Median Income
$52,917
30% lower than US avg
Home Value
$36,800
87% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
665/100K
75% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
3.5%
90% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.9%
27% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.3%
64% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
14.3%
15% higher than US avg
How Sanostee Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population259
Median Age45.6 yrs
Density57/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 0%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$52,917
Per Capita$19,482
Unemployment1.3%
Poverty14.3%
County GDP$7,043M
Commute47 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$36,800
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$237,274
Housing Units149
Rent Burden27.9%
Crime
F
Violent665/100K
Property3,358/100K
Health
Obesity40.9%
Uninsured14.7%
Smoking32.7%
Depression24.3%
Heart Disease9.8%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
AQI37 (Good)
Sunny Days318/yr
Elevation5,910 ft (1,801 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+3.5%
High School+74.8%
Graduate+2.3%
School Score4.52
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 33%
Commute47 min
Broadband81.0%
Libraries3
Is Sanostee a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sanostee receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Sanostee has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Sanostee is $52,917, 30% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.3%. 14.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 47 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Sanostee is $36,800, 87% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 0.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 665 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 3,358 per 100,000, 71% above the national average.
Education
3.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 74.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Sanostee experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 318 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37.
Sanostee has a population of 259 with a density of 57 people per square mile, spread across 4.5 square miles. The median age is 45.6 years, 17% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.9% female and 52.1% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (100%), with 97.3% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 23.5% of residents, while 76.5% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 21.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 74.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
45.6yrs
Median Age
17% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
23.5%
70% below US avg
Spanish
76.5%
471% above US avg
The median household income in Sanostee is $52,917, which is 30% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $19,482 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,077, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 14.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 3,087 business establishments, including 230 restaurants. The cost of living index is 92.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 47 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 5.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $52,917 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $19,482 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,077 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,852 |
| Gini Index | 0.470 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.3% |
| 64% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 14.3% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,087 |
| County GDP | $7,043M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 230 |
| Healthcare | 294 |
| Retail | 417 |
| Manufacturing | 66 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,974 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 92.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 8.08% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 47.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.6% |
| Public Transit | 5.1% |
| Work from Home | 5.1% |
The median home value in Sanostee is $36,800, 87% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $237,274, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $927 for a one-bedroom to $1,129 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 149 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1978. The average annual property tax is $2,974. 27.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $36,800 |
| 87% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $237,274 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $828 |
| 1 Bedroom | $927 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,129 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,496 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,758 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 149 |
| Median Year Built | 1978 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,974 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 8.08% |
In Sanostee, 40.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 18.6% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 9.8% of residents, above the national average. 37.2% have high blood pressure. 32.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 13.0% report binge drinking. 32.8% are physically inactive, above the national average. 24.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 24.2% experience frequent mental distress. 14.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,891. The dentist ratio is 1:933. 50.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 5.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Sanostee vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.9% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 18.6% |
| Heart Disease | 9.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 37.2% |
| Asthma | 14.3% |
| COPD | 11.7% |
| Cancer | 5.6% |
| Stroke | 6.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 32.7% |
| 134% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 13.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 32.8% |
| Depression | 24.3% |
| Mental Distress | 24.2% |
| Physical Distress | 23.2% |
| Short Sleep | 43.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 74.6% |
| Uninsured | 14.7% |
| 71% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,891 |
| Dentists | 1:933 |
| Mental Health | 1:355 |
| Checkup Rate | 67.3% |
| Dental Visits | 40.7% |
| Premature Death | 18,277/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 50.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 294 |
Sanostee has a violent crime rate of 665 per 100,000 residents, 75% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,358 per 100,000, 71% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 18 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Sanostee receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Sanostee vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 664.6/100K |
| 75% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,358.4/100K |
| 71% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 18 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Sanostee experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 318 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 37. The city sits at an elevation of 5,910 feet, a high-altitude location.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-2°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 51.1°F |
| 5% below US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 318 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 5,910 ft (1,801 m) |
| Area | 4.5 sq mi (11.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 57/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.4305°N, 108.8630°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | San Juan County County |
| Nearest Airport | Four Corners Regional (FMN)
41 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Aug)
1.61"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 37.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0416 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 8.5 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 1.25 ppb |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 88.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 91.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 5.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
19 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 26, 2024.
