Sandusky, OH
Population 24,748 · Ohio
About Sandusky, OH
Sandusky is a mid-sized city located in Ohio with a population of 24,748 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $47,827 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Sandusky features a median home value of $104,800, which is 57% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Sandusky one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $848, 27% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 13,277 total housing units, 49% are owner-occupied (5,346 units) and 51% are renter-occupied (5,546 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 Sandusky shows an unemployment rate of 9.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 24.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Sandusky have an average one-way commute time of 17.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
20.5% of Sandusky 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 3.7% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 1.4% Black or African American, and 1.1% Asian residents, with 1.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Sandusky, OH
Compared to national averages, Sandusky has a median household income of $47,827 (36% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $104,800, which is 57% below the national median. Monthly rent at $848 is 27% below the US average of $1,163. Within Ohio, Sandusky's income is 33% below the state average of $71,814, and home values are 40% below the state median of $174,449.
Why Live in Sandusky, OH?
Sandusky offers affordable housing with a median home value of $104,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $848/month, and short commute times averaging just 17.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($47,827) that falls below the national average. However, Sandusky’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Sandusky has a population of 24,748 with a median age of 36.2 years. Compare Sandusky with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Ohio.
Similar Cities Near Sandusky
Cities in Ohio with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zanesville | 24,726 | $39,085 | $106,900 | Compare |
| Centerville | 24,815 | $81,500 | $262,300 | Compare |
| Barberton | 24,977 | $48,943 | $120,100 | Compare |
| Riverside | 24,432 | $59,271 | $139,100 | Compare |
| Perrysburg | 25,065 | $105,226 | $306,500 | Compare |
| Avon | 25,082 | $126,618 | $377,100 | Compare |
| Wadsworth | 24,302 | $77,581 | $235,600 | Compare |
| Avon Lake | 25,456 | $110,174 | $337,200 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Ohio
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Sandusky With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Sandusky
What is the population of Sandusky, OH?
The population of Sandusky, OH is 24,748 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Ohio.
What is the median household income in Sandusky?
The median household income in Sandusky, OH is $47,827 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Sandusky?
The median home value in Sandusky, OH is $104,800, which is 57% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Sandusky?
The median monthly rent in Sandusky, OH is $848, which is 27% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Sandusky?
The unemployment rate in Sandusky, OH is 9.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Sandusky, OH a good place to live?
Sandusky offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 24,748 and a median age of 36.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Sandusky, OH?
20.5% of residents in Sandusky 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 Sandusky?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Sandusky, OH: median home value is $104,800 (57% below national), median rent is $848/month, and median household income is $47,827. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Sandusky?
The poverty rate in Sandusky, OH is 24.2%, 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 Sandusky, OH?
Sandusky's population is 3.7% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 1.4% Black or African American, 1.1% Asian, and 21.9% two or more races. 1.5% of residents are foreign-born.