Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Sandstone, MN
Considering a move to Sandstone, MN? With a small-town population of 2,462, Sandstone offers affordable living—median home prices are around $155,000 and average rents just $870. Commutes are short at about 22 minutes and the city features access to local healthcare and the scenic outdoors. Crime rates are moderate for the region, and residents enjoy four distinct seasons with 52% sunny days. Great for those seeking quiet living, Sandstone is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, families, and anyone looking for a friendly, relaxed pace of life.
Demographics - Sandstone, MN
Demographics - Sandstone, MN
Sandstone, Minnesota is a small town of 2,462 residents, with a median age of nearly 40 and a community that is predominantly White but includes some diversity. The town has a slightly higher number of males than females and a modest percentage of non-English speakers, contributing to its welcoming, close-knit atmosphere.
Population:
2,462
Density:
440 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.8
Gender Ratio:
117 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
87.5%
Black:
5.6%
Asian:
0.6%
Others:
4.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Sandstone, MN?
Sandstone offers an affordable lifestyle, with median home values at $155,000 and average rents around $870, both well below national averages. The overall cost of living index is 86.7, making it an attractive option for those seeking budget-friendly living in Minnesota.
Median House Value:
$155,000
Gross Rent:
$870
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$105
Auto Insurance:
$1,240
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,110
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
5.35%
|
High:
9.85%
Cost Of Living Index:
86.7
Grocery:
94.1
Housing:
64.5
Utilities:
97.2
Transportation:
88.0
Health Care:
101.3
Miscellaneous:
93.0
Crime
Is Sandstone, MN a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Sandstone are moderate for the region, with a violent crime rate of 390 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 1,880 per 100,000. Residents generally feel safe, though it's wise to take standard precautions, especially regarding property security.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
390
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,880
Crime Index:
2,270
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 256
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 53
Weather
What is the weather like in Sandstone, MN year-round?
Sandstone experiences all four seasons, with cold winters averaging lows around 2°F and warm summers with highs reaching 81°F. Residents enjoy about 52% sunny days each year and receive roughly 28 inches of annual rainfall, ideal for those who appreciate distinct seasonal changes.

Winter
Min:
2°F
Max:
22°F

Spring
Min:
32°F
Max:
64°F

Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
81°F

Fall
Min:
33°F
Max:
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
28.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
52%
Neighbors
The typical household in Sandstone earns about $47,150, with a poverty rate of 17.8% and a low unemployment rate of 5.8%. Most neighbors have at least a high school diploma, and commutes are short, averaging just over 22 minutes, fostering a strong sense of local community.
Median Income:
$28,700
Household Income:
$47,150
Family Income:
$61,000
Per Capita Income:
$19,900
Income Male:
$32,900
Income Female:
$25,600
Poverty Rate:
17.8%
Non English Speakers:
5.2%
Rent:
$870
Unemployment Rate:
5.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
22.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
87.3%
Bachelors or More:
13.7%
Education
How are the schools in Sandstone, MN?
Sandstone offers public schooling through East Central schools with favorable student-teacher ratios and access to Pine Technical & Community College just 14 miles away. While private schools are not present locally, families benefit from solid educational resources for all ages.

Public Schools
Name:
East Central Elementary School
Street:
61085 State Hwy 23, Finlayson, MN 55735
Phone:
320-245-1486
Students:
530
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.1
Name:
East Central Senior High School
Street:
61085 State Hwy 23, Finlayson, MN 55735
Phone:
320-245-1476
Students:
370
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.4

Colleges
Name:
Pine Technical & Community College
City:
Pine City
State:
MN
Distance:
14 miles
Students:
1,300
Healthcare
Residents of Sandstone benefit from local healthcare access, including the Essentia Health Sandstone hospital which offers emergency services. With a high health insurance coverage rate of 92.2% and 1.5 physicians per 1,000 residents, basic healthcare needs are well met.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Essentia Health Sandstone
Address:
710 Main Ave N, Sandstone, MN 55072
Phone:
(320) 245-2212
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.2%
Health Care Index:
73.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Sandstone, MN?
The Sandstone housing market is accessible, with a median home price of $155,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of nearly 66%. Rental options are available with reasonable vacancy, and the market is stable, showing a 4.2% home appreciation rate over the past year.
Median Home Price:
$155,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$870
Owner Occupied Rate:
65.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Sandstone residents are served by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety – Driver and Vehicle Services, with convenient resources available online and at the main office in St. Paul. Services include licensing, vehicle registration, and support for all standard DMV needs.
State:
Minnesota
Department:
Minnesota Department of Public Safety – Driver and Vehicle Services
Address:
445 Minnesota St, Suite 190, St. Paul, MN 55101
Phone:
651-297-2126
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.