Sanford, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Sanford, North Carolina is 30,833 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 34th-largest city in North Carolina. The median household income is $54,294, the median home value is $222,000, and the median age is 34.9.
The population has grown 16.8% since 2010 (28,232 → 32,971).
30,833
Population
929
People / sq mi
$54,294
Median Income
$222,000
Median Home Value
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Sanford covers 33.2 sq mi of land at 929 people per square mile.
About Sanford, NC
Sanford stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most sparsely settled of US cities, at roughly 929 people per square mile. Sanford is a city in North Carolina with a population of 30,833. It ranks #34 among cities in North Carolina by population.
Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $54,294, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 16.8%, above the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $222,000, with typical rent around $965.
Degree attainment is on the lower side for US cities: 22.4% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the lower side here, at 5.7%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 23 minutes each way.
Sanford city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Sanford city had a population of 28,232 in 2010 and 32,971 in 2024, a 16.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 32,971 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.12%.
32,971
Population (2024)
28,232
Population (2010)
32,971
Peak (2024)
1.12%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 28,232 |
| 2011 | 28,609 |
| 2012 | 28,928 |
| 2013 | 29,166 |
| 2014 | 28,967 |
| 2015 | 28,922 |
| 2016 | 29,088 |
| 2017 | 29,403 |
| 2018 | 29,831 |
| 2019 | 30,085 |
| 2020 | 30,231 |
| 2021 | 30,571 |
| 2022 | 31,337 |
| 2023 | 32,228 |
| 2024 | 32,971 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 52.5% |
| Black or African American | 24.3% |
| Asian | 0.1% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$54,294
Median Household Income
$28,775
Per Capita Income
16.8%
Poverty Rate
2.5%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$222,000
Median Home Value
$965
Median Rent
52.0%
Owner-Occupied
Education
79.6%
High School+
22.4%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.0%
Drive Alone
78.2%
Public Transit
5.7%
Work From Home
23.0 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
23.1%
Foreign Born
70.4%
Non-English at Home
6.0%
Veterans
15.2%
With Disability
84.3%
Health Insurance
93.4%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Manufacturing | 22.2% |
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 17.7% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 11.4% |
| Construction | 9.7% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 9.0% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 7.1% |
| Information | 4.0% |
| Retail Trade | 3.9% |
| Public Administration | 2.1% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.7% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 0.5% |
Largest cities in North Carolina
Largest counties in North Carolina
Part of North Carolina
Metro areas in North Carolina
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Sanford, North Carolina has a population of 30,833 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 34th-largest city in North Carolina.
The median household income in Sanford, North Carolina is $54,294, with 16.8% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Sanford, North Carolina is $222,000, with median monthly rent at $965 and a homeownership rate of 52.0%.
The median age in Sanford, North Carolina is 34.9 years. The population is 49.7% male and 50.3% female.
The population has grown 16.8% since 2010 (28,232 → 32,971).
Where to stay in Sanford
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Statewide data for North Carolina
Population, race, income, age, and trends across North Carolina
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.