Sandy Lake, PA
Population 752 · Pennsylvania
About Sandy Lake, PA
Sandy Lake is a small community located in Pennsylvania with a population of 752 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $67,292 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 31.9 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Sandy Lake features a median home value of $165,800, which is 32% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Sandy Lake in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $745, 36% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 341 total housing units, 58% are owner-occupied (179 units) and 42% are renter-occupied (128 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Sandy Lake shows an unemployment rate of 7.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 14.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Sandy Lake have an average one-way commute time of 30.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
46.4% of Sandy Lake residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.1% Asian residents, with 0.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Sandy Lake, PA
Compared to national averages, Sandy Lake has a median household income of $67,292 (10% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $165,800, which is 32% below the national median. Monthly rent at $745 is 36% below the US average of $1,163. Within Pennsylvania, Sandy Lake's income is 8% below the state average of $73,376, and home values are 13% below the state median of $190,903.
Why Live in Sandy Lake, PA?
Sandy Lake offers affordable housing with a median home value of $165,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $745/month, and a well-educated community where 46.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Potential considerations include median household income ($67,292) that falls below the national average. However, Sandy Lake’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Sandy Lake has a population of 752 with a median age of 31.9 years. Compare Sandy Lake with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Pennsylvania.
Similar Cities Near Sandy Lake
Cities in Pennsylvania with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Union Deposit | 751 | $112,561 | $273,200 | Compare |
| Chalfant | 750 | $58,116 | $110,000 | Compare |
| Port Royal | 754 | $62,232 | $145,200 | Compare |
| Sligo | 750 | $52,500 | $111,500 | Compare |
| Wiconsico | 750 | $66,023 | $79,700 | Compare |
| East Prospect | 755 | $85,139 | $191,200 | Compare |
| Koppel | 755 | $61,518 | $100,000 | Compare |
| Nittany | 747 | $65,893 | $0 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Sandy Lake With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Sandy Lake
What is the population of Sandy Lake, PA?
The population of Sandy Lake, PA is 752 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Pennsylvania.
What is the median household income in Sandy Lake?
The median household income in Sandy Lake, PA is $67,292 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Sandy Lake?
The median home value in Sandy Lake, PA is $165,800, which is 32% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Sandy Lake?
The median monthly rent in Sandy Lake, PA is $745, which is 36% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Sandy Lake?
The unemployment rate in Sandy Lake, PA is 7.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Sandy Lake, PA a good place to live?
Sandy Lake offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 752 and a median age of 31.9, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Sandy Lake, PA?
46.4% of residents in Sandy Lake 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 Sandy Lake?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Sandy Lake, PA: median home value is $165,800 (32% below national), median rent is $745/month, and median household income is $67,292. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Sandy Lake?
The poverty rate in Sandy Lake, PA is 14.5%, 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 Sandy Lake, PA?
Sandy Lake's population is 0.0% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.1% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.5% of residents are foreign-born.