Sanford, Maine Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Sanford, Maine is 22,095 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 7th-largest city in Maine. The median household income is $70,570, the median home value is $257,200, and the median age is 40.4.
The population has grown 8.2% since 2010 (20,790 → 22,497).
22,095
Population
462
People / sq mi
$70,570
Median Income
$257,200
Median Home Value
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Sanford covers 47.8 sq mi of land at 462 people per square mile.
About Sanford, ME
What distinguishes Sanford is density: among the most sparsely settled of US cities, around 462 people per square mile. With 22,095 residents, Sanford is a city in Maine. That makes it one of the ten largest cities in Maine in the country, at #7 by population.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $70,570 — below the US median of $78,538. About 7.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $257,200, with typical rent around $1,158.
Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 23.6%, below the national 35.0%. About 9.3% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 27 minutes each way.
Sanford city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Sanford city had a population of 20,790 in 2010 and 22,497 in 2024, a 8.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 22,497 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.57%.
22,497
Population (2024)
20,790
Population (2010)
22,497
Peak (2024)
0.57%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 20,790 |
| 2011 | 20,849 |
| 2012 | 20,874 |
| 2013 | 20,835 |
| 2014 | 20,914 |
| 2015 | 20,917 |
| 2016 | 21,002 |
| 2017 | 21,063 |
| 2018 | 21,141 |
| 2019 | 21,223 |
| 2020 | 21,973 |
| 2021 | 22,190 |
| 2022 | 22,251 |
| 2023 | 22,343 |
| 2024 | 22,497 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 89.6% |
| Black or African American | 1.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$70,570
Median Household Income
$37,375
Per Capita Income
7.7%
Poverty Rate
2.2%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$257,200
Median Home Value
$1,158
Median Rent
69.5%
Owner-Occupied
Education
90.6%
High School+
23.6%
Bachelor's+
Commute
1.4%
Drive Alone
79.3%
Public Transit
9.3%
Work From Home
27.4 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
39.0%
Foreign Born
93.4%
Non-English at Home
8.7%
Veterans
21.4%
With Disability
91.9%
Health Insurance
95.7%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 24.7% |
| Manufacturing | 15.3% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 8.6% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 5.8% |
| Information | 5.8% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 5.5% |
| Public Administration | 5.5% |
| Construction | 4.9% |
| Retail Trade | 3.9% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.1% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.3% |
Largest cities in Maine
Largest counties in Maine
Part of Maine
Metro areas in Maine
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Sanford, Maine has a population of 22,095 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 7th-largest city in Maine.
The median household income in Sanford, Maine is $70,570, with 7.7% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Sanford, Maine is $257,200, with median monthly rent at $1,158 and a homeownership rate of 69.5%.
The median age in Sanford, Maine is 40.4 years. The population is 48.8% male and 51.2% female.
The population has grown 8.2% since 2010 (20,790 → 22,497).
Where to stay in Sanford
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Statewide data for Maine
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Maine
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.