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Is Sandy a Good Place to Live? Sandy, Utah: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Sandy ranks #350 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #167 of 524 smaller cities and #8 of 20 in Utah. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (5.5%, #59 of 524) and high household income ($112,176, #118 of 524), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.7%, #429 of 468) and expensive homes ($614,100, #411 of 524).
Sandy by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Sandy'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?
Sandy's cost of living index is 100.9, 1% above the US level of 100 and #710 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,777/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $659,401, 23% above the typical Utah home ($534,582).
| Measure | Sandy | UtahUT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 100.9#710 of 1,308 | 98.9 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $659,401#984 of 1,187 | $534,582 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,691/mo#494 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $614,100#1086 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,777/mo#944 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 5.5x#933 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 19%#337 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Utah 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 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 is in the Salt Lake City, UT metro.
Utah housing market →Is Sandy safe?
Sandy recorded 221 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 33% below the US rate of 328 and 6% below Utah's 236. That ranks #397 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #183 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Sandy Police Department. Property crime runs 1,805 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Sandy | UtahUT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 221#397 of 1,085 | 236 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,805#626 of 1,085 | 1,416 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Utah 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?
The median household in Sandy earns $112,176, 35% above the US figure of $83,163 and 16% above Utah ($96,658). Unemployment is 3.6% (US 4.3%). 5.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.7% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Sandy | UtahUT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $112,176#213 of 1,312 | $96,658 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.6%#297 of 1,058 | 3.6% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 5.5%#138 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.7%#1029 of 1,132 | +1% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Utah is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Sandy?
The median resident of Sandy is 37.6 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 46% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #331 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 75.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Sandy | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 37.6 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 46%#331 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 75.2% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Sandy's schools and health?
Sandy's 26 public schools graduate 90% of students in four years (Utah 88.2%), with 21.9 students per teacher and $11,169 spent per pupil. 28.5% of adults are obese and 8.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Sandy | UtahUT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 90%#358 of 1,063 | 88.2% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 21.9#1016 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $11,169#1045 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 28.5%#293 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 8.4%#138 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 16.5%#522 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 8.7%#476 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Utah is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 17,010 students are enrolled in Sandy's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Sandy?
The average commute in Sandy is 22.7 minutes (Utah 23.2); 1.1% of workers take transit and 22.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Sandy scores 13 of 20 (above average walkable), #325 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 75.3°F and winters 32.2°F, with 24.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Sandy | UtahUT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 22.7 min#565 of 1,312 | 23.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 3.1%#208 of 1,312 | 5.5% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 66.8% | 67.7% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.1% | 1.9% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.2% | 2.2% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.6% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 22.8% | 15.7% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 13#325 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Utah 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 | 38.1 | 22.8 | 2.2 |
| Feb | 44.1 | 27 | 2.3 |
| Mar | 53.9 | 34.2 | 2.7 |
| Apr | 60.7 | 39.5 | 3.3 |
| May | 70.6 | 48.2 | 2.8 |
| Jun | 81.9 | 57.3 | 1.4 |
| Jul | 90.7 | 67.5 | 0.6 |
| Aug | 88.6 | 65.9 | 0.9 |
| Sep | 78.7 | 56.4 | 1.6 |
| Oct | 64.2 | 43.4 | 2.1 |
| Nov | 49.1 | 31.5 | 2.1 |
| Dec | 38.3 | 23.1 | 2.4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Cottonwood Weir.
| Measure | Sandy | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 53.2°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 75.3°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 32.2°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 24.3 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Cottonwood Weir.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Sandy?
Salt Lake County's air had a median air quality index of 57, and 33% of measured days were rated good; 16 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Salt Lake County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, wildfire, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.18% of building value, higher than 66% of US counties.
| Measure | Sandy | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 57#995 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 16#949 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.18%#844 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Salt Lake County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Salt Lake County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.11% | 98% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.014% | 87% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.041% | 5% 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 compare with similar-size cities?
Sandy is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #167 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 94,291.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sandy, UTPop. 94,291 | #350 | 60.9 | $112,176 | $1,777/mo | 221 | 22.7 min |
| Toms River, NJPop. 94,956 | #419 | 59.7 | $100,137 | $1,731/mo | no data | 30.1 min |
| San Marcos, CAPop. 94,882 | #892 | 51.9 | $109,377 | $2,348/mo | part year | 26.5 min |
| Asheville, NCPop. 94,535 | #902 | 51.7 | $71,102 | $1,402/mo | 753 | 18.2 min |
| Fall River, MAPop. 94,082 | #1084 | 48.2 | $56,673 | $1,155/mo | 768 | 25.8 min |
| Mount Pleasant, SCPop. 93,993 | #225 | 63.8 | $124,755 | $2,159/mo | 132 | 24.9 min |
| Livonia, MIPop. 93,851 | #201 | 64.4 | $98,460 | $1,322/mo | 217 | 24.3 min |
| Erie, PAPop. 93,850 | #850 | 52.5 | $46,113 | $870/mo | 315 | 18.3 min |
| O'Fallon, MOPop. 93,801 | #134 | 67.0 | $110,443 | $1,443/mo | 97 | 25.5 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 compare with the rest of Utah?
