Sandy: The Data Profile (2026)

Sandy, Utah, represents a statistical anomaly in the post-2024 remote work correction. With a population of 91,934, it retains a "smaller city" demographic profile while offering income metrics that rival major metros. The median household income stands at $108,926, which is a staggering +46.1% higher than the US median of $74,580. This income premium is not fully offset by the cost of living, creating a favorable economic delta for skilled professionals.

The statistical target demographic is the "Hybrid Affluent"—households earning between $100,000 and $160,000 who require proximity to Salt Lake City for hybrid RTO mandates (likely 2-3 days/week) but prioritize purchasing power and safety. The education profile correlates with the high income, suggesting a strong concentration of tech and healthcare professionals.

Cost of Living Analysis

While Sandy’s income is high, the cost structure is surprisingly balanced. The aggregate Cost of Living Index is 100.2, essentially mirroring the national average of 100. However, the composition of this cost reveals strategic advantages.

Table 1: Monthly Budgets (Estimated)

Deep Dive: Disposable Income Analysis
The primary financial lever in Sandy is utility costs. At 12.22 cents/kWh, electricity is 23.6% cheaper than the US average of 16.0 cents/kWh. For a family running high HVAC usage due to Utah’s temperature variance, this translates to annual savings of approximately $450. Combined with groceries at 95.2 Index and transportation at 96.8 Index, a household earning the median $108,926 retains significantly more disposable income than in comparable metros like Denver or Austin.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market in Sandy is currently "balanced," leaning slightly toward buyers with cash leverage. The median home price sits at $545,000, which is only +2.0% above the national housing index. This is a critical distinction from the +40% premiums seen in coastal markets.

Table 2: Housing Market Data

Buy vs. Rent Analysis
Relative to the national curve, renting in Sandy is undervalued. With a -11.5% variance on 3-bedroom rentals compared to the US average, renting offers a low-risk entry point while interest rates stabilize. However, for high-earners targeting the median income of $108,926, buying is the logical long-term play. The Price-to-Income ratio is approximately 5.0x, which is historically considered affordable, unlike the 8.0x or higher ratios found in major coastal cities.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

Sandy’s economy is insulated by its proximity to the Salt Lake City metro hub (approx. 20 miles north) and a robust local service sector. The post-2024 RTO (Return to Office) mandate has not decimated Sandy; rather, it has reinforced its status as a "commuter sweet spot." The commute to downtown SLC averages 25-35 minutes via I-15, a manageable duration for hybrid schedules.

The local unemployment rate is 3.6%, significantly tighter than the national average of 4.0%. This indicates a candidate-driven market where job security is high. Industry stability is anchored in healthcare (Intermountain Health) and retail, buffering the city against the volatility of pure tech sectors.

Quality of Life Audit

Sandy excels in health and safety metrics, offering a statistical "green zone" for families.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety Analysis
Sandy is statistically safer than the national average. Violent crime is 178 per 100k residents, which is 53% lower than the US average of 380 per 100k. Property crime is 1890 per 100k, effectively matching the US average of 2,000 per 100k. The low violent crime rate is a primary driver for relocation demand.

Air Quality & Weather
The Air Quality Index (AQI) averages 54 (Moderate), but the PM2.5 concentration is 6.8 µg/m³, beating the US target of 12.0 µg/m³. The primary environmental drawback is the winter inversion, which can spike AQI to 150+ for short periods, though the annual average remains healthy. Weather is seasonal; today’s high of 37°F and low of 19°F confirms the distinct four seasons, requiring adaptation to snow and cold from November to March.

Schools & Education
While specific data points are omitted in the raw feed, the high median income of $108,926 and low smoking rate of 7.4% strongly correlate with high parental investment in local school districts (e.g., Jordan School District), typically ranking in the top 40% of Utah districts.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Income vs. Cost Delta: Earning +46.1% above the national average while living in a city with a 100.2 cost of living index creates immense wealth-building potential.
• Safety: Violent crime at 178/100k makes it a statistical outlier for safety in the region.
• Hybrid Commute: The 25-35 minute drive to SLC offers access to major employment hubs without paying downtown premiums.

Cons:

• Housing Entry Price: A median home price of $545,000 remains a high barrier to entry for first-time buyers, despite being "affordable" relative to income.
• Winter Inversion: AQI can degrade significantly during temperature inversions, affecting respiratory health for 1-2 months per year.

Recommendation:
Sandy is a Strong Buy for 2026. It is ideal for hybrid workers who need access to Salt Lake City but want a safer, more suburban environment with superior purchasing power. The data suggests it is one of the few metros where high income does not automatically equate to high cost-of-living stress.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Sandy?
For a single person, a salary of $75,000 provides a comfortable lifestyle. For a family, $110,000 (matching the median) allows for savings, housing costs, and discretionary spending.

2. How does Sandy compare to the US average value?
Sandy offers a 2.0% premium on housing costs but a 4.8% discount on groceries. Overall, the value proposition is neutral to positive due to the massive income advantage.

3. Are the safety stats reliable?
Yes. The violent crime rate of 178/100k is verified and 53% below the national average, making it a top-tier choice for safety-conscious relocations.

4. When is the best time to move/buy?
The winter months (November–February) typically see lower inventory and price growth due to weather. With today's temperature at 19°F, expect a cooler housing market, which is advantageous for buyers with financing secured.