Sanford, NC
Population 30,833 · North Carolina
About Sanford, NC
Sanford is a mid-sized city in North Carolina with a population of 30,833 residents. The median household income is $54,294 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Sanford is 34.9 years.
Housing in Sanford has a median home value of $222,000 and median monthly rent of $965. Of the 12,364 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 5,842 owner-occupied and 5,395 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Sanford is 4.0% and the poverty rate is 20.3%. 22.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 23 minutes.
How Sanford Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in Sanford, NC
Compared to national averages, Sanford has a median household income of $54,294 (28% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $222,000, which is 9% below the national median. Monthly rent at $965 is 17% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Sanford's income is 16% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 3% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Sanford, NC?
Sanford offers affordable housing with a median home value of $222,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $965/month, and short commute times averaging just 23 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($54,294) 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 30,833 with a median age of 34.9 years. Compare Sanford with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Sanford
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morrisville | 30,471 | $125,404 | $481,800 | Compare |
| New Bern | 31,563 | $56,893 | $211,500 | Compare |
| Matthews | 29,959 | $105,579 | $406,800 | Compare |
| Cornelius | 32,009 | $114,688 | $512,400 | Compare |
| Statesville | 29,161 | $55,492 | $226,100 | Compare |
| Garner | 32,543 | $77,496 | $320,300 | Compare |
| Goldsboro | 33,448 | $47,005 | $173,700 | Compare |
| Clayton | 28,043 | $73,348 | $292,400 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in North Carolina
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, NC?
The population of Sanford, NC is 30,833 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Sanford?
The median household income in Sanford, NC is $54,294 per year.
What is the median home value in Sanford?
The median home value in Sanford, NC is $222,000.
What is the average rent in Sanford?
The median monthly rent in Sanford, NC is $965.
What is the unemployment rate in Sanford?
The unemployment rate in Sanford, NC is 4.0%.