Is Sand Springs Safe, Pros and cons of living in Sand Springs
Sand Springs, Oklahoma, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and suburban convenience, nestled along the Arkansas River. Founded by oilman Charles Page, the city has grown from its philanthropic roots into a community that provides a welcoming atmosphere for its residents. Its proximity to Tulsa allows for access to big-city amenities while maintaining a more relaxed pace of life.
This city is an attractive option for individuals and families seeking a balance between affordability and quality of life. With a population of approximately 20,117 residents, Sand Springs boasts a diverse demographic makeup and a strong sense of community. The following provides an in-depth look at what living in Sand Springs entails, covering safety, cost of living, employment, education, and climate.
Is it Safe to Live in Sand Springs?
Sand Springs presents a mixed safety profile. The overall crime rate is considered higher than the national average, with a safety score of 45 out of 100 (higher crime than average) (according to Safearankings.com). However, violent crime rates are lower than the national average (as reported by FBI Crime Data Explorer). Residents generally perceive the northwest part of the city as the safest area.
Your likelihood of being a victim of crime in Sand Springs varies by neighborhood. While the east neighborhoods have a higher risk, the northwest areas offer a lower chance of experiencing crime. The cost of crime per resident is approximately $425 annually, which is less than the national and state averages (according to Safearankings.com).
Housing Costs and Availability
The housing market in Sand Springs offers relatively affordable options compared to national averages. The median home value is approximately $236,865, showing a 5.0% increase over the past year (according to Zillow). However, other sources indicate a median home value around $197,535 (according to Livability.com) and a median listing price of $240,000 (according to Realtor.com®).
Rental prices also present an affordable choice, with the average rent for all bedroom counts and property types being around $1,100 per month (according to Zillow). This is 45% lower than the national average (as reported by Zillow). The median gross rent is $1,002 per month (according to Point2Homes).
Job Market and Economy
Sand Springs’ economy is supported by a diverse range of industries. The most common employment sectors for residents include Health Care & Social Assistance, Manufacturing, and Retail Trade (as reported by Data USA). The unemployment rate in Sand Springs is currently 3.7% (according to Niche).
The average annual salary in Sand Springs is approximately $42,765, equating to about $20.56 per hour (according to ZipRecruiter). However, another source reports the average salary for jobs in Sand Springs, Oklahoma, as $62,989 per year or an hourly rate of $30 (according to ERI SalaryExpert). Major employers in the area range from manufacturing industries to the public school system (according to See-Sand-Springs.org).
Demographics and Lifestyle
Sand Springs is home to a population of approximately 20,117 residents, with a median age of 37.1 years (as reported by Data USA and Census Reporter). The racial composition is predominantly White, making up about 75-76% of the population, followed by multiracial and Native American residents (according to Niche and Census Reporter). The community generally offers a sparse suburban feel, with most residents owning their homes.
Families are a significant part of Sand Springs’ population, and residents tend to be conservative. The city offers numerous parks, contributing to a lifestyle that values outdoor recreation and community engagement. The median household income is around $75,645 (according to Point2Homes and Census Reporter).
Climate and Weather
Sand Springs experiences a climate characterized by hot, muggy summers and short, very cold, windy winters. The temperature typically ranges from 31°F to 95°F throughout the year, rarely falling below 17°F or exceeding 103°F (according to Weather Spark). The hottest month is July, with average highs around 94°F and lows of 75°F.
The cold season lasts for about three months, from late November to late February, with average daily high temperatures below 59°F. January is the coldest month, with average low temperatures around 32°F and highs of 51°F. The city receives an average annual rainfall of about 43 inches (as reported by Livability.com).
Education and Schools
Sand Springs Public Schools serves the community, offering education from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The district has an above-average rating, with a student-teacher ratio of 18 to 1 (according to Niche). State test scores indicate that 32% of students are proficient in math and 43% in reading (as reported by Niche).
Niche ranks Sand Springs Public Schools as #107 out of 429 in Oklahoma for best school districts. The district is also recognized for its diversity, ranking #59 out of 421 for the most diverse school districts in the state. Several elementary schools within the district, such as Limestone Elementary and Angus Valley Elementary, receive a B+ rating (according to Niche).
Cost of Living
The overall cost of living in Sand Springs is notably lower than the national average. It is estimated to be 18% lower than the national average (according to Payscale), and 5% lower than the U.S. national average (according to Salary.com). This affordability extends to various aspects of daily life, including housing, utilities, transportation, and groceries.
Housing expenses are particularly favorable, being around 42% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale). Utility prices are slightly lower than the national average, and transportation costs are about 12% lower. Grocery prices are also 5% lower than the national average, making Sand Springs an economically attractive place to reside.
Major Employers
Sand Springs is supported by a diverse range of employers across various sectors. Key industries include manufacturing, public education, and healthcare. Prominent companies that contribute to the local economy include Webco Industries, Cust-O-Fab Inc., and Tulsa Boys’ Home (according to Zippia).
Other significant employers range from retail giants like Walmart and Dollar General to service providers such as McDonald’s and T-Mobile. The presence of these varied businesses ensures a broad spectrum of job opportunities for residents within the community and the surrounding Tulsa metropolitan area (according to Indeed.com and Lensa).