Sandy Lake, PA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
783
4.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$83,875/yr
24.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
361
5.9% year-over-year change

Sandy Lake population

How many people live in Sandy Lake

Sandy Lake is home to 783 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.3% of Sandy Lake locals are male, and 48.7% are female.

Total population
783
4.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.3%
402
Female
48.7%
381
Value Percent YoY change
Male 402 51.3% 9.2%
Female 381 48.7% -0.8%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Sandy Lake is 32, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.4% are children under 15, then 14.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 35% of the population, while another 19.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 12.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
32.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.4%
15 to 24
14.2%
25 to 44
35%
45 to 64
19.3%
Over 65
12.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 152 19.4% 12.6%
15 to 24 111 14.2% -5.1%
25 to 44 274 35% -3.5%
45 to 64 151 19.3% 9.4%
Over 65 95 12.1% 21.8%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Sandy Lake, 99.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. There’s also a share of 2.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.8%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 777 99.2% 4.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 6 0.8% 100.0%
Racial breakdown
White
96.6%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
2.2%
Other
1.3%
Value Percent
White 756 96.6%
Two or more races 17 2.2%
Other 10 1.3%

Households in Sandy Lake

A peek inside Sandy Lake households

Sandy Lake has 315 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 67% are families, while the remaining 33% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
315
2.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
104
Family households
211
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 104 33% -0.9%
Family households 211 67% 4.5%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Sandy Lake

The housing landscape of Sandy Lake

Sandy Lake's housing consists of 361 units, with 76.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.5% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
361
5.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 275 76.2%
1 unit, attached 9 2.5%
2 units 9 2.5%
3 or 4 units 34 9.4%
5 to 9 units 24 6.6%
10 to 19 units 3 0.8%
20 to 49 units 5 1.4%
Mobile home 2 0.6%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Sandy Lake

In Sandy Lake, the median construction year is 1950. About 35.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 13.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 128 35.5% 21.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 50 13.8% 21.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 57 15.8% 1.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 29 8% -6.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 18 5% -18.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 12 3.3% -25.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 35 9.7% -16.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 30 8.3% 20.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 2 0.6% -33.3%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Sandy Lake occupancy rates

Out of the 315 occupied housing units in Sandy Lake, 62.9% are owner-occupied, while 37.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 12.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
315
2.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
117
Owner occupied
198
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 117 37.1% -8.6%
Owner occupied 198 62.9% 10.6%
Unoccupied housing units
12.7%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Sandy Lake housing costs

Housing costs in Sandy Lake come to a median of $907 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $751.

Median housing costs per month
$907/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Sandy Lake
$751/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Sandy Lake

Sandy Lake education at a glance

About 36.3% of the population in Sandy Lake went to high school, while 9.3% pursued college studies. Another 10% earned an associate degree and 34.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 9.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 3 0.5% -70.0%
High school diploma 215 36.3% 14.4%
College diploma 55 9.3% -21.4%
Associate degree 59 10% -6.3%
Bachelor's degree 203 34.2% 9.7%
Graduate degree 58 9.8% 18.4%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Sandy Lake

How much people earn in Sandy Lake

The average annual household income in Sandy Lake was $86,051 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +9.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $83,875, reflecting a +24.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Sandy Lake
$86,051/year
9.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Sandy Lake
$83,875/year
24.6% year-over-year change

Sandy Lake income by age

In Sandy Lake, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $95,486. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $86,250 overall. Overall, 87% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $95,486 3.0%
45 - 64 $86,250 N/A
Over 65 $60,208 57.9%
Above poverty level
681
Below poverty level
102
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 681 87% 6.4%
Below poverty level 102 13% -6.4%

Average renter income in Sandy Lake

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Sandy Lake, their median household income was $53,281 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 16.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$53,281
Rent-to-income ratio
16.9%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Sandy Lake

Workforce and job types in Sandy Lake

The job market in Sandy Lake is powered by 437 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 70.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 29.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6% run their own businesses, 56.3% are employed by private companies, and 21.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
437
2.6% year-over-year change
White collar
310
Blue collar
127
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 310 70.9% 7.3%
Blue collar 127 29.1% -7.3%
Employer type
Self employees
6%
Private companies
56.3%
Governmental workers
21.5%
Not for profit companies
16.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 26 6% 0.0%
Private companies 246 56.3% 2.5%
Governmental workers 94 21.5% 4.4%
Not for profit companies 71 16.2% 1.4%
Unemployment rate
6.0%
-22.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Sandy Lake stands at 6%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Sandy Lake

How people get around in Sandy Lake

In Sandy Lake, the average commute time is 30 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 89.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.8% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
30 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 388 89.2% -0.3%
Bicycle 4 0.9% 0.0%
Walk 12 2.8% 1,100.0%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Sandy Lake by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
16145 2,660 1,163 $67,321 $90,328
16153 2,234 952 $63,750 $81,112

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FAQs about Sandy Lake demographics 

What is the total population of Sandy Lake?

Sandy Lake has a total population of 783 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +4.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Sandy Lake?

The gender ratio in Sandy Lake is as follows:
  • 51.3% males (402 residents)
  • 48.7% females (381 residents)

What is the median age in Sandy Lake?

The median age in Sandy Lake is 32.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Sandy Lake?

The age distribution in Sandy Lake is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.4% (152 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.2% (111 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 35% (274 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 19.3% (151 residents)
  • Over 65: 12.1% (95 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Sandy Lake?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Sandy Lake is as follows:
  • White: 96.6% (756 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 2.2% (17 residents)
  • Other: 1.3% (10 residents)

What percentage of the population in Sandy Lake are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.2% of the population in Sandy Lake.

How many housing units are there in Sandy Lake?

There are 361 housing units in Sandy Lake, reflecting a +5.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Sandy Lake and what is the average household size?

Sandy Lake has a total of 315 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Sandy Lake?

Sandy Lake has a median household income of $83,875, representing a +24.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Sandy Lake?

The employment rate is 94% in Sandy Lake, with a workforce of 437 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 70.9% (310 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 29.1% (127 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6% (26 residents)
  • Private companies: 56.3% (246 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 21.5% (94 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 16.2% (71 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025