Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Sand Barrens, IL
Thinking about moving to Sand Barrens, IL? This charming community of 7,800 residents offers affordable living with a median home value of $183,000 and rents around $900. Commute times average a quick 23 minutes, and the town enjoys a moderate crime rate of 212 violent crimes per 100K. Sand Barrens features reliable healthcare, local schools, and a classic Midwestern climate with warm summers and snowy winters—perfect for those seeking small-town comfort with essential amenities.
Demographics - Sand Barrens, IL
Demographics - Sand Barrens, IL
Sand Barrens is a close-knit community of 7,800 residents, where the median age is just over 41 and the population density provides a suburban feel. The city is predominantly White, with a small but present mix of Black, Asian, and other ethnic groups, and about 7% of residents speak a language other than English at home. This blend of diversity and stability creates a welcoming environment for newcomers.
Population:
7,800
Density:
340 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.3
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.1%
Ethnic Composition
White:
83.2%
Black:
7.5%
Asian:
1.4%
Others:
7.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Sand Barrens, IL?
Living in Sand Barrens is affordable, with a median home value of $183,000 and average rents around $900, making it attractive for both buyers and renters. Daily expenses such as groceries, utilities, and healthcare are below the national average, supported by a cost of living index of 90. State taxes are moderate, ensuring residents keep more of their income.
Median House Value:
$183,000
Gross Rent:
$900
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$105
Auto Insurance:
$1,140
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,280
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$470
State Taxes:
Low:
4.95%
|
High:
7.99%
Cost Of Living Index:
90.0
Grocery:
94.6
Housing:
78.2
Utilities:
97.8
Transportation:
96.5
Health Care:
90.7
Miscellaneous:
92.4
Crime
Is Sand Barrens, IL a safe place to live?
Sand Barrens maintains a moderate crime rate, with violent crimes at 212 per 100,000 residents and property crimes at 1,527 per 100,000. Residents have a low chance of encountering violent crime—about 1 in 472—offering peace of mind for families and individuals alike. The community's active involvement helps keep neighborhoods safe.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
212
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,527
Crime Index:
1,739
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 472
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 66
Weather
What is the weather like in Sand Barrens, IL year-round?
Residents experience all four seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 85°F and chilly winters dipping to 17°F. The area enjoys 53% sunny days yearly and receives about 39 inches of rainfall, providing a balance of sunshine and precipitation ideal for outdoor activities. Seasonal changes bring scenic beauty throughout the year.
Winter
Min:
17°F
Max:
34°F
Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
85°F
Fall
Min:
41°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
38.9 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
53%
Neighbors
The typical household in Sand Barrens earns around $56,000, with a poverty rate of 12.9% and an unemployment rate of 5.6%. Most adults have at least a high school diploma, and the average commute is a convenient 23 minutes. The community enjoys a relaxed pace, with low public transit use and strong neighborhood ties.
Median Income:
$32,100
Household Income:
$56,000
Family Income:
$69,500
Per Capita Income:
$26,400
Income Male:
$38,300
Income Female:
$31,900
Poverty Rate:
12.9%
Non English Speakers:
7.1%
Rent:
$900
Unemployment Rate:
5.6%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
23.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
88.6%
Bachelors or More:
21.3%
Education
How are the schools in Sand Barrens, IL?
Sand Barrens offers quality education through its local public and private schools, featuring favorable student-teacher ratios and a supportive learning environment. Families can choose from elementary and high school options in town, while higher education is within reach at nearby colleges such as Illinois Valley Community College, just 14 miles away. This makes the city an excellent choice for students of all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Sand Barrens Elementary School
Street:
501 Oak Ave
Phone:
815-555-3400
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.7
Name:
Sand Barrens High School
Street:
901 Maple St
Phone:
815-555-3600
Students:
530
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.0
Private Schools
Name:
St. Timothy Academy
Street:
130 Pine Rd
Phone:
815-555-4100
Students:
210
Colleges
Name:
Illinois Valley Community College
City:
Oglesby
State:
IL
Distance:
14 miles
Students:
2,500
Name:
Northern Illinois University
City:
DeKalb
State:
IL
Distance:
53 miles
Students:
16,600
Healthcare
Sand Barrens residents benefit from access to two major hospitals offering emergency services and general care, ensuring reliable local healthcare. With 1.7 physicians per 1,000 people and over 90% health insurance coverage, medical needs are well supported. The city’s healthcare index reflects solid service quality for families and seniors.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Sand Barrens General Hospital
Address:
1200 Main St, Sand Barrens, IL 61300
Phone:
(815) 555-1100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
River Valley Medical Center
Address:
220 Valley Rd, Sand Barrens, IL 61301
Phone:
(815) 555-2200
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.4%
Health Care Index:
68.7
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Sand Barrens, IL?
The housing market in Sand Barrens is stable, with a median home price of $183,000 and about 68% of homes owner-occupied. Rental options are plentiful, with an average two-bedroom renting for $900 and a vacancy rate of 7.4%. Home appreciation is modest at 2.7% annually, making it a sound choice for long-term residents.
Median Home Price:
$183,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$900
Owner Occupied Rate:
68.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.7%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Vehicle licensing and registration for Sand Barrens residents are managed through the Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services, with comprehensive online resources and support. The nearest main DMV office is located in Springfield, and residents can access most services easily. This ensures smooth handling of driving-related needs.
State:
Illinois
Department:
Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services
Address:
2701 S. Dirksen Pkwy, Springfield, IL 62723
Phone:
1-800-252-8980
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.