Sandy ranks #8 of the 20 Utah cities we track, with a score of 60.9 against Utah's statewide 75.4. Its households earn 16% above the Utah median. Violent crime is 6% below the statewide rate. Homes are 23% above the typical Utah home.
| City | Rank in UT | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Jordan, UTPop. 82,686 | #1 | 67.3 | $134,047 | $1,991/mo | 113 |
| Riverton, UTPop. 45,457 | #2 | 66.3 | $126,910 | $2,137/mo | 62 |
| Herriman, UTPop. 59,346 | #3 | 65.6 | $122,650 | $2,019/mo | 64 |
| Bountiful, UTPop. 45,023 | #4 | 62.5 | $104,785 | $1,565/mo | 167 |
| Draper, UTPop. 50,278 | #5 | 62.2 | $128,910 | $1,894/mo | 192 |
| Lehi, UTPop. 85,173 | #6 | 62.1 | $131,299 | $1,964/mo | part year |
| Layton, UTPop. 83,286 | #7 | 62.0 | $102,480 | $1,538/mo | 141 |
| Sandy, UTPop. 94,291 | #8 | 60.9 | $112,176 | $1,777/mo | 221 |
| Millcreek, UTPop. 63,648 | #9 | 60.8 | $98,045 | $1,492/mo | no data |
| Orem, UTPop. 97,182 | #10 | 59.2 | $83,342 | $1,438/mo | 134 |
| Eagle Mountain, UTPop. 53,290 | #11 | 59.0 | $113,648 | $2,020/mo | no data |
| West Jordan, UTPop. 116,692 | #12 | 58.8 | $108,153 | $1,757/mo | 313 |
| Murray, UTPop. 50,188 | #13 | 58.7 | $90,746 | $1,500/mo | 165 |
| St. George, UTPop. 101,995 | #14 | 57.3 | $76,508 | $1,545/mo | 191 |
| Provo, UTPop. 114,766 | #15 | 56.3 | $64,171 | $1,193/mo | 177 |
| Taylorsville, UTPop. 58,678 | #16 | 54.5 | $86,413 | $1,482/mo | 187 |
| Logan, UTPop. 54,907 | #17 | 54.3 | $60,687 | $1,149/mo | 178 |
| Ogden, UTPop. 87,413 | #18 | 53.5 | $72,575 | $1,216/mo | 445 |
| West Valley City, UTPop. 138,437 | #19 | 52.9 | $92,209 | $1,504/mo | 383 |
| Salt Lake City, UTPop. 208,007 | #20 | 49.8 | $75,090 | $1,414/mo | 862 |
All 20 Utah cities we track, by overall score. Utah statewide: median income $96,658, violent crime 235.7 per 100,000.
How is Sandy's score calculated?
Sandy scores 60.9 out of 100, #350 of 1,312 (grade B+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Utah'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 · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Sandy. Similar-size median 55.5.
71.2 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Sandy's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
79.7 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Sandy. Similar-size median 58.9.
68.9 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Sandy's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
42.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Sandy's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
49.7 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Sandy. Similar-size median 56.1.
78.9 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Sandy. Similar-size median 42.4.
35.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Sandy. Similar-size median 50.0.
60.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Sandy's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
63.2 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
30.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Sandy's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Sandy 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
Is Sandy, UT a good place to live?
Sandy ranks #350 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #167 of 524 smaller cities and #8 of 20 in Utah. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (5.5%, #59 of 524) and high household income ($112,176, #118 of 524), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.7%, #429 of 468) and expensive homes ($614,100, #411 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Sandy?
Sandy's cost of living index is 100.9, 1% above the US level of 100 and #710 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,777/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $659,401, 23% above the typical Utah home ($534,582).
What is the crime rate in Sandy?
Sandy recorded 221 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 33% below the US rate of 328 and 6% below Utah's 236. That ranks #397 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #183 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Sandy Police Department. Property crime runs 1,805 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Sandy?
The median household in Sandy earns $112,176, 35% above the US figure of $83,163 and 16% above Utah ($96,658). Unemployment is 3.6% (US 4.3%). 5.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.7% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Sandy?
Median rent in Sandy is $1,777/mo (Census), #944 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,691/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 19% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Sandy?
The typical home value in Sandy is $659,401, up 2.2% in a year, against $534,582 for Utah and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $614,100.
How are the public schools in Sandy?
Sandy's 26 public schools graduate 90% of students in four years (Utah 88.2%), with 21.9 students per teacher and $11,169 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Sandy?
The average commute is 22.7 minutes, #565 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 23.2 minutes across Utah. 3.1% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Sandy?
Sandy averages 53.2°F over the year, 75.3°F in summer and 32.2°F in winter, with 24.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Sandy walkable?
Sandy scores 13 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #325 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 at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Salt Lake County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, wildfire, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.18% of building value, higher than 66% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Sandy?
Salt Lake County's air had a median air quality index of 57, and 33% of measured days were rated good; 16 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Sandy?
Sandy has 94,291 residents. The median resident of Sandy is 37.6 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 46% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #331 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 75.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Sandy compare with the rest of Utah?
Sandy ranks #8 of the 20 Utah cities we track, with a score of 60.9 against Utah's statewide 75.4. Its households earn 16% above the Utah median. Violent crime is 6% below the statewide rate. Homes are 23% above the typical Utah home.
What cities are similar in size to Sandy?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Sandy's population of 94,291 are Toms River, NJ (#419 overall), San Marcos, CA (#892 overall), Asheville, NC (#902 overall), Fall River, MA (#1084 overall), and Mount Pleasant, SC (#225 overall). Sandy is #350.