sandy Hook vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $21,228 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,189 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $83,954 |
| Gini Index | 0.421 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,314 |
| County GDP | $3,037M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 129 |
| Healthcare | 80 |
| Retail | 145 |
| Manufacturing | 26 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,965 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 105.00 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $404,751. Fair market rent ranges from $1,400 for a one-bedroom to $1,648 for a two-bedroom apartment. 64.4% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 97 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $2,965. 28.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,312 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,400 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,648 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,123 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,442 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 64.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 64.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 35.6% |
| Housing Units | 97 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,965 |
| 15% below US avg |
In Sandy Hook, 34.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 30.5% have high blood pressure. 13.3% are current smokers. 16.6% report binge drinking. 23.8% are physically inactive. 24.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.3% experience frequent mental distress. 7.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,717. The dentist ratio is 1:3,277. 35.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Sandy Hook vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.6% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.5% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.3% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.8% |
| Depression | 24.5% |
| Mental Distress | 17.3% |
| Physical Distress | 11.8% |
| Short Sleep | 38.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 81.3% |
| Uninsured | 7.3% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,717 |
| Dentists | 1:3,277 |
| Mental Health | 1:729 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.7% |
| Dental Visits | 64.6% |
| Premature Death | 9,062/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 35.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 80 |
Sandy Hook has a violent crime rate of 491 per 100,000 residents, 29% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,309 per 100,000, 33% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 7 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Sandy Hook receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Sandy Hook vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 490.9/100K |
| 29% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,309.1/100K |
| 33% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Sandy Hook experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 293 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 43.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 404 feet.
Temperature
31°F Jan (-0°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 52.9°F |
| 2% below US avg |
| January Average | 31°F (-0°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 404 ft (123 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 891/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.3285°N, 77.7051°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Jefferson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Eastern Wv Regional/Shepherd Field (MRB) 16 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
43.5"
14% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.09"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 47.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 15.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 52.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
17 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.6 on Jun 25, 2021.
| Jul 16, 2010 |
5 km NNW of Barnesville, Maryland |
M3.6 |
27 km |
| Jun 13, 2019 |
9 km N of Blain, Pennsylvania |
M3.4 |
123 km |
| Jun 3, 2010 |
4 km ENE of Franklintown, Pennsylvania |
M3.1 |
105 km |
| Jan 17, 2016 |
3 km NE of Ranson, West Virginia |
M3.0 |
11 km |
| Apr 24, 2009 |
1 km S of Franklintown, Pennsylvania |
M2.9 |
100 km |
| Sep 15, 2019 |
5 km ESE of East Berlin, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
95 km |
| Apr 21, 1998 |
1 km NNW of Free Union, Virginia |
M2.8 |
149 km |
| Oct 25, 2009 |
4 km ENE of Franklintown, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
106 km |
| Mar 11, 1995 |
0 km ENE of Landisville, Pennsylvania |
M2.7 |
141 km |
| Oct 28, 1994 |
1 km E of Mount Vernon, Maryland |
M2.7 |
95 km |
| Mar 15, 1993 |
5 km W of Columbia, Maryland |
M2.7 |
70 km |
| Jan 13, 1990 |
6 km ENE of Eldersburg, Maryland |
M2.6 |
72 km |
| Jun 25, 2021 |
2 km SE of Woodlawn, Maryland |
M2.6 |
86 km |
| Sep 29, 1997 |
Virginia |
M2.5 |
61 km |
| Mar 10, 1993 |
3 km WSW of Columbia, Maryland |
M2.5 |
72 km |
| Jun 25, 2001 |
8 km S of Remington, Virginia |
M2.5 |
97 km |
| Jul 27, 1997 |
5 km SSE of Culpeper, Virginia |
M2.5 |
103 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
3 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 2. Most recent: Irene (2011, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
272 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 1 |
292 km |
| 1985 |
Gloria |
Category 2 |
296 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
380 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 9 fatalities, 360 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 28, 2002 |
EF4 |
98 km |
3 |
| Sep 24, 2001 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Sep 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
77 km |
2 |
| Jul 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 22, 1983 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1980 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Sep 5, 1979 |
EF3 |
81 km |
1 |
| Jan 26, 1978 |
EF3 |
99 km |
1 |
| Apr 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1961 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 1961 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Apr 5, 1952 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2019 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| Nov 2, 2018 |
EF2 |
46 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
13 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: PINNACLES (24,792 ac, 2000).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2000 |
PINNACLES |
24,792 |
97 km |
| 2024 |
WAITES RUN |
5,496 |
83 km |
| 2012 |
NEIGHBOR MTN FIRE |
1,986 |
91 km |
| 2011 |
SMITH RUN FIRE |
1,908 |
71 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
1,572 |
92 km |
| 2012 |
POINT 2 |
1,126 |
74 km |
| 2024 |
ROCKY BRANCH |
1,018 |
88 km |
| 2024 |
SERENITY RIDGE FIRE |
877 |
97 km |
| 1999 |
NCO |
816 |
91 km |
| 2019 |
KENNEDY PEAK |
769 |
91 km |
| 2012 |
WOLF GAP |
710 |
95 km |
| 1984 |
UNNAMED |
696 |
69 km |
| 2022 |
UNNAMED |
618 |
91 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
31°F (-0°C) |
2.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
34°F (1°C) |
2.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
42°F (6°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| April |
53°F (11°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
67°F (19°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| December |
36°F (2°C) |
2.9 in |
|
Sandy Hook has a seasonal temperature swing of 43°F / from 31°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 40.2 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (2.5").
