Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Sanderson, FL
Considering a move to Sanderson, FL? This small rural community of about 850 residents offers affordable living with median home prices around $175,000 and average rents near $950. The area enjoys mild winters, warm summers, and over 64% sunny days, making it great for outdoor living. Residents benefit from a low cost of living, modest commute times, and nearby schools, though higher education rates are below the national average. While crime rates are moderate for the region, Sanderson’s relaxed pace and friendly community appeal to those seeking a quiet lifestyle in North Florida.
Demographics - Sanderson, FL
Demographics - Sanderson, FL
Sanderson is a small, close-knit rural community with around 850 residents and a population density of 30 people per square mile. The median age is 38.1, and the town is predominantly White, with a significant Black community making up 20% of the population. Most residents speak English at home, and the gender balance is nearly even.
Population:
850
Density:
30 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.1
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
75.0%
Black:
20.0%
Asian:
0.8%
Others:
4.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Sanderson, FL?
Living in Sanderson is affordable, with a median home value of $175,000 and average monthly rents around $950. The cost of living index is below the national average, and residents benefit from no state income tax, making budgeting easier for families and retirees alike. Utilities, groceries, and healthcare costs are also attractively low.
Median House Value:
$175,000
Gross Rent:
$950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$2,250
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,200
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$380
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
88.0
Grocery:
94.2
Housing:
80.5
Utilities:
98.4
Transportation:
89.7
Health Care:
97.1
Miscellaneous:
93.0
Crime
Is Sanderson, FL a safe place to live?
Sanderson experiences moderate crime rates for the region, with a violent crime rate of 250 incidents per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 1,800 per 100,000. The likelihood of encountering a property crime is about 1 in 56, so residents should remain vigilant while enjoying the town’s quiet atmosphere. Overall, the community is relatively safe by rural standards.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
250
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,800
Crime Index:
2,050
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 400
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 56
Weather
What is the weather like in Sanderson, FL year-round?
Residents enjoy mild winters with lows around 41°F and warm summers reaching up to 92°F. The area receives about 51 inches of rainfall annually and boasts 64% sunny days, making it ideal for those who love spending time outdoors. Seasonal changes are gentle, offering comfortable weather most of the year.
Winter
Min:
41°F
Max:
66°F
Spring
Min:
55°F
Max:
80°F
Summer
Min:
71°F
Max:
92°F
Fall
Min:
55°F
Max:
80°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
51.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
64%
Neighbors
Households in Sanderson typically earn a median income of $52,000, with about 85% of adults holding at least a high school diploma. The poverty rate is 15.4%, and the community enjoys a low unemployment rate of 4.7%. Most people commute around 30 minutes for work, reflecting the rural setting.
Median Income:
$30,700
Household Income:
$52,000
Family Income:
$56,100
Per Capita Income:
$24,900
Income Male:
$33,000
Income Female:
$27,000
Poverty Rate:
15.4%
Non English Speakers:
3.5%
Rent:
$950
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
29.6 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
84.7%
Bachelors or More:
13.6%
Education
How are the schools in Sanderson, FL?
Education options in Sanderson include public schools such as Baker County Middle and Senior High, offering student-teacher ratios around 17:1. While there are no private schools locally, higher education is accessible at Florida Gateway College just 20 miles away. The area’s high school graduation rate is solid, though college attainment is below national averages.
Public Schools
Name:
Baker County Middle School
Street:
211 E Jonathan St
Phone:
904-259-2226
Students:
1,000
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.7
Name:
Baker County Senior High School
Street:
1 Wildcat Dr
Phone:
904-259-6286
Students:
1,400
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.1
Colleges
Name:
Florida Gateway College
City:
Lake City
State:
FL
Distance:
20 miles
Students:
5,700
Healthcare
Sanderson residents have access to Ed Fraser Memorial Hospital nearby, which offers general and emergency care. Healthcare coverage is strong, with nearly 87% of locals insured, and there are about 1.5 physicians for every 1,000 people. The area’s healthcare index indicates reliable but basic services for a small town.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Ed Fraser Memorial Hospital
Address:
159 N 3rd St, Macclenny, FL 32063
Phone:
(904) 259-3151
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
86.7%
Health Care Index:
71.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Sanderson, FL?
The housing market in Sanderson is stable, with median home prices at $175,000 and owner occupancy rates above 80%. Average rent for a two-bedroom home is $950, and the area has seen a healthy 6.5% home appreciation rate over the past year. Low foreclosure and vacancy rates suggest a steady, affordable market.
Median Home Price:
$175,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$950
Owner Occupied Rate:
80.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.5%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Sanderson residents manage vehicle and licensing needs through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office located in Lake City. Services include license renewals, vehicle registration, and title transfers. Helpful information and online services are available at flhsmv.gov.
State:
Florida
Department:
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Address:
3613 U.S. Highway 90 W, Lake City, FL 32055
Phone:
850-617-2000
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.