Median Income
$105,368
40% higher than US avg
Home Value
$129,400
54% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
106/100K
72% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.4%
99% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.3%
29% higher than US avg
Unemployment
10.5%
192% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.2%
74% lower than US avg
How Sinking Spring Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population426
Median Age28.4 yrs
Density906/mi²
Male / Female58% / 42%
Largest GroupWhite 88%
Veterans11.6%
Economy
B+
Median Income$105,368
Per Capita$23,144
Unemployment10.5%
Poverty3.2%
County GDP$1,887M
Commute28 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$129,400
Ownership97.7%
Zillow$188,396
Housing Units97
Rent Burden25.3%
Crime
F
Violent106/100K
Property4,062/100K
Health
Obesity41.3%
Uninsured9.1%
Smoking20.3%
Depression30.4%
Heart Disease6.5%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Sunny Days297/yr
Elevation878 ft (268 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+0.4%
High School+92.1%
Graduate+0.7%
School Score5.59
Community
2024 VoteR 81% / D 18%
Commute28 min
Broadband86.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries5
Is Sinking Spring a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sinking Spring receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, high obesity rates. Sinking Spring has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Sinking Spring is $105,368, which is significantly higher than the national average / 40% above $75,149. This places Sinking Spring among higher-income communities. At 10.5%, unemployment is notably high. Only 3.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Sinking Spring is $129,400, 54% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Sinking Spring is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 106 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,062 per 100,000, 107% above the national average.
Education
0.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Sinking Spring experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 75°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 43.
Sinking Spring has a population of 426 with a density of 906 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 28.4 years, 27% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 42% female and 58% male. The city is predominantly White (87.6%), with 1.9% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.6% of residents. 11.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 7.4% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 98.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
28.4yrs
Median Age
27% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Sinking Spring vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.6%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.4%
97% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Sinking Spring vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Sinking Spring is $105,368, which is 40% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $23,144 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $862, 40% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 10.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 3.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 853 business establishments, including 63 restaurants. The cost of living index is 92.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes. 5.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Sinking Spring vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $105,368 |
| 40% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,144 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $862 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $54,410 |
| Gini Index | 0.405 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 10.5% |
| 192% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.2% |
| 74% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 853 |
| County GDP | $1,887M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 63 |
| Healthcare | 98 |
| Retail | 141 |
| Manufacturing | 28 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,039 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 92.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.35% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 87.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.1% |
The median home value in Sinking Spring is $129,400, 54% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $188,396, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $873 for a one-bedroom to $1,092 for a two-bedroom apartment. 97.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 97 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1972. The average annual property tax is $3,039. 25.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $129,400 |
| 54% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $188,396 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $873 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,092 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,388 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,550 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 97.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 97.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 2.3% |
| Housing Units | 97 |
| Median Year Built | 1972 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,039 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.35% |
In Sinking Spring, 41.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.5% of residents. 34.1% have high blood pressure. 20.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.7% report binge drinking. 31.2% are physically inactive, above the national average. 30.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.9% experience frequent mental distress. 9.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,613. The dentist ratio is 1:2,066. 41.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Sinking Spring vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.3% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.1% |
| Asthma | 12.1% |
| COPD | 8.9% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.3% |
| 45% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.2% |
| Depression | 30.4% |
| Mental Distress | 21.9% |
| Physical Distress | 15.4% |
| Short Sleep | 43.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.5% |
| Uninsured | 9.1% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,613 |
| Dentists | 1:2,066 |
| Mental Health | 1:415 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.9% |
| Dental Visits | 57.7% |
| Premature Death | 11,714/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 41.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 98 |
Sinking Spring has a violent crime rate of 106 per 100,000 residents, 72% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,062 per 100,000, 107% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Sinking Spring receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Sinking Spring vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 106.1/100K |
| 72% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,061.8/100K |
| 107% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Sinking Spring experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 75°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 43. The city sits at an elevation of 878 feet.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 53.5°F |
| 1% below US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 297 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 878 ft (268 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 906/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.0747°N, 83.3871°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Highland County County |
| Nearest Airport | Greater Portsmouth Regional (PMH) 33 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (May)
4.57"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 43.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 44.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 47.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
19 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M3.1 on Feb 3, 2025.
