Median Income
$54,556
27% lower than US avg
Home Value
$218,500
22% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
165/100K
57% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
27.1%
20% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
30.2%
6% lower than US avg
Unemployment
4.8%
33% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.8%
77% lower than US avg
How Sandy Valley Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,752
Median Age57.2 yrs
Density31/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 85%
Veterans17.9%
Economy
B+
Median Income$54,556
Per Capita$41,197
Unemployment4.8%
Poverty2.8%
County GDP$195,936M
Commute37 min
Housing
A
Home Value$218,500
RentN/A
Ownership83.7%
Zillow$540,298
Housing Units1,126
Rent Burden34.8%
Crime
F
Violent165/100K
Property1,978/100K
Health
Obesity30.2%
Uninsured11.9%
Smoking14.5%
Depression23.5%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp63°F (17°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain6.6 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation2,767 ft (843 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+27.1%
High School+94.8%
Graduate+8.4%
School Score4.93
Community
2024 VoteR 48% / D 50%
Commute37 min
Broadband97.5%
EV Stations1
Libraries33
Is Sandy Valley a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sandy Valley receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, long commute times. Sandy Valley offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Sandy Valley is $54,556, 27% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.8%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 2.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 37 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Sandy Valley is $218,500, 22% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. A price-to-income ratio of 4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Sandy Valley is below the national average at 165 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,978 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
27.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Sandy Valley enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F. Winters average 44°F in January while summers reach 85°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 6.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Sandy Valley has a population of 1,752 with a density of 31 people per square mile, spread across 56.0 square miles. The median age is 57.2 years, 47% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.4% female and 52.6% male. The city is predominantly White (85.1%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.7% of residents, while 5.3% speak Spanish. 17.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 20.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 88.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
57.2yrs
Median Age
47% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Sandy Valley vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.7%
21% above US avg
Spanish
5.3%
60% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Sandy Valley vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Sandy Valley is $54,556, which is 27% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $41,197. The average weekly wage is $1,250, 13% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 2.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 65,312 business establishments, including 5,618 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 37 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 12.7% of workers work from home.
Income: Sandy Valley vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $54,556 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $41,197 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,250 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $90,013 |
| Gini Index | 0.471 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.8% |
| 33% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.8% |
| 77% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 65,312 |
| County GDP | $195,936M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 5,618 |
| Healthcare | 6,718 |
| Retail | 6,464 |
| Manufacturing | 1,183 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,411 |
| 55% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.48% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 36.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 67.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 12.7% |
The median home value in Sandy Valley is $218,500, 22% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $540,298, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,135 for a one-bedroom to $1,428 for a two-bedroom apartment. 83.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,126 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1993. The average annual property tax is $5,411 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 34.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $218,500 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $540,298 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,056 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,135 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,428 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,941 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,352 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 83.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 83.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 16.3% |
| Housing Units | 1,126 |
| Median Year Built | 1993 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,411 |
| 55% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.48% |
In Sandy Valley, 30.2% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 9.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 30.1% have high blood pressure. 14.5% are current smokers. 18.3% report binge drinking. 22.2% are physically inactive. 23.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.3% experience frequent mental distress. 11.9% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,831. The dentist ratio is 1:1,495. 95.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Sandy Valley vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 30.2% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.1% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.5% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.2% |
| Depression | 23.5% |
| Mental Distress | 20.3% |
| Physical Distress | 13.7% |
| Short Sleep | 40.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.8% |
| Uninsured | 11.9% |
| 38% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,831 |
| Dentists | 1:1,495 |
| Mental Health | 1:391 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.6% |
| Dental Visits | 59.6% |
| Premature Death | 8,618/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 95.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 6,718 |
Sandy Valley has a violent crime rate of 165 per 100,000 residents, 57% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,978 per 100,000, 1% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 236 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Sandy Valley receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Sandy Valley vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 164.9/100K |
| 57% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,978.3/100K |
| 1% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 236 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Sandy Valley enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winters average 44°F in January while summers reach 85°F in July. The area gets 330 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 6.6 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 2,767 feet.
Temperature
44°F Jan (6°C)
85°F Jul (30°C)
| Annual Average | 62.9°F |
| 16% above US avg |
| January Average | 44°F (6°C) |
| July Average | 85°F (30°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,767 ft (843 m) |
| Area | 56.0 sq mi (145.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 31/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.8421°N, 115.6305°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | Clark County County |
| Nearest Airport | Harry Reid International (LAS) 31 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
6.6"
83% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
1.06"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0504 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 20.8 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.60 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.25 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 5.2 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very High |
| Risk Score | 99.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 46.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 6.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Relatively High |
| Wildfire |
Relatively High |
| Flood |
Very High |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very High |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1,923 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M7.1. Most recent: M2.6 on Jul 14, 2025.
