Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Sandusky, OH
Considering a move to Sandusky, OH? With a population of about 24,800, Sandusky is an affordable lakeside city where the median home price is just $121,000 and typical 2-bedroom rents average $830. The cost of living is well below the national average, and average commutes are a quick 17 minutes. Families benefit from local public and private schools, while healthcare is anchored by Firelands Regional Medical Center. Enjoy Lake Erie breezes, 56% sunny days, and the famous Cedar Point amusement park, with small-town charm and accessible amenities.
Demographics - Sandusky, OH
Demographics - Sandusky, OH
Sandusky, Ohio is home to approximately 24,800 residents, with a median age of 39.1 and a population density of 2,200 people per square mile. The city features a diverse community, where over 70% identify as White and nearly one in five residents are Black, offering a welcoming environment for newcomers.
Population:
24,827
Density:
2,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.1
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
72.1%
Black:
18.7%
Asian:
0.9%
Others:
8.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Sandusky, OH?
Living in Sandusky is highly affordable, with a median home value of $121,000 and a cost of living index significantly below the national average. Housing, utilities, and transportation costs remain budget-friendly, making the city an attractive option for those seeking value without sacrificing quality of life.
Median House Value:
$121,000
Gross Rent:
$830
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,070
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
0.5%
|
High:
4.8%
Cost Of Living Index:
81.7
Grocery:
93.2
Housing:
53.8
Utilities:
97.5
Transportation:
85.1
Health Care:
89.7
Miscellaneous:
88.0
Crime
Is Sandusky, OH a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Sandusky are moderate, with residents facing a 1 in 242 chance of experiencing a violent crime and a 1 in 32 chance of property crime annually. While property crime is more common, the city takes active measures to maintain community safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
412
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,120
Crime Index:
3,532
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 242
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 32
Weather
What is the weather like in Sandusky, OH year-round?
Sandusky experiences four distinct seasons, featuring warm summers with highs around 82°F and chilly winters dipping to 23°F. The city enjoys 56% sunny days each year and receives about 37 inches of rainfall, making it ideal for those who appreciate both sunshine and seasonal variety.

Winter
Min:
23°F
Max:
35°F

Spring
Min:
39°F
Max:
63°F

Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
82°F

Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
36.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Residents of Sandusky typically enjoy short commutes averaging under 17 minutes, while the median household income is around $41,200. The community is marked by strong high school graduation rates and a friendly, tight-knit atmosphere, though the local poverty rate is higher than average.
Median Income:
$22,100
Household Income:
$41,200
Family Income:
$51,400
Per Capita Income:
$24,600
Income Male:
$34,200
Income Female:
$27,500
Poverty Rate:
23.7%
Non English Speakers:
6.5%
Rent:
$830
Unemployment Rate:
6.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
16.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
88.6%
Bachelors or More:
17.4%
Education
How are the schools in Sandusky, OH?
Sandusky provides a range of educational opportunities, featuring public schools like Sandusky High School and Ontario Elementary, as well as private options such as St. Mary Central Catholic. Higher education is easily accessible, with colleges like Bowling Green State University Firelands just a short drive away.

Public Schools
Name:
Sandusky High School
Street:
2130 Hayes Ave
Phone:
419-984-1060
Students:
950
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.3
Name:
Ontario Elementary School
Street:
416 Ontario St
Phone:
419-984-1200
Students:
340
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.8

Private Schools
Name:
St. Mary Central Catholic High School
Street:
410 W Jefferson St
Phone:
419-626-1892
Students:
320

Colleges
Name:
Bowling Green State University Firelands
City:
Huron
State:
OH
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
2,100
Name:
Terra State Community College
City:
Fremont
State:
OH
Distance:
25 miles
Students:
2,300
Healthcare
Sandusky is served by Firelands Regional Medical Center, a full-service hospital offering emergency care and general surgery. The area boasts a robust healthcare network, with 93% of residents covered by health insurance and access to approximately two physicians per thousand people.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Firelands Regional Medical Center
Address:
1111 Hayes Ave, Sandusky, OH 44870
Phone:
(419) 557-7400
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.0
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.1%
Health Care Index:
69.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Sandusky, OH?
The Sandusky housing market is accessible, with median home prices at $121,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment at $830. Nearly half of the homes are owner-occupied, and the area has seen steady home appreciation over the past year, making it appealing for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$121,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$830
Owner Occupied Rate:
49.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Local vehicle and licensing needs are handled by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles office at 2511 Hayes Ave, offering convenient access to essential DMV services for Sandusky residents.
State:
Ohio
Department:
Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Address:
2511 Hayes Ave, Sandusky, OH 44870
Phone:
419-625-1983
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.