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).
Sanford city, ME Climate
Sanford city, ME has an average annual temperature of 7.6°C (46°F) and receives about 1193 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
7.6°C
Avg Temp
1193
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -6° / 21° | 88 mm |
| February | -5° / 24° | 93 mm |
| March | 1° / 33° | 98 mm |
| April | 6° / 44° | 108 mm |
| May | 13° / 55° | 100 mm |
| June | 18° / 64° | 92 mm |
| July | 21° / 69° | 89 mm |
| August | 20° / 67° | 90 mm |
| September | 15° / 59° | 85 mm |
| October | 9° / 48° | 107 mm |
| November | 3° / 38° | 132 mm |
| December | -3° / 27° | 111 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Sanford city, ME
The most comfortable months to visit Sanford city, ME are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 27°C high). The coldest is January (near -12°C low). November is usually the wettest month.
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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.