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) |
$263 ($158–$420) |
| Specialist Visit |
$368 ($210–$578) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$210 ($105–$368) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,310 ($840–$5,250) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$137 ($79–$210) |
| Dental Filling |
$263 ($158–$420) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$47 ($26–$79) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$79 ($53–$126) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$315 ($158–$525) |
| Tire Rotation |
$42 ($21–$79) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$630 ($420–$1,050) |
| Battery Replacement |
$210 ($105–$368) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$105 ($63–$158) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$95 ($53–$147) |
| HVAC Repair |
$420 ($158–$840) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,350 ($4,200–$12,600) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,050 ($420–$2,100) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,450 ($5,775–$15,750) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,575 ($525–$3,675) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,750 ($5,250–$31,500) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,250 ($2,100–$10,500) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,575 ($840–$3,150) |
| Will Preparation |
$525 ($210–$1,050) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,625 ($1,050–$5,250) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$26 ($16–$47) |
| Women's Haircut |
$58 ($32–$105) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$158 ($79–$263) |
| Manicure |
$26 ($16–$47) |
| Pedicure |
$42 ($26–$68) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$84 ($53–$137) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.31 ($3.15–$5.78) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.68 ($2.63–$5.25) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.99 ($2.63–$5.78) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.73 ($3.15–$6.83) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.78 ($4.20–$7.88) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.05 ($0.63–$1.89) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$147 ($84–$263) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$74 ($32–$158) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$74 ($42–$126) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$74 ($42–$105) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$68 ($32–$105) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$89 ($53–$158) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$210 ($79–$525) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,100 ($1,260–$3,675) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$74 ($32–$137) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.40–$26) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$105 ($32–$263) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$32 ($16–$79) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,260 ($630–$2,625) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,050 ($525–$2,100) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$420 ($210–$735) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$53 ($26–$105) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,050 ($420–$2,625) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,125 ($5,250–$31,500) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$63 ($32–$105) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$105 ($53–$210) |
| Dog Grooming |
$63 ($32–$105) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$42 ($21–$79) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$315 ($158–$525) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$210 ($105–$420) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $716 |
| Toddler | $683 |
| Preschool | $724 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $671 |
| Toddler | $757 |
| Preschool | $815 |
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 196 residents and is located in Maryland. The population density is 891 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.3 years. The population is 52.6% female and 47.4% male.
Is Sandy Hook expensive to live in?
Sandy Hook has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 105 (baseline: 100).
Is Sandy Hook safe?
The violent crime rate in Sandy Hook is 491 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 1,309 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Sandy Hook receives a safety grade of F 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 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 31°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 43.5 inches. 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 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,189. There are 2,314 business establishments in the area, including 129 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Sandy Hook?
Schools in Sandy Hook score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 0.0% of adults in Sandy Hook hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 31.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sandy Hook?
The obesity rate in Sandy Hook is 34.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.3% of adults are smokers. 23.8% are physically inactive. 24.5% of residents report depression. 7.3% lack health insurance. 35.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,717.
What are the demographics of Sandy Hook?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sandy Hook is 96.4% White, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 9.4% of the population are military veterans. 22.7% of residents have a disability. 81.3% have health insurance coverage.