Sand Lake, MI
Population 480 · Michigan
About Sand Lake, MI
Sand Lake is a small community located in Michigan with a population of 480 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $32,083 per year, which is 57% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.8 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 Lake features a median home value of $152,800, which is 38% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Sand Lake in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $561, 52% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 222 total housing units, 53% are owner-occupied (115 units) and 47% are renter-occupied (104 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Sand Lake shows an unemployment rate of 3.8%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 11.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Sand Lake have an average one-way commute time of 28 minutes.
Education & Demographics
8.7% of Sand Lake residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 3.5% White, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.7% Asian residents, with 2.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Sand Lake Ranks in Michigan
Cost of Living in Sand Lake, MI
Compared to national averages, Sand Lake has a median household income of $32,083 (57% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $152,800, which is 38% below the national median. Monthly rent at $561 is 52% below the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Sand Lake's income is 51% below the state average of $66,017, and home values are 17% below the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in Sand Lake, MI?
Sand Lake offers affordable housing with a median home value of $152,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $561/month, and a low poverty rate of 11.9%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($32,083) that falls below the national average. However, Sand Lake’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Sand Lake has a population of 480 with a median age of 43.8 years. Compare Sand Lake with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near Sand Lake
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Adams | 480 | $54,250 | $99,000 | Compare |
| Barton Hills | 478 | $250,001 | $1,237,800 | Compare |
| Harrisville | 484 | $36,089 | $108,700 | Compare |
| Woodland | 485 | $47,500 | $143,800 | Compare |
| Gaines | 487 | $57,500 | $131,900 | Compare |
| Barnes Lake | 468 | $75,585 | $212,300 | Compare |
| Fairgrove | 492 | $37,500 | $75,600 | Compare |
| Oden | 492 | $61,132 | $123,000 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Michigan
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Sand Lake With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Sand Lake
What is the population of Sand Lake, MI?
The population of Sand Lake, MI is 480 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Michigan.
What is the median household income in Sand Lake?
The median household income in Sand Lake, MI is $32,083 per year, which is 57% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Sand Lake?
The median home value in Sand Lake, MI is $152,800, which is 38% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Sand Lake?
The median monthly rent in Sand Lake, MI is $561, which is 52% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Sand Lake?
The unemployment rate in Sand Lake, MI is 3.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Sand Lake, MI a good place to live?
Sand Lake offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 480 and a median age of 43.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Sand Lake, MI?
8.7% of residents in Sand Lake aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Sand Lake?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Sand Lake, MI: median home value is $152,800 (38% below national), median rent is $561/month, and median household income is $32,083. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Sand Lake?
The poverty rate in Sand Lake, MI is 11.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Sand Lake, MI?
Sand Lake's population is 3.5% White, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.7% Asian, and 0.4% two or more races. 2.1% of residents are foreign-born.