Sandusky city, Ohio Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Sandusky city, Ohio has a total population of 24,748, the 65th largest city in Ohio, with a median household income of $47,827, which is 31% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 24.2%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 31% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- Housing is very affordable with a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.2x.
- Unemployment rate of 9.8% is notably above the national average.
Sandusky city Quick Facts
How Sandusky city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A diverse community with significant representation from multiple racial and ethnic groups.
State average: 39 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Sandusky city Rankings in Ohio
Explore Ohio Rankings
Other Cities in Erie County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vermilion city | 10,451 | $73,052 | 5.4% | $172,000 |
| Upper Sandusky city | 6,580 | $72,379 | 5.8% | $151,300 |
| Kelleys Island village | 198 | $91,875 | 3.1% | $333,300 |
Cities Similar to Sandusky city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barberton city | 24,977 | $48,943 | $120,100 | 17.9% | 16.9% |
| Trotwood city | 23,041 | $49,082 | $99,500 | 17.6% | 21.7% |
| Xenia city | 25,555 | $54,616 | $147,300 | 21.2% | 17.2% |
| Zanesville city | 24,726 | $39,085 | $106,900 | 13.4% | 26.8% |
| Maple Heights city | 23,350 | $52,823 | $89,600 | 15.3% | 26.4% |
Population Overview
Sandusky city is a small city located in Ohio, within Erie County. The total population is 24,748. It ranks as the 65th most populous out of 1,264 cities and towns in Ohio.
Age Demographics
The median age in Sandusky city is 36.2 years. This is 9% lower than the state median of 39.6 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Sandusky city is $47,827. This is 31% lower than the state median of $69,680. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 39% lower. The poverty rate stands at 24.2%. This is 82% higher than the state poverty rate of 13.2%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 9.8%. This is 102% higher than the state rate of 4.9%. The median home value is $104,800. Housing costs are 47% lower than the state median of $199,200. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.2x, Sandusky city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 49.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 27% lower than the state average of 67.0%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Sandusky city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 62.4% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 21.9%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (21.9% vs 12.1%). The Asian population (0.5%) is well below the state average of 2.4%.
Education
20.5% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 34% lower than the state rate of 30.9%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 87.7%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Sandusky city, Ohio is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Ohio state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 1,264 Census-designated places in Ohio. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Sandusky city, Ohio?
Sandusky city, Ohio has a population of 24,748 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Sandusky city, OH?
The median household income in Sandusky city is $47,827, which is 39% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Sandusky city, OH?
The poverty rate in Sandusky city is 24.2%. This means approximately 5,909 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Sandusky city, Ohio?
Sandusky city's population is 62.4% White, 21.9% Black, 6.2% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.5% Asian.
What is the median home value in Sandusky city, OH?
The median home value in Sandusky city is $104,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.2x.
How educated is Sandusky city, Ohio?
20.5% of adults (25+) in Sandusky city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 6.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.