Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Sandston, VA
Considering a move to Sandston, VA? This friendly community of about 7,100 residents features affordable living, with median home prices around $255,000 and two-bedroom rents averaging $1,260. Enjoy a reasonable cost of living, quick 22-minute commutes, and access to quality healthcare and nearby colleges. Sandston offers mild winters, plenty of sunny days, and a welcoming small-town feel close to Richmond. Discover the local schools, housing, and neighborhood amenities to see if Sandston is your next home.
Demographics - Sandston, VA
Demographics - Sandston, VA
Sandston, VA is home to approximately 7,100 residents, with a diverse population that is about 60% White and 31% Black. The median age is 41, reflecting a balanced mix of families and older adults, and about 8% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its moderately dense community fosters a welcoming, small-town atmosphere.
Population:
7,100
Density:
1,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.2
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
60.1%
Black:
31.3%
Asian:
2.3%
Others:
6.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Sandston, VA?
With a cost of living index below the national average, Sandston offers affordable housing, including a median home value of $255,000 and average rents around $1,260 for a two-bedroom. Utilities and groceries are reasonably priced, making it an attractive spot for budget-conscious families. State income taxes range from 2% to 5.75%, helping keep overall expenses manageable.
Median House Value:
$255,000
Gross Rent:
$1,260
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,540
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$510
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
92.5
Grocery:
97.1
Housing:
80.4
Utilities:
102.3
Transportation:
95.0
Health Care:
97.4
Miscellaneous:
94.8
Crime
Is Sandston, VA a safe place to live?
Sandston experiences moderate crime rates, with about 277 violent and 2,430 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is relatively low at 1 in 361, though property crime is more common at 1 in 41. Residents benefit from a generally safe suburban environment with typical precautions advised.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
277
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,430
Crime Index:
2,707
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 361
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 41
Weather
What is the weather like in Sandston, VA year-round?
The area enjoys four distinct seasons, with mild winters averaging lows of 29°F and warm summers reaching up to 89°F. Sandston receives about 44.6 inches of rainfall annually and sees sunshine roughly 59% of the year. The climate is comfortable, making outdoor activities accessible most months.

Winter
Min:
29°F
Max:
48°F

Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
71°F

Summer
Min:
68°F
Max:
89°F

Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
73°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
44.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
59%
Neighbors
Local households in Sandston typically earn around $62,800 per year, with a poverty rate under 9%. Most adults are high school graduates, and unemployment remains low at 4.1%. Community life is enhanced by short 22-minute commutes and a friendly, close-knit neighborhood feel.
Median Income:
$35,900
Household Income:
$62,800
Family Income:
$73,400
Per Capita Income:
$32,700
Income Male:
$41,200
Income Female:
$34,500
Poverty Rate:
8.6%
Non English Speakers:
8.2%
Rent:
$1,260
Unemployment Rate:
4.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
22.1 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
88.7%
Bachelors or More:
19.5%
Education
How are the schools in Sandston, VA?
Sandston families benefit from public schools like Sandston Elementary and Elko Middle, which offer small class sizes and supportive learning environments. A local private school and nearby colleges, including Reynolds Community College and Virginia Commonwealth University, provide diverse educational options. The community values education, with nearly 89% of adults holding at least a high school diploma.

Public Schools
Name:
Sandston Elementary School
Street:
7 N Confederate Ave
Phone:
804-328-4045
Students:
350
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.1
Name:
Elko Middle School
Street:
5901 Elko Rd
Phone:
804-328-4110
Students:
750
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5

Private Schools
Name:
Seven Pines Christian School
Street:
5901 E Nine Mile Rd
Phone:
804-737-4021
Students:
120

Colleges
Name:
Reynolds Community College
City:
Richmond
State:
VA
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
13,000
Name:
Virginia Commonwealth University
City:
Richmond
State:
VA
Distance:
10 miles
Students:
29,000
Healthcare
Residents have convenient access to major healthcare facilities like VCU Medical Center and Bon Secours Richmond Community Hospital nearby. The area offers about 2.3 physicians per 1,000 people, and nearly 90% of residents have health insurance coverage. Quality healthcare services and emergency support are readily available.

Major Hospitals
Name:
VCU Medical Center
Address:
1250 E Marshall St, Richmond, VA 23298
Phone:
(804) 828-9000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Bon Secours Richmond Community Hospital
Address:
1500 N 28th St, Richmond, VA 23223
Phone:
(804) 225-1700
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.4%
Health Care Index:
71.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Sandston, VA?
Sandston's housing market is affordable, with a median home price of $255,000 and strong owner occupancy at nearly 64%. Home values have appreciated by 4.7% over the past year, and rental vacancies are low, indicating a stable and accessible market. Both buyers and renters will find viable options in this community.
Median Home Price:
$255,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,260
Owner Occupied Rate:
63.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.7%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration and licensing in Sandston are managed by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, with full services available at the Richmond office. Residents can handle most DMV needs online or in person at the nearby location. The DMV provides convenient access and comprehensive support for local drivers.
State:
Virginia
Department:
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
610 Johnston Willis Dr, Richmond, VA 23236
Phone:
1-804-497-7100
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.