GeorgiaPop. 107,087Mid-size cities
Is Sandy Springs a Good Place to Live? Sandy Springs, Georgia: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Sandy Springs ranks #108 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #13 of 256 mid-size cities and #4 of 20 in Georgia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (2.6%, #3 of 241) and low violent crime (114 per 100,000, #17 of 235), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.4%, #201 of 241) and expensive homes ($619,800, #199 of 256).
Sandy Springs by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Sandy Springs's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Sandy Springs?
Sandy Springs's cost of living index is 100.1, in line with the US level of 100 and #649 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,870/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $692,396, 2.1 times the typical Georgia home ($330,817).
| Measure | Sandy Springs | GeorgiaGA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 100.1#649 of 1,308 | 96.3 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $692,396#1006 of 1,187 | $330,817 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,706/mo#514 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $619,800#1091 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,870/mo#1015 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 5.9x#1024 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 21.5%#617 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Georgia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Sandy Springs housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Sandy Springs is in the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta, GA metro.
Georgia housing market →Is Sandy Springs safe?
Sandy Springs recorded 114 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 65% below the US rate of 328 and 62% below Georgia's 297. That ranks #162 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #17 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Sandy Springs Police Department. Property crime runs 1,263 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Sandy Springs | GeorgiaGA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 114#162 of 1,085 | 297 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 1,263#338 of 1,085 | 1,409 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Georgia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Sandy Springs?
The median household in Sandy Springs earns $104,340, 25% above the US figure of $83,163 and 30% above Georgia ($79,991). Unemployment is 2.6% (US 4.3%). 8.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Sandy Springs | GeorgiaGA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $104,340#290 of 1,312 | $79,991 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 2.6%#33 of 1,058 | 3.4% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 8.5%#366 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | -0.4%#906 of 1,132 | +0.9% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Georgia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Sandy Springs?
The median resident of Sandy Springs is 36.8 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 69.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #58 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 50.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Sandy Springs | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 36.8 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 69.2%#58 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 50.2% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Sandy Springs's schools and health?
We have too few school records for Sandy Springs to describe its public schools. 23.7% of adults are obese and 7.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Sandy Springs | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 23.7%#94 of 1,311 | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 7.9%#92 of 1,311 | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 13.8%#117 of 1,311 | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 8.9%#500 of 1,311 | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
What are the commute and weather like in Sandy Springs?
The average commute in Sandy Springs is 25.8 minutes (Georgia 29.4); 2.9% of workers take transit and 31.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Sandy Springs scores 10.4 of 20 (below average walkable), #653 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 78.1°F and winters 44.4°F, with 51.4 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Sandy Springs | GeorgiaGA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 25.8 min#837 of 1,312 | 29.4 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 5.6%#667 of 1,312 | 11.3% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 58.7% | 71.4% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 2.9% | 1.2% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1% | 1.3% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.2% | 0.1% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 31.9% | 14.9% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 10.4#653 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Georgia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 51.9 | 32.7 | 4.6 |
| Feb | 56.4 | 35.9 | 4.5 |
| Mar | 64.4 | 42.2 | 4.7 |
| Apr | 72.7 | 49.2 | 3.9 |
| May | 80.3 | 58.5 | 3.8 |
| Jun | 86.2 | 66.3 | 4.7 |
| Jul | 89.4 | 69.9 | 4.7 |
| Aug | 88.2 | 69.1 | 4.5 |
| Sep | 82.9 | 62.8 | 4.1 |
| Oct | 72.8 | 50.9 | 3.4 |
| Nov | 62.5 | 40.6 | 4.2 |
| Dec | 54.4 | 35.5 | 4.4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Atlanta Dekalb Peachtree Airport.
| Measure | Sandy Springs | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 61.5°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 78.1°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 44.4°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 51.4 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Atlanta Dekalb Peachtree Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Sandy Springs?
