Sanborn, IA
Population 1,510 · Iowa
About Sanborn, IA
Sanborn is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 1,510 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $56,477 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Sanborn features a median home value of $150,900, which is 38% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Sanborn in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $881, 24% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 656 total housing units, 76% are owner-occupied (482 units) and 24% are renter-occupied (153 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Sanborn shows an unemployment rate of 1.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 14.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Sanborn have an average one-way commute time of 18.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
23.0% of Sanborn 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 0.1% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Sanborn, IA
Compared to national averages, Sanborn has a median household income of $56,477 (25% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $150,900, which is 38% below the national median. Monthly rent at $881 is 24% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Sanborn's income is 17% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 14% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Sanborn, IA?
Sanborn offers affordable housing with a median home value of $150,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $881/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.5%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 18.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($56,477) that falls below the national average. However, Sanborn’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Sanborn has a population of 1,510 with a median age of 41.3 years. Compare Sanborn with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Sanborn
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fairbank | 1,509 | $100,172 | $173,200 | Compare |
| Oakland | 1,500 | $72,500 | $144,600 | Compare |
| Panora | 1,520 | $65,500 | $164,500 | Compare |
| Slater | 1,498 | $87,708 | $222,000 | Compare |
| Pocahontas | 1,536 | $56,298 | $96,600 | Compare |
| Wellman | 1,539 | $56,696 | $149,000 | Compare |
| Lenox | 1,474 | $59,750 | $106,000 | Compare |
| Manning | 1,474 | $62,310 | $109,400 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Iowa
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Sanborn With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Sanborn
What is the population of Sanborn, IA?
The population of Sanborn, IA is 1,510 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Sanborn?
The median household income in Sanborn, IA is $56,477 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Sanborn?
The median home value in Sanborn, IA is $150,900, which is 38% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Sanborn?
The median monthly rent in Sanborn, IA is $881, which is 24% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Sanborn?
The unemployment rate in Sanborn, IA is 1.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Sanborn, IA a good place to live?
Sanborn offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,510 and a median age of 41.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Sanborn, IA?
23.0% of residents in Sanborn 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 Sanborn?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Sanborn, IA: median home value is $150,900 (38% below national), median rent is $881/month, and median household income is $56,477. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Sanborn?
The poverty rate in Sanborn, IA is 14.7%, 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 Sanborn, IA?
Sanborn's population is 0.1% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 1.5% two or more races. 1.7% of residents are foreign-born.