| Oct 16, 1999 |
The 1999 Hector Mine, California Earthquake |
M7.1 |
149 km |
| Jun 29, 1992 |
47 km ESE of Beatty, Nevada |
M5.8 |
113 km |
| Oct 16, 1999 |
13km WSW of Ludlow, CA |
M5.8 |
143 km |
| Mar 18, 1997 |
20km ENE of Barstow, California |
M5.3 |
145 km |
| Mar 10, 1990 |
65 km SSW of Rachel, Nevada |
M5.0 |
146 km |
| Oct 22, 1999 |
28km NW of Ludlow, California |
M5.0 |
130 km |
| Oct 21, 1999 |
27km NW of Ludlow, California |
M5.0 |
128 km |
| Jul 29, 2024 |
22 km ENE of Barstow, CA |
M4.9 |
144 km |
| Jan 27, 1999 |
39 km NW of Indian Springs, Nevada |
M4.8 |
113 km |
| Oct 29, 2002 |
13km NW of Ludlow, CA |
M4.8 |
129 km |
| Oct 16, 1999 |
17km W of Ludlow, CA |
M4.7 |
142 km |
| Jun 28, 1992 |
16km NNW of Furnace Creek, California |
M4.7 |
141 km |
| Oct 16, 1999 |
12km WSW of Ludlow, CA |
M4.6 |
141 km |
| Oct 25, 1999 |
14km SSW of Ludlow, CA |
M4.6 |
147 km |
| Oct 16, 1999 |
19km WNW of Ludlow, CA |
M4.6 |
131 km |
| Jan 25, 2020 |
23km NNE of Barstow, CA |
M4.6 |
147 km |
| Oct 16, 1999 |
11km WSW of Ludlow, CA |
M4.5 |
141 km |
| Oct 16, 1999 |
18km W of Ludlow, CA |
M4.5 |
142 km |
| Oct 11, 1992 |
21km ENE of Barstow, California |
M4.5 |
145 km |
| Oct 21, 1999 |
27km NW of Ludlow, California |
M4.5 |
129 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
13 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF1.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 30, 1992 |
EF1 |
57 km |
0 |
| Oct 14, 1989 |
EF1 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1964 |
EF1 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF0 |
56 km |
0 |
| Aug 4, 2014 |
EF0 |
69 km |
0 |
| Sep 11, 1998 |
EF0 |
62 km |
0 |
| Aug 25, 1998 |
EF0 |
54 km |
0 |
| Mar 30, 1992 |
EF0 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jan 30, 1990 |
EF0 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 1987 |
EF0 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 28, 1986 |
EF0 |
87 km |
0 |
| Aug 20, 1975 |
EF0 |
73 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1971 |
EF0 |
56 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: YORK (94,736 ac, 2023).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2023 |
YORK |
94,736 |
71 km |
| 2005 |
HACKBERRY COMPLEX |
69,967 |
89 km |
| 2020 |
DOME |
43,628 |
60 km |
| 2005 |
GOODSPRINGS |
33,448 |
17 km |
| 2013 |
CARPENTER 1 |
27,879 |
44 km |
| 2006 |
FWS 9 |
20,441 |
86 km |
| 2005 |
SOUTHERN NEVADA COMPLEX (COYOTE) |
9,953 |
93 km |
| 2006 |
CALICO |
9,274 |
83 km |
| 1994 |
FORT PIUTE |
6,350 |
85 km |
| 1987 |
ZIPPER |
6,306 |
23 km |
| 2005 |
VEGAS |
4,724 |
96 km |
| 2002 |
LOST CABIN |
4,555 |
34 km |
| 2005 |
SOUTHERN NEVADA COMPLEX (DRY LAKE) |
3,876 |
85 km |
| 2005 |
KINGSTON |
3,739 |
26 km |
| 2020 |
COTTONWOOD |
2,783 |
20 km |
| 2020 |
MAHOGANY |
2,713 |
55 km |
| 2021 |
MOJAVE |
2,499 |
55 km |
| 2000 |
BUCK SPRINGS |
2,233 |
60 km |
| 2007 |
GOLDEN |
2,062 |
89 km |
| 2011 |
WELLS |
1,841 |
56 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
44°F (6°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| February |
45°F (7°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
49°F (9°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| April |
55°F (13°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
0.2 in |
Driest |
| July |
85°F (30°C) |
0.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
80°F (27°C) |
1.1 in |
Wettest |
| September |
73°F (23°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| October |
62°F (17°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| November |
50°F (10°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| December |
42°F (6°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest |
Sandy Valley has a seasonal temperature swing of 43°F / from 42°F in December to 85°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 7.8 inches, with August being the wettest month (1.1") and June the driest (0.2").
Average costs for common services in Sandy Valley. 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 | $1,193 |
| Toddler | $1,041 |
| Preschool | $993 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $840 |
| Toddler | $826 |
| Preschool | $746 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sandy Valley
What is the population of Sandy Valley?
Sandy Valley has a population of 1,752 residents and is located in Nevada. The population density is 31 people per square mile, spread across 56.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 57.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.4% female and 52.6% male.
Is Sandy Valley expensive to live in?
Sandy Valley has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $54,556, 27% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $218,500 (22% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Sandy Valley safe?
Sandy Valley is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 165 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,978 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Sandy Valley receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Sandy Valley?
Sandy Valley enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winter temperatures average 44°F in January, while summers reach an average of 85°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 6.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Sandy Valley?
Sandy Valley has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.8%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,250. There are 65,312 business establishments in the area, including 5,618 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 37 minutes, and 12.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sandy Valley?
The median home value in Sandy Valley is $218,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $540,298. The homeownership rate is 83.7%. The average annual property tax is $5,411.
How are the schools in Sandy Valley?
Schools in Sandy Valley have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 27.1% of adults in Sandy Valley hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.8% have completed high school. 8.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sandy Valley?
The obesity rate in Sandy Valley is 30.2% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 14.5% of adults are smokers. 22.2% are physically inactive. 23.5% of residents report depression. 11.9% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 95.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,831.
What is transportation like in Sandy Valley?
The average commute in Sandy Valley is 37 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 67.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 12.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sandy Valley?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sandy Valley is 85.1% White. 94.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.3% speak Spanish. 17.9% of the population are military veterans. 20.1% of residents have a disability. 88.8% have health insurance coverage.