Sand City, CA
Population 262 · California
About Sand City, CA
Sand City is a small community located in California with a population of 262 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $78,250 per year, which is 4% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44.9 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Sand City features a median home value of $986,100, which is 303% above the national median of $244,900. This places Sand City in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,964, 69% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 194 total housing units, 24% are owner-occupied (35 units) and 76% are renter-occupied (110 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Sand City shows an unemployment rate of 1.8%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 17.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Sand City have an average one-way commute time of 19.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
41.6% of Sand City residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 23.7% White, 9.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 5.7% Asian residents, with 14.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Sand City Ranks in California
Cost of Living in Sand City, CA
Compared to national averages, Sand City has a median household income of $78,250 (4% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $986,100, which is 303% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,964 is 69% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Sand City's income is 20% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 51% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Sand City, CA?
Sand City offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $78,250, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.8%, and a well-educated community where 41.6% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 19.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $986,100. However, Sand City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Sand City has a population of 262 with a median age of 44.9 years. Compare Sand City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Sand City
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cromberg | 262 | $0 | $376,600 | Compare |
| Guinda | 262 | $173,672 | $1,092,300 | Compare |
| Yolo | 264 | $0 | $0 | Compare |
| Cressey | 265 | $78,333 | $213,900 | Compare |
| Edmundson Acres | 265 | $61,875 | $209,400 | Compare |
| Lake Almanor Peninsula | 265 | $75,972 | $475,000 | Compare |
| Snelling | 265 | $48,125 | $256,800 | Compare |
| Fort Washington | 266 | $0 | $1,039,600 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in California
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Sand City With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Sand City
What is the population of Sand City, CA?
The population of Sand City, CA is 262 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in California.
What is the median household income in Sand City?
The median household income in Sand City, CA is $78,250 per year, which is 4% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Sand City?
The median home value in Sand City, CA is $986,100, which is 303% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Sand City?
The median monthly rent in Sand City, CA is $1,964, which is 69% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Sand City?
The unemployment rate in Sand City, CA is 1.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Sand City, CA a good place to live?
Sand City offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 262 and a median age of 44.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Sand City, CA?
41.6% of residents in Sand City aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Sand City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Sand City, CA: median home value is $986,100 (303% above national), median rent is $1,964/month, and median household income is $78,250. The home-value-to-income ratio is 12.6x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Sand City?
The poverty rate in Sand City, CA is 17.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Sand City, CA?
Sand City's population is 23.7% White, 9.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 5.7% Asian, and 6.5% two or more races. 14.1% of residents are foreign-born.