Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Sands, NC
Looking for a peaceful, affordable place to settle in North Carolina? Sands, with a population of about 1,050, offers small-town charm, low crime rates, and a lower-than-average cost of living. The median home price is just $183,000, and rents are around $910 a month. Residents enjoy short 25-minute commutes, access to good local schools, and a pleasant climate with 60% sunny days per year. Explore Sands below for more on housing, healthcare, and everyday living.
Demographics - Sands, NC
Sands is a close-knit community of around 1,050 residents, with a median age of 46.2. The population is predominantly White, and the area features a balanced gender ratio and a small but notable percentage of non-English speakers. With its rural density, Sands offers a tranquil environment suited to those preferring a slower pace of life.
Population:
1,050
Density:
120 per sq mi
Median Age:
46.2
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
89.0%
Black:
4.5%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
5.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Sands, NC?
The cost of living in Sands is affordable, with a cost of living index of 87.2, significantly below the national average. Housing is especially budget-friendly, with median home values at $183,000 and average rents at $910 per month. Everyday expenses like groceries, utilities, and healthcare are also reasonably priced, making the town attractive for those seeking value.
Median House Value:
$183,000
Gross Rent:
$910
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$128
Auto Insurance:
$1,110
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,150
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
5.25%
|
High:
5.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
87.2
Grocery:
94.1
Housing:
74.5
Utilities:
99.5
Transportation:
92.8
Health Care:
95.3
Miscellaneous:
89.0
Crime
Is Sands, NC a safe place to live?
Sands experiences low crime rates, with just 110 violent crimes and 1,070 property crimes per 100,000 residents. Residents enjoy a high sense of safety, with the chance of being a victim of violent crime at just 1 in 900. This makes Sands a reassuring choice for families and retirees alike.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
110
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,070
Crime Index:
1,180
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 900
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 94
Weather
What is the weather like in Sands, NC year-round?
Sands offers a mild four-season climate, with pleasant summers reaching highs of 87°F and winters rarely dipping below 28°F. The town enjoys about 60% sunny days each year and receives around 45 inches of rainfall, providing a comfortable environment for outdoor activities. The weather is generally moderate, contributing to a high quality of life.
Winter
Min:
28°F
Max:
47°F
Spring
Min:
44°F
Max:
71°F
Summer
Min:
63°F
Max:
87°F
Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
72°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
45.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
Households in Sands have a median income of $48,600, with a relatively low unemployment rate of 3.5%. Most residents have at least a high school diploma, and the average commute is just over 25 minutes. The community is stable, with a moderate poverty rate and limited reliance on public transportation.
Median Income:
$29,800
Household Income:
$48,600
Family Income:
$58,400
Per Capita Income:
$27,100
Income Male:
$33,000
Income Female:
$26,200
Poverty Rate:
13.8%
Non English Speakers:
6.5%
Rent:
$910
Unemployment Rate:
3.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
25.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
88.4%
Bachelors or More:
19.7%
Education
How are the schools in Sands, NC?
Families in Sands benefit from quality educational options, including local public schools like Bethel and Cove Creek Elementary, both with favorable student-teacher ratios. Private schooling is available at Grace Academy, and higher education is accessible with Appalachian State University just 19 miles away. The community values education, with a high rate of high school completion among residents.
Public Schools
Name:
Bethel Elementary School
Street:
138 Bethel School Rd
Phone:
828-297-2240
Students:
320
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Cove Creek Elementary School
Street:
930 Vanderpool Rd
Phone:
828-297-2781
Students:
290
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.1
Private Schools
Name:
Grace Academy
Street:
2075 Old US Hwy 421 S
Phone:
828-773-7838
Students:
85
Colleges
Name:
Appalachian State University
City:
Boone
State:
NC
Distance:
19 miles
Students:
20,640
Healthcare
Sands residents have convenient access to major hospitals in nearby towns, including Watauga Medical Center and Caldwell UNC Health Care, both offering emergency services. With 2.2 physicians per 1,000 people and nearly 90% health insurance coverage, the area provides solid healthcare options. The healthcare index indicates generally reliable medical services for residents.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Watauga Medical Center
Address:
336 Deerfield Rd, Boone, NC 28607
Phone:
(828) 262-4100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Caldwell UNC Health Care
Address:
321 Mulberry St SW, Lenoir, NC 28645
Phone:
(828) 757-5100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.8%
Health Care Index:
69.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Sands, NC?
The housing market in Sands is highly accessible, with a median home price of $183,000 and over three-quarters of homes being owner-occupied. Rental options are available, with a 7.2% vacancy rate and average two-bedroom rents at $910. Home values have appreciated steadily, reflecting a healthy local real estate market.
Median Home Price:
$183,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$910
Owner Occupied Rate:
78.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Residents of Sands are served by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest main office in Raleigh. DMV services, including licensing and vehicle registration, are accessible both online and by phone. The state's DMV website provides comprehensive resources for all transportation-related needs.
State:
North Carolina
Department:
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1100 New Bern Ave, Raleigh, NC 27697
Phone:
1-919-715-7000
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.