Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Sandpoint, ID
Thinking of moving to Sandpoint, ID? This welcoming town of 9,777 offers a relaxed pace of life, an affordable median home price around $443,000, and average rents near $1,250. Residents enjoy short commutes averaging 18 minutes, abundant outdoor recreation, and a scenic four-season climate with mild summers. While property crime rates are a bit above national average, Sandpoint boasts quality local schools, a vibrant arts scene, and easy access to healthcare—making it a great fit for families, retirees, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Demographics - Sandpoint, ID
Demographics - Sandpoint, ID
Sandpoint is a small city of just under 10,000 residents, with a predominantly White population and a median age of 41. The community is balanced in gender and features a modest proportion of non-English speakers, creating a close-knit and welcoming atmosphere for newcomers.
Population:
9,777
Density:
2,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.2
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.4%

Ethnic Composition
White:
92.6%
Black:
0.3%
Asian:
1.0%
Others:
6.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Sandpoint, ID?
The cost of living in Sandpoint is slightly above the national average, with a median home value of $443,000 and average rent around $1,250. Residents benefit from reasonable utility costs and Idaho's relatively low state tax rates, making the city appealing for both homeowners and renters.
Median House Value:
$443,000
Gross Rent:
$1,250
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,800
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$540
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
6.5%
Cost Of Living Index:
111.2
Grocery:
103.4
Housing:
120.5
Utilities:
97.6
Transportation:
98.0
Health Care:
99.5
Miscellaneous:
101.7
Crime
Is Sandpoint, ID a safe place to live?
Sandpoint experiences a higher-than-average property crime rate, with about 2,150 property crimes per 100,000 residents. However, violent crime remains low, offering residents a generally safe environment with a 1 in 330 chance of being affected by violent crime.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
303
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,150
Crime Index:
2,453
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 330
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 47
Weather
What is the weather like in Sandpoint, ID year-round?
Sandpoint enjoys a true four-season climate, featuring mild summers with highs near 82°F and cold winters averaging lows of 18°F. The city receives about 33 inches of annual rainfall and experiences sunshine nearly half the year, perfect for outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
34°F

Spring
Min:
33°F
Max:
60°F

Summer
Min:
50°F
Max:
82°F

Fall
Min:
35°F
Max:
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
33.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
47%
Neighbors
Local households typically earn around $56,400, with a poverty rate of 13.7% and low unemployment. Residents enjoy short 18-minute commutes, high educational attainment, and a community-oriented lifestyle with limited reliance on public transit.
Median Income:
$32,300
Household Income:
$56,400
Family Income:
$67,500
Per Capita Income:
$28,900
Income Male:
$40,700
Income Female:
$29,200
Poverty Rate:
13.7%
Non English Speakers:
5.4%
Rent:
$1,250
Unemployment Rate:
5.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.6%
Commute Time:
18.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
93.0%
Bachelors or More:
29.8%
Education
How are the schools in Sandpoint, ID?
Sandpoint is served by well-rated public schools such as Sandpoint High and Farmin Stidwell Elementary, along with several private and charter options. The city also hosts a local North Idaho College center, providing accessible higher education within the community.

Public Schools
Name:
Sandpoint High School
Street:
410 S Division Ave
Phone:
208-263-3034
Students:
950
Student Teacher Ratio:
17:1
Name:
Farmin Stidwell Elementary
Street:
1626 Spruce St
Phone:
208-263-9235
Students:
600
Student Teacher Ratio:
16:1

Private Schools
Name:
Forrest M. Bird Charter School
Street:
614 S Madison Ave
Phone:
208-265-9737
Students:
380

Colleges
Name:
North Idaho College - Sandpoint Center
City:
Sandpoint
State:
ID
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
250
Name:
University of Idaho - Coeur d'Alene
City:
Coeur d'Alene
State:
ID
Distance:
45 miles
Students:
1,200
Healthcare
Sandpoint provides reliable access to healthcare, anchored by Bonner General Health and supported by a strong physician presence of 2.1 per 1,000 residents. Over 90% of locals have health insurance, contributing to the city's solid healthcare profile.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Bonner General Health
Address:
520 N Third Ave, Sandpoint, ID 83864
Phone:
(208) 263-1441
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.5%
Health Care Index:
70.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Sandpoint, ID?
The housing market in Sandpoint features a median home price of $443,000 and a balanced mix of owners and renters, with about half of homes owner-occupied. Low vacancy and foreclosure rates, along with steady appreciation, reflect a stable and attractive real estate environment.
Median Home Price:
$443,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,250
Owner Occupied Rate:
51.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.1%
New Construction Rate:
2.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents can conveniently access the Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles at the local Sandpoint office on North Boyer Avenue for licensing and registration needs. The DMV offers comprehensive services and is easily reachable for all transportation documentation requirements.
State:
Idaho
Department:
Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
4001 N. Boyer Ave, Sandpoint, ID 83864
Phone:
(208) 265-1432
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.