| Apr 22, 2017 |
4 km SSW of Bluff, Utah |
M3.7 |
110 km |
| Jun 6, 2008 |
10 km NE of Bluff, Utah |
M3.6 |
116 km |
| Jun 25, 1991 |
10 km W of Oljato-Monument Valley, Utah |
M3.4 |
150 km |
| Feb 24, 1993 |
16 km SSE of Monticello, Utah |
M3.1 |
149 km |
| May 13, 1993 |
19 km SSE of Monticello, Utah |
M3.1 |
146 km |
| Jul 4, 2021 |
24 km SW of Lake Valley, New Mexico |
M3.1 |
69 km |
| Jul 15, 1992 |
26 km NNW of Mexican Hat, Utah |
M3.0 |
144 km |
| May 20, 1994 |
0 km SSE of Oljato-Monument Valley, Utah |
M3.0 |
140 km |
| Sep 13, 1996 |
10 km NW of Kayenta, Arizona |
M2.9 |
138 km |
| Jun 10, 2020 |
5 km WNW of Tsaile, Arizona |
M2.8 |
39 km |
| Mar 8, 1994 |
15 km NW of Kayenta, Arizona |
M2.8 |
143 km |
| Jan 30, 2023 |
18 km WSW of Pueblo Pintado, New Mexico |
M2.7 |
112 km |
| May 20, 1994 |
8 km NNW of Kayenta, Arizona |
M2.7 |
135 km |
| Sep 23, 1995 |
4 km E of Teec Nos Pos, Arizona |
M2.7 |
57 km |
| Mar 6, 2023 |
17 km ENE of Chilchinbito, Arizona |
M2.6 |
93 km |
| Aug 26, 2024 |
8 km S of Rough Rock, Arizona |
M2.6 |
92 km |
| May 20, 2024 |
11 km WNW of Ramah, New Mexico |
M2.6 |
143 km |
| Jul 16, 2022 |
11 km NW of Many Farms, Arizona |
M2.5 |
75 km |
| Aug 25, 2024 |
13 km NNE of Round Rock, Arizona |
M2.5 |
53 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
15 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 10, 1957 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1999 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| Sep 13, 2022 |
EF0 |
99 km |
0 |
| Mar 21, 2020 |
EF0 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 2015 |
EF0 |
73 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 2013 |
EF0 |
63 km |
0 |
| Sep 10, 2013 |
EF0 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2011 |
EF0 |
89 km |
0 |
| Oct 21, 2010 |
EF0 |
94 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 2010 |
EF0 |
70 km |
0 |
| Oct 23, 2000 |
EF0 |
82 km |
0 |
| Oct 23, 2000 |
EF0 |
82 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1990 |
EF0 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 28, 1963 |
EF0 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 1957 |
EF0 |
98 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
1 volcano within 200 km.