Fulton County's air had a median air quality index of 49, and 54% of measured days were rated good; 4 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Fulton County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, hail, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 94% of US counties.
| Measure | Sandy Springs | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 49#814 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 4#645 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.09%#97 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Fulton County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Fulton County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.006% | 70% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0015% | 43% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0049% | 37% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.063% | 26% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Sandy Springs compare with similar-size cities?
Sandy Springs is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #13 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 107,087.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sandy Springs, GAPop. 107,087 | #108 | 68.0 | $104,340 | $1,870/mo | 114 | 25.8 min |
| Davie, FLPop. 108,346 | #906 | 51.6 | $87,250 | $2,066/mo | part year | 28.8 min |
| Hillsboro, ORPop. 108,231 | #349 | 60.9 | $106,409 | $1,978/mo | 288 | 22.9 min |
| Goodyear, AZPop. 107,645 | #392 | 60.2 | $103,319 | $1,956/mo | 236 | 29.6 min |
| Dearborn, MIPop. 107,423 | #706 | 54.8 | $65,324 | $1,327/mo | 249 | 21.7 min |
| West Covina, CAPop. 107,037 | #752 | 54.1 | $101,065 | $2,245/mo | 214 | 32.9 min |
| Boulder, COPop. 106,433 | #447 | 59.0 | $87,493 | $2,018/mo | 354 | 18.1 min |
| Spokane Valley, WAPop. 106,365 | #619 | 56.4 | $74,042 | $1,353/mo | 233 | 20.8 min |
| Green Bay, WIPop. 106,253 | #592 | 56.8 | $66,206 | $932/mo | 450 | 19.2 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Sandy Springs compare with the rest of Georgia?
Sandy Springs ranks #4 of the 20 Georgia cities we track, with a score of 68 against Georgia's statewide 55.4. Its households earn 30% above the Georgia median. Violent crime is 62% below the statewide rate. Homes are 2.1 times the typical Georgia home.
| City | Rank in GA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johns Creek, GAPop. 81,988 | #1 | 73.4 | $160,093 | $2,257/mo | 40 |
| Alpharetta, GAPop. 66,855 | #2 | 70.6 | $147,612 | $1,948/mo | 220 |
| Roswell, GAPop. 92,621 | #3 | 69.2 | $128,654 | $1,810/mo | 111 |
| Sandy Springs, GAPop. 107,087 | #4 | 68.0 | $104,340 | $1,870/mo | 114 |
| Dunwoody, GAPop. 51,758 | #5 | 67.1 | $121,903 | $1,859/mo | 162 |
| Brookhaven, GAPop. 57,855 | #6 | 65.4 | $117,663 | $1,882/mo | 265 |
| Smyrna, GAPop. 56,633 | #7 | 64.8 | $100,061 | $1,739/mo | 240 |
| Marietta, GAPop. 62,263 | #8 | 60.9 | $72,725 | $1,586/mo | 291 |
| Atlanta, GAPop. 505,268 | #9 | 58.3 | $85,652 | $1,711/mo | 736 |
| Gainesville, GAPop. 45,032 | #10 | 55.2 | $66,974 | $1,299/mo | 404 |
| Athens, GAPop. 127,345 | #11 | 54.2 | $52,974 | $1,219/mo | 352 |
| South Fulton, GAPop. 110,471 | #12 | 53.9 | $82,324 | $1,702/mo | 477 |
| Warner Robins, GAPop. 82,990 | #13 | 53.9 | $66,970 | $1,212/mo | 513 |
| Savannah, GAPop. 147,898 | #14 | 51.9 | $57,137 | $1,382/mo | county/metro |
| Columbus, GAPop. 203,711 | #15 | 51.4 | $58,073 | $1,106/mo | 366 |
| Valdosta, GAPop. 55,252 | #16 | 46.6 | $45,925 | $1,054/mo | 477 |
| Stonecrest, GAPop. 60,501 | #17 | 46.5 | $64,591 | $1,601/mo | no data |
| Augusta, GAPop. 201,528 | #18 | 45.9 | $55,485 | $1,142/mo | 547 |
| Macon, GAPop. 156,578 | #19 | 40.3 | $51,234 | $1,066/mo | 1,293 |
| Albany, GAPop. 67,224 | #20 | 39.5 | $47,240 | $931/mo | 1,485 |
All 20 Georgia cities we track, by overall score. Georgia statewide: median income $79,991, violent crime 296.9 per 100,000.
