Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Sand Spring, IA
Considering a move to Sand Spring, IA? This small, welcoming community of about 180 residents offers affordable living with median home prices around $142,000 and average rents near $670. Enjoy low crime rates, short 21-minute average commutes, and excellent access to nature and small-town amenities. Public schools are well-rated, and the area experiences four distinct seasons with 58% sunny days each year. Sand Spring is ideal for those seeking a peaceful, rural lifestyle with a strong sense of community.
Demographics - Sand Spring, IA
Demographics - Sand Spring, IA
Sand Spring is a close-knit rural community with a population of about 180 residents, a median age of 46, and a nearly even gender balance. The town is predominantly White, with over 97% of residents identifying as such, and a very small percentage of non-English speakers. Its modest population density and welcoming atmosphere make it ideal for those seeking a quieter pace of life.
Population:
180
Density:
210 per sq mi
Median Age:
46.2
Gender Ratio:
99 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
97.0%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
2.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Sand Spring, IA?
Living in Sand Spring is highly affordable, with a cost of living index significantly below the national average. Median home values are around $142,000, and average rents are approximately $670, making homeownership and renting accessible to many. Everyday expenses like utilities and groceries also remain budget-friendly for residents.
Median House Value:
$142,000
Gross Rent:
$670
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$940
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,020
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
4.4%
|
High:
8.53%
Cost Of Living Index:
82.4
Grocery:
96.5
Housing:
68.0
Utilities:
94.0
Transportation:
92.5
Health Care:
98.0
Miscellaneous:
87.5
Crime
Is Sand Spring, IA a safe place to live?
Sand Spring offers a safe environment, with low violent crime rates at just 110 incidents per 100,000 people and property crime rates at 870 per 100,000. The chance of experiencing violent crime is about 1 in 910, giving residents peace of mind. Its small-town character contributes to a secure and neighborly atmosphere.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
110
Property Crimes Per 100k:
870
Crime Index:
980
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 910
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 115
Weather
What is the weather like in Sand Spring, IA year-round?
Residents enjoy four distinct seasons, from cold winters with lows near 11°F to warm summers that reach highs of 84°F. The area receives around 34 inches of annual rainfall and experiences sunshine about 58% of the year. This variety supports a range of outdoor activities and a classic Midwestern climate.
Winter
Min:
11°F
Max:
30°F
Spring
Min:
37°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
60°F
Max:
84°F
Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
34 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
58%
Neighbors
Sand Spring’s households have a median income of $60,500, with a low poverty rate of 7.8% and an unemployment rate of just 3.5%. Most residents commute about 21 minutes to work, and public transportation use is minimal. The community is well-educated, with over 94% holding a high school diploma or higher.
Median Income:
$34,000
Household Income:
$60,500
Family Income:
$72,800
Per Capita Income:
$29,700
Income Male:
$41,200
Income Female:
$31,500
Poverty Rate:
7.8%
Non English Speakers:
2.5%
Rent:
$670
Unemployment Rate:
3.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
21.3 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
94.1%
Bachelors or More:
19.5%
Education
How are the schools in Sand Spring, IA?
Families in Sand Spring are served by well-rated public schools with favorable student-teacher ratios, such as Maquoketa Valley Middle and High Schools. Higher education is accessible, with Northeast Iowa Community College just 30 miles away. The emphasis on education and small class sizes create a supportive learning environment.
Public Schools
Name:
Maquoketa Valley Middle School
Street:
112 3rd St, Delhi, IA 52223
Phone:
563-922-9411
Students:
170
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Maquoketa Valley High School
Street:
107 South St, Delhi, IA 52223
Phone:
563-922-2091
Students:
210
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.2
Colleges
Name:
Northeast Iowa Community College
City:
Peosta
State:
IA
Distance:
30 miles
Students:
4,800
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is strong in Sand Spring, with nearly 95% of residents covered by health insurance and local facilities like the Regional Medical Center nearby. The area features a physician-to-resident ratio of about 1.4 per 1,000 people, supporting general and emergency medical needs. Healthcare services are reliable and conveniently located for families and individuals.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Regional Medical Center
Address:
709 W Main St, Manchester, IA 52057
Phone:
(563) 927-3232
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.9%
Health Care Index:
73.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Sand Spring, IA?
The housing market is stable and affordable, with a median home price around $142,000 and an owner-occupancy rate of over 82%. Rental options are available with average two-bedroom rents at $670, and vacancy rates remain moderate. Modest home appreciation and low foreclosure rates indicate a healthy, sustainable housing environment.
Median Home Price:
$142,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$670
Owner Occupied Rate:
82.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.7%
New Construction Rate:
0.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents manage vehicle and licensing needs through the Iowa Department of Transportation’s Motor Vehicle Division, located in Ankeny. The DMV offers comprehensive services and support, with information available online and by phone for added convenience. Iowa’s system ensures straightforward access to required documents and renewals.
State:
Iowa
Department:
Iowa Department of Transportation - Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
6310 SE Convenience Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50021
Phone:
1-800-532-1121
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.