Closest: Zuni-Bandera (197 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Zuni-Bandera |
Volcanic field |
2,550 m (8,366 ft) |
-1170 |
197 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BIRCHER (23,317 ac, 2000).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2000 |
BIRCHER |
23,317 |
97 km |
| 2020 |
WOOD SPRINGS 2 |
13,208 |
72 km |
| 2014 |
ASSAYII LAKE |
13,176 |
44 km |
| 1986 |
WESTTOE |
5,397 |
80 km |
| 1986 |
HOGAN |
5,298 |
88 km |
| 2000 |
PONY |
5,224 |
90 km |
| 1996 |
CHAPIN 5 |
4,832 |
97 km |
| 2005 |
LITTLE WATER1 |
4,342 |
51 km |
| 2002 |
CARRIZO 1 |
3,701 |
48 km |
| 2005 |
HOOK LAKE |
3,609 |
29 km |
| 1984 |
FERNANDO |
3,419 |
85 km |
| 2009 |
SAWMILL ROAD RX |
3,411 |
73 km |
| 2004 |
TURKEY SPRING |
3,017 |
47 km |
| 2004 |
SANDSPRING |
2,935 |
44 km |
| 1987 |
AZTECTHREE |
2,857 |
72 km |
| 1989 |
LONG MESA |
2,660 |
95 km |
| 2010 |
FLUTED ROCK LAKE RX |
2,630 |
64 km |
| 2002 |
LONG MESA |
2,599 |
92 km |
| 2005 |
TRAIL EAST |
2,369 |
98 km |
| 2003 |
MOCCASIN |
2,305 |
91 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
34°F (1°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
40°F (4°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| June |
65°F (19°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
1.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
1.6 in |
Wettest |
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| October |
53°F (11°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| November |
40°F (5°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-0°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Sanostee has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 29°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 11.2 inches, with August being the wettest month (1.6") and June the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Sanostee. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$231 ($138–$369) |
| Specialist Visit |
$323 ($184–$507) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$184 ($92–$323) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,028 ($738–$4,610) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$120 ($69–$184) |
| Dental Filling |
$231 ($138–$369) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$69) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$69 ($46–$111) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$277 ($138–$461) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($18–$69) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$553 ($369–$922) |
| Battery Replacement |
$184 ($92–$323) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$92 ($55–$138) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$83 ($46–$129) |
| HVAC Repair |
$369 ($138–$738) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,454 ($3,688–$11,064) |
| Roof Repair |
$922 ($369–$1,844) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,298 ($5,071–$13,830) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,383 ($461–$3,227) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,830 ($4,610–$27,660) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,610 ($1,844–$9,220) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,383 ($738–$2,766) |
| Will Preparation |
$461 ($184–$922) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,305 ($922–$4,610) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$92) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$138 ($69–$231) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$60) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$74 ($46–$120) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.78 ($2.77–$5.07) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.23 ($2.31–$4.61) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.50 ($2.31–$5.07) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.15 ($2.77–$5.99) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.07 ($3.69–$6.92) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.92 ($0.55–$1.66) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$129 ($74–$231) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$138) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$111) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$92) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$60 ($28–$92) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$78 ($46–$138) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$184 ($69–$461) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,844 ($1,106–$3,227) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$120) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.38–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$92 ($28–$231) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$69) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,106 ($553–$2,305) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$922 ($461–$1,844) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$369 ($184–$645) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$46 ($23–$92) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$922 ($369–$2,305) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,525 ($4,610–$27,660) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$55 ($28–$92) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$92 ($46–$184) |
| Dog Grooming |
$55 ($28–$92) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($18–$69) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$277 ($138–$461) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$184 ($92–$369) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Sanostee
What is the population of Sanostee?
Sanostee has a population of 259 residents and is located in New Mexico. The population density is 57 people per square mile, spread across 4.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.9% female and 52.1% male.
Is Sanostee expensive to live in?
Sanostee is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 92.2 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $52,917, 30% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $36,800 (87% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 0.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Sanostee safe?
Public safety is a concern in Sanostee, with a violent crime rate of 665 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 3,358 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Sanostee receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Sanostee?
Sanostee has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 318 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 37.
How is the job market in Sanostee?
The job market in Sanostee is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,077. There are 3,087 business establishments in the area, including 230 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 47 minutes, and 5.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sanostee?
The median home value in Sanostee is $36,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $237,274. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $2,974.
How are the schools in Sanostee?
Schools in Sanostee have an average test score of 4.5 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 3.5% of adults in Sanostee hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 74.8% have completed high school. 2.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sanostee?
The obesity rate in Sanostee is 40.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 32.7% of adults are smokers. 32.8% are physically inactive. 24.3% of residents report depression. 14.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 50.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,891.
What is transportation like in Sanostee?
The average commute in Sanostee is 47 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 75.6% of workers drive alone to work, 5.1% use public transit, and 5.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sanostee?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sanostee is 100% Hispanic or Latino, 97.3% Asian. 23.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 76.5% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 21.4% of residents have a disability. 74.6% have health insurance coverage.
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