Sanford, ME
Population 22,095 · Maine
About Sanford, ME
Sanford is a mid-sized city located in Maine with a population of 22,095 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $70,570 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.4 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Sanford features a median home value of $257,200, which is 5% above 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 $1,158, 0% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 9,974 total housing units, 70% are owner-occupied (6,488 units) and 30% are renter-occupied (2,843 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Sanford shows an unemployment rate of 3.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 10.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Sanford have an average one-way commute time of 27.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
23.6% of Sanford residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 0.8% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 1.6% Black or African American, and 0.1% Asian residents, with 3.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Sanford Ranks in Maine
Cost of Living in Sanford, ME
Compared to national averages, Sanford has a median household income of $70,570 (6% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $257,200, which is 5% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,158 is 0% below the US average of $1,163. Within Maine, Sanford's income is 9% above the state average of $64,613, and home values are 2% above the state median of $251,113.
Why Live in Sanford, ME?
Sanford offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,158/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.3%, and a low poverty rate of 10.6%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($70,570) 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 22,095 with a median age of 40.4 years. Compare Sanford with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Maine.
Similar Cities Near Sanford
Cities in Maine with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biddeford | 22,463 | $69,794 | $349,300 | Compare |
| Saco | 20,636 | $84,328 | $370,300 | Compare |
| Westbrook | 20,484 | $85,868 | $341,800 | Compare |
| Auburn | 24,294 | $66,552 | $254,600 | Compare |
| Augusta | 18,999 | $48,756 | $188,900 | Compare |
| South Portland | 26,780 | $84,563 | $405,800 | Compare |
| Brunswick | 16,928 | $68,190 | $333,500 | Compare |
| Waterville | 16,704 | $47,489 | $173,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Maine
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Sanford With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Sanford
What is the population of Sanford, ME?
The population of Sanford, ME is 22,095 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Maine.
What is the median household income in Sanford?
The median household income in Sanford, ME is $70,570 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Sanford?
The median home value in Sanford, ME is $257,200, which is 5% above 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, ME is $1,158, which is 0% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Sanford?
The unemployment rate in Sanford, ME is 3.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Sanford, ME a good place to live?
Sanford offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 22,095 and a median age of 40.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Sanford, ME?
23.6% 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, ME: median home value is $257,200 (5% above national), median rent is $1,158/month, and median household income is $70,570. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.6x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Sanford?
The poverty rate in Sanford, ME is 10.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Sanford, ME?
Sanford's population is 0.8% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 1.6% Black or African American, 0.1% Asian, and 1.7% two or more races. 3.9% of residents are foreign-born.