How is Sandy Springs's score calculated?
Sandy Springs scores 68 out of 100, #108 of 1,312 (grade A+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 9 of 11 categories with local data; education and outdoor access are left out rather than filled with Georgia's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 18% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Sandy Springs. Similar-size median 52.9.
73.7 - SafetyCity data · 15% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Sandy Springs's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
90.4 - HealthCity data · 15% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Sandy Springs. Similar-size median 53.8.
81.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 12% of score
Sandy Springs's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
48.8 - Household financesCity data · 10% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Sandy Springs. Similar-size median 51.2.
70.0 - GrowthCity data · 9% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Sandy Springs. Similar-size median 42.1.
42.1 - TransportationCity data · 9% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Sandy Springs. Similar-size median 50.1.
63.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 9% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Sandy Springs's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
49.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 5% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
68.0 - EducationNot scored
Too few school records for Sandy Springs.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Sandy Springs's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Sandy Springs has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Sandy Springs
Is Sandy Springs, GA a good place to live?
Sandy Springs ranks #108 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #13 of 256 mid-size cities and #4 of 20 in Georgia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (2.6%, #3 of 241) and low violent crime (114 per 100,000, #17 of 235), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.4%, #201 of 241) and expensive homes ($619,800, #199 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Sandy Springs?
Sandy Springs's cost of living index is 100.1, in line with the US level of 100 and #649 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,870/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $692,396, 2.1 times the typical Georgia home ($330,817).
What is the crime rate in Sandy Springs?
Sandy Springs recorded 114 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 65% below the US rate of 328 and 62% below Georgia's 297. That ranks #162 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #17 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Sandy Springs Police Department. Property crime runs 1,263 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Sandy Springs?
The median household in Sandy Springs earns $104,340, 25% above the US figure of $83,163 and 30% above Georgia ($79,991). Unemployment is 2.6% (US 4.3%). 8.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Sandy Springs?
Median rent in Sandy Springs is $1,870/mo (Census), #1015 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,706/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 21.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Sandy Springs?
The typical home value in Sandy Springs is $692,396, up 3.5% in a year, against $330,817 for Georgia and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $619,800.
How are the public schools in Sandy Springs?
We have too few school records for Sandy Springs to describe its public schools.
How long is the commute in Sandy Springs?
The average commute is 25.8 minutes, #837 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 29.4 minutes across Georgia. 5.6% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Sandy Springs?
Sandy Springs averages 61.5°F over the year, 78.1°F in summer and 44.4°F in winter, with 51.4 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Sandy Springs walkable?
Sandy Springs scores 10.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #653 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Sandy Springs at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Fulton County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, hail, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 94% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Sandy Springs?
Fulton County's air had a median air quality index of 49, and 54% of measured days were rated good; 4 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Sandy Springs?
Sandy Springs has 107,087 residents. The median resident of Sandy Springs is 36.8 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 69.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #58 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 50.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Sandy Springs compare with the rest of Georgia?
Sandy Springs ranks #4 of the 20 Georgia cities we track, with a score of 68 against Georgia's statewide 55.4. Its households earn 30% above the Georgia median. Violent crime is 62% below the statewide rate. Homes are 2.1 times the typical Georgia home.
What cities are similar in size to Sandy Springs?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Sandy Springs's population of 107,087 are Davie, FL (#906 overall), Hillsboro, OR (#349 overall), Goodyear, AZ (#392 overall), Dearborn, MI (#706 overall), and West Covina, CA (#752 overall). Sandy Springs is #108.