| Feb 19, 1995 |
8 km SSE of Rocky Fork Point, Ohio |
M3.6 |
9 km |
| Nov 20, 2013 |
2 km SW of Buchtel, Ohio |
M3.5 |
110 km |
| Apr 24, 2009 |
7 km ENE of Rio Grande, Ohio |
M3.4 |
96 km |
| May 24, 2017 |
1 km S of McArthur, Ohio |
M3.4 |
80 km |
| Sep 8, 1990 |
5 km N of Owingsville, Kentucky |
M3.3 |
103 km |
| Feb 3, 2025 |
2 km NNW of Oak Hill, Ohio |
M3.1 |
72 km |
| Apr 25, 2020 |
2 km SE of South Shore, Kentucky |
M2.9 |
57 km |
| May 6, 2002 |
3 km SE of Racine, Ohio |
M2.8 |
130 km |
| Mar 17, 1999 |
2 km NNE of Ripley, Ohio |
M2.8 |
52 km |
| May 11, 2015 |
5 km ESE of Maysville, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
56 km |
| Jul 23, 2013 |
6 km NNE of Germantown, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
63 km |
| Mar 8, 2016 |
0 km N of Thurman, Ohio |
M2.6 |
84 km |
| Feb 11, 2015 |
8 km SE of Richmond Dale, Ohio |
M2.6 |
57 km |
| Jan 28, 2024 |
3 km SW of Old Washington, Kentucky |
M2.5 |
66 km |
| Mar 20, 2023 |
13 km SSW of Rio Grande, Ohio |
M2.5 |
91 km |
| Mar 27, 2013 |
3 km W of Apple Grove, West Virginia |
M2.5 |
111 km |
| Feb 17, 2023 |
6 km ESE of Cheshire, Ohio |
M2.5 |
118 km |
| Jan 4, 1999 |
9 km WNW of Mount Sterling, Kentucky |
M2.5 |
125 km |
| Jan 26, 2018 |
7 km NNW of Vincent, Ohio |
M2.5 |
150 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
376 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 70 fatalities, 2,367 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF5 |
84 km |
36 |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF5 |
66 km |
7 |
| Sep 20, 2000 |
EF4 |
82 km |
1 |
| Apr 9, 1999 |
EF4 |
87 km |
4 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
95 km |
2 |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF4 |
96 km |
6 |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF4 |
76 km |
1 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 14, 2014 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF3 |
88 km |
3 |
| May 10, 2003 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Oct 13, 1999 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1993 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
34 km |
1 |
| Sep 3, 1970 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 1969 |
EF3 |
99 km |
4 |
| May 8, 1969 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1967 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (3,259 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
3,259 |
44 km |
| 2022 |
127 |
1,349 |
76 km |
| 2019 |
CY19 BLUEGRASS PRESCRIBED BURN |
1,190 |
89 km |
| 2003 |
PEACH ORCHARD |
1,043 |
43 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
31°F (-0°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| March |
42°F (6°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
44°F (7°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| December |
34°F (1°C) |
3.2 in |
|
Sinking Spring has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 30°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 42.0 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.6") and January the driest (2.7").
Average costs for common services in Sinking Spring. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$232 ($139–$371) |
| Specialist Visit |
$325 ($186–$510) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$186 ($93–$325) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,042 ($742–$4,640) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70–$186) |
| Dental Filling |
$232 ($139–$371) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($46–$111) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$278 ($139–$464) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$557 ($371–$928) |
| Battery Replacement |
$186 ($93–$325) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56–$139) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($46–$130) |
| HVAC Repair |
$371 ($139–$742) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,496 ($3,712–$11,136) |
| Roof Repair |
$928 ($371–$1,856) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,352 ($5,104–$13,920) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,392 ($464–$3,248) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,920 ($4,640–$27,840) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,640 ($1,856–$9,280) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,392 ($742–$2,784) |
| Will Preparation |
$464 ($186–$928) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,320 ($928–$4,640) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$139 ($70–$232) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$60) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$74 ($46–$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.80 ($2.78–$5.10) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.25 ($2.32–$4.64) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.53 ($2.32–$5.10) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.18 ($2.78–$6.03) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.10 ($3.71–$6.96) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56–$1.67) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$130 ($74–$232) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$139) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$111) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$60 ($28–$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($46–$139) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$186 ($70–$464) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,856 ($1,114–$3,248) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.42–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28–$232) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,114 ($557–$2,320) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$928 ($464–$1,856) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$371 ($186–$650) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$46 ($23–$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$928 ($371–$2,320) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,600 ($4,640–$27,840) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($46–$186) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$278 ($139–$464) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$186 ($93–$371) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $751 |
| Toddler | $693 |
| Preschool | $615 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $671 |
| Toddler | $660 |
| Preschool | $610 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sinking Spring
What is the population of Sinking Spring?
Sinking Spring has a population of 426 residents and is located in Ohio. The population density is 906 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 28.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 42% female and 58% male.
Is Sinking Spring expensive to live in?
Sinking Spring is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 92.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $105,368, 40% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $129,400 (54% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Sinking Spring safe?
Sinking Spring is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 106 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,062 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Sinking Spring receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Sinking Spring?
Sinking Spring has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°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 43.
How is the job market in Sinking Spring?
The job market in Sinking Spring faces challenges, with unemployment at 10.5% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $862. There are 853 business establishments in the area, including 63 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and 5.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sinking Spring?
The median home value in Sinking Spring is $129,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $188,396. The homeownership rate is 97.7%. The average annual property tax is $3,039.
How are the schools in Sinking Spring?
Schools in Sinking Spring score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 0.4% of adults in Sinking Spring hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.1% have completed high school. 0.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sinking Spring?
The obesity rate in Sinking Spring is 41.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.3% of adults are smokers. 31.2% are physically inactive. 30.4% of residents report depression. 9.1% lack health insurance. 41.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,613.
What is transportation like in Sinking Spring?
The average commute in Sinking Spring is 28 minutes. 87.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sinking Spring?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sinking Spring is 87.6% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino. 99.6% of residents speak only English at home. 11.6% of the population are military veterans. 7.4% of residents have a disability. 98.5% have health insurance coverage.