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).
Sanford city, NC Climate
Sanford city, NC has an average annual temperature of 15.5°C (60°F) and receives about 1182 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
15.5°C
Avg Temp
1182
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 5° / 40° | 101 mm |
| February | 6° / 43° | 96 mm |
| March | 11° / 51° | 109 mm |
| April | 15° / 60° | 78 mm |
| May | 20° / 67° | 103 mm |
| June | 24° / 75° | 107 mm |
| July | 26° / 79° | 123 mm |
| August | 25° / 77° | 120 mm |
| September | 22° / 71° | 95 mm |
| October | 16° / 60° | 85 mm |
| November | 11° / 51° | 80 mm |
| December | 6° / 43° | 85 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, NC
The most comfortable months to visit Sanford city, NC are typically September, May and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near -1°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
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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.