Median Income
$67,292
10% lower than US avg
Home Value
$165,800
41% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
614/100K
62% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
46.4%
38% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$745
36% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.1%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.0%
67% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.4%
8% lower than US avg
How Sandy Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population752
Median Age31.9 yrs
Density906/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans6.6%
Economy
B
Median Income$67,292
Per Capita$34,277
Unemployment6.0%
Poverty11.4%
County GDP$5,515M
Commute31 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$165,800
Rent$745
Ownership58.3%
Zillow$189,681
Housing Units351
Rent Burden21.7%
Crime
F
Violent614/100K
Property614/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault614/100K
Burglary154/100K
Health
Obesity37.1%
Smoking27.6%
Heart Disease7.4%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Sunny Days282/yr
Elevation1,156 ft (352 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+46.4%
High School+95.2%
Graduate+9.0%
School Score6.02
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 34%
Commute31 min
Broadband97.1%
EV Stations3
Libraries5
Is Sandy Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sandy Lake receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include a highly educated population, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment. Sandy Lake offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Sandy Lake is $67,292, 10% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.0% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 11.4% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Sandy Lake is $165,800, 41% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $745 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 614 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 614 per 100,000, 69% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 46.4% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 95.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Sandy Lake experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 282 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Sandy Lake has a population of 752 with a density of 906 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 31.9 years, 18% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.1% female and 48.9% male. The city is predominantly White (96%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.4% of residents. 6.6% of the population are veterans. 10.6% of residents have a disability. 92.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
31.9yrs
Median Age
18% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Sandy Lake vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.4%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.6%
96% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Sandy Lake vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Sandy Lake is $67,292, which is 10% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,277 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,041, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 11.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 2,857 business establishments, including 251 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes. 5.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Sandy Lake vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $67,292 |
| 10% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,277 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,041 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $62,842 |
| Gini Index | 0.446 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.0% |
| 67% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.4% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,857 |
| County GDP | $5,515M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 251 |
| Healthcare | 407 |
| Retail | 423 |
| Manufacturing | 186 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,174 |
| 19% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.52% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 30.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.7% |
The median home value in Sandy Lake is $165,800, 41% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $189,681, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $745 (36% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $996 for a one-bedroom to $1,225 for a two-bedroom apartment. 58.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 351 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1952. The average annual property tax is $4,174 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 21.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $165,800 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $189,681 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $745 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 21.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $900 |
| 1 Bedroom | $996 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,225 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,570 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,744 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 58.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 58.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 41.7% |
| Housing Units | 351 |
| Median Year Built | 1952 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,174 |
| 19% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.52% |
In Sandy Lake, 37.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 7.4% of residents, above the national average. 31.5% have high blood pressure. 27.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.0% report binge drinking. 30.8% are physically inactive, above the national average. 17.7% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,617. The dentist ratio is 1:1,734. 86.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Sandy Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.1% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.5% |
| Heart Disease | 7.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.5% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 8.8% |
| Cancer | 6.4% |
| Kidney Disease | 3.4% |
| Stroke | 3.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 27.6% |
| 97% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.8% |
| Mental Distress | 17.7% |
| Physical Distress | 16.1% |
| Short Sleep | 42.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.6% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:1,617 |
| Dentists | 1:1,734 |
| Mental Health | 1:454 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.8% |
| Dental Visits | 58.6% |
| Premature Death | 10,603/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 86.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 407 |
Sandy Lake has a violent crime rate of 614 per 100,000 residents, 62% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 614.4 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 614 per 100,000, 69% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 461, burglary at 154, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 10 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Sandy Lake receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Sandy Lake vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 614.4/100K |
| 62% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 614.4/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 614.4/100K |
| 69% below US avg |
| Burglary | 153.6/100K |
| Theft | 460.8/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Traffic Accidents | 7 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Sandy Lake experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. The area gets 282 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 40. The city sits at an elevation of 1,156 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-4°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 48.5°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 282 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,156 ft (352 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 906/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.3502°N, 80.0837°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Mercer County County |
| Nearest Airport | Venango Regional (FKL)
12 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.65"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0452 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.0 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 77.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 54.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 75.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
36 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.5. Most recent: M2.5 on May 12, 2025.
