Sanford, AL
Population 228 · Alabama
About Sanford, AL
Sanford is a small community located in Alabama with a population of 228 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $28,393 per year, which is 62% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 45.5 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Sanford features a median home value of $162,500, which is 34% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Sanford in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $679, 42% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 100 total housing units, 66% are owner-occupied (55 units) and 34% are renter-occupied (28 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Sanford shows an unemployment rate of 0.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 51.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Sanford have an average one-way commute time of 18 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
8.2% of Sanford residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 13.2% White, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Sanford, AL
Compared to national averages, Sanford has a median household income of $28,393 (62% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $162,500, which is 34% below the national median. Monthly rent at $679 is 42% below the US average of $1,163. Within Alabama, Sanford's income is 51% below the state average of $57,952, and home values are 2% above the state median of $159,358.
Why Live in Sanford, AL?
Sanford offers affordable housing with a median home value of $162,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $679/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 18 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($28,393) that falls below the national average. However, Sanford’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Sanford has a population of 228 with a median age of 45.5 years. Compare Sanford with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Alabama.
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Demographics
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Economy & Education
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Other Cities in Alabama
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Sanford
What is the population of Sanford, AL?
The population of Sanford, AL is 228 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Alabama.
What is the median household income in Sanford?
The median household income in Sanford, AL is $28,393 per year, which is 62% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Sanford?
The median home value in Sanford, AL is $162,500, which is 34% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Sanford?
The median monthly rent in Sanford, AL is $679, which is 42% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Sanford?
The unemployment rate in Sanford, AL is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Sanford, AL a good place to live?
Sanford offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 228 and a median age of 45.5, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Sanford, AL?
8.2% of residents in Sanford aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Sanford?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Sanford, AL: median home value is $162,500 (34% below national), median rent is $679/month, and median household income is $28,393. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Sanford?
The poverty rate in Sanford, AL is 51.3%, 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 Sanford, AL?
Sanford's population is 13.2% White, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.