| Sep 25, 1998 |
2 km SW of Adamsville, Pennsylvania |
M4.5 |
30 km |
| Jun 10, 2019 |
1 km NW of Timberlake, Ohio |
M4.0 |
120 km |
| Jan 26, 2001 |
8 km NNW of Edgewood, Ohio |
M3.9 |
89 km |
| Mar 12, 2007 |
Ohio |
M3.7 |
109 km |
| Jun 30, 2003 |
6 km NW of Perry, Ohio |
M3.6 |
106 km |
| Aug 28, 2023 |
7 km SE of Madison, Ohio |
M3.6 |
85 km |
| Oct 16, 1993 |
8 km SSE of Madison, Ohio |
M3.6 |
86 km |
| Jun 20, 2006 |
9 km WNW of North Perry, Ohio |
M3.5 |
110 km |
| Mar 15, 1992 |
15 km NW of North Perry, Ohio |
M3.5 |
115 km |
| Jan 26, 1991 |
1 km NNE of Mayfield Heights, Ohio |
M3.4 |
116 km |
| Jun 3, 2001 |
3 km N of Edgewood, Ohio |
M3.4 |
84 km |
| Jun 30, 2004 |
2 km WNW of Madison, Ohio |
M3.3 |
96 km |
| Jul 1, 2013 |
5 km NNW of Fairport Harbor, Ohio |
M3.2 |
112 km |
| Jan 9, 2008 |
6 km WNW of Mentor-on-the-Lake, Ohio |
M3.1 |
119 km |
| Mar 11, 2006 |
8 km NNW of Mentor-on-the-Lake, Ohio |
M3.1 |
119 km |
| Apr 25, 2010 |
2 km WNW of Madison, Ohio |
M3.0 |
96 km |
| Mar 30, 2024 |
2 km SSW of Maple Ridge, Ohio |
M3.0 |
96 km |
| Feb 23, 1995 |
3 km W of Ashtabula, Ohio |
M2.9 |
85 km |
| Aug 7, 2000 |
2 km S of Limaville, Ohio |
M2.9 |
99 km |
| Jan 4, 2022 |
3 km NW of Timberlake, Ohio |
M2.8 |
121 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
305 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 78 fatalities, 1,119 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF5 |
91 km |
18 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF4 |
45 km |
7 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF4 |
93 km |
4 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF4 |
66 km |
12 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF4 |
39 km |
16 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF3 |
39 km |
2 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF3 |
67 km |
9 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
97 km |
2 |
| Oct 12, 1978 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1972 |
EF3 |
18 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1971 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1969 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1956 |
EF3 |
56 km |
2 |
| Mar 1, 1955 |
EF3 |
50 km |
1 |
| Aug 24, 2023 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 2.7 m (9 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1823 |
LAKE ERIE |
Unknown |
2.7 m |
— |
129 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (628 ac, 1990).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
628 |
55 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
586 |
66 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-4°C) |
2.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
2.3 in |
Driest |
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
65°F (18°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| November |
40°F (4°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-1°C) |
3.3 in |
|
Sandy Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 26°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 43.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.7") and February the driest (2.3").
Average costs for common services in Sandy Lake. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$244 ($146–$390) |
| Specialist Visit |
$342 ($195–$537) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$195 ($98–$342) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,147 ($781–$4,880) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$127 ($73–$195) |
| Dental Filling |
$244 ($146–$390) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($24–$73) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$73 ($49–$117) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$293 ($146–$488) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20–$73) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$586 ($390–$976) |
| Battery Replacement |
$195 ($98–$342) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$98 ($59–$146) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$88 ($49–$137) |
| HVAC Repair |
$390 ($146–$781) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,832 ($3,904–$11,712) |
| Roof Repair |
$976 ($390–$1,952) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,784 ($5,368–$14,640) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,464 ($488–$3,416) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,640 ($4,880–$29,280) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,880 ($1,952–$9,760) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,464 ($781–$2,928) |
| Will Preparation |
$488 ($195–$976) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,440 ($976–$4,880) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($29–$98) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$146 ($73–$244) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$78 ($49–$127) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.00 ($2.93–$5.37) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.42 ($2.44–$4.88) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.71 ($2.44–$5.37) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.39 ($2.93–$6.34) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.37 ($3.90–$7.32) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.98 ($0.59–$1.76) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$137 ($78–$244) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$146) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$117) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$98) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$98) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$83 ($49–$146) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$195 ($73–$488) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,952 ($1,171–$3,416) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$127) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.81–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$98 ($29–$244) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($15–$73) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,171 ($586–$2,440) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$976 ($488–$1,952) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$390 ($195–$683) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($24–$98) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$976 ($390–$2,440) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,200 ($4,880–$29,280) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($29–$98) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$98 ($49–$195) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($29–$98) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20–$73) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$293 ($146–$488) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$195 ($98–$390) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Sandy Lake
What is the population of Sandy Lake?
Sandy Lake has a population of 752 residents and is located in Pennsylvania. The population density is 906 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 31.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.1% female and 48.9% male.
Is Sandy Lake expensive to live in?
Sandy Lake has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 97.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $67,292, 10% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $165,800 (41% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $745 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Sandy Lake safe?
Public safety is a concern in Sandy Lake, with a violent crime rate of 614 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 614 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Sandy Lake receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Sandy Lake?
Sandy Lake has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 282 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Sandy Lake?
The unemployment rate in Sandy Lake is 6.0%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,041. There are 2,857 business establishments in the area, including 251 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 31 minutes, and 5.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sandy Lake?
The median home value in Sandy Lake is $165,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $189,681. For renters, the median monthly rent is $745. Fair market rent is $996 for a 1-bedroom and $1,225 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 58.3%. The average annual property tax is $4,174.
How are the schools in Sandy Lake?
Schools in Sandy Lake score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 46.4% of adults in Sandy Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 95.2% have completed high school. 9.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sandy Lake?
The obesity rate in Sandy Lake is 37.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 27.6% of adults are smokers. 30.8% are physically inactive. 86.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,617.
What is transportation like in Sandy Lake?
The average commute in Sandy Lake is 31 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sandy Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sandy Lake is 96% White. 99.4% of residents speak only English at home. 6.6% of the population are military veterans. 10.6% of residents have a disability. 92.6% have health insurance coverage.
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