Sanford, FL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
63,730
2.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$66,891/yr
6.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
27,088
3.9% year-over-year change

Sanford population

How many people live in Sanford

Sanford is home to 63,730 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.2% of Sanford locals are male, and 50.8% are female.

Total population
63,730
2.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.2%
31,351
Female
50.8%
32,379
Value Percent YoY change
Male 31,351 49.2% 3.2%
Female 32,379 50.8% 1.5%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Sanford is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 17% are children under 15, then 12.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 34.3% of the population, while another 22.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 13.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
37.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
17%
15 to 24
12.4%
25 to 44
34.3%
45 to 64
22.9%
Over 65
13.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 10,851 17% -0.8%
15 to 24 7,929 12.4% -1.1%
25 to 44 21,847 34.3% 6.7%
45 to 64 14,614 22.9% -2.2%
Over 65 8,489 13.3% 7.5%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Sanford, 76.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 15.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 8.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 41.5% of locals are Caucasian, 24.5% are African American and 4.4% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 21.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
76.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
15.4%
Non-citizens
8.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 48,709 76.4% 4.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 9,846 15.4% 2.1%
Non-citizens 5,175 8.1% -12.2%
Racial breakdown
White
41.5%
Black or African American
24.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
4.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
21.8%
Other
7.6%
Value Percent
White 26,427 41.5%
Black or African American 15,641 24.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 114 0.2%
Asian 2,806 4.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 8 0%
Two or more races 13,917 21.8%
Other 4,817 7.6%

Households in Sanford

A peek inside Sanford households

Sanford has 24,875 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 60.6% are families, while the remaining 39.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
24,875
3.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
9,801
Family households
15,074
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 9,801 39.4% 3.8%
Family households 15,074 60.6% 3.4%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Sanford

The housing landscape of Sanford

Sanford's housing consists of 27,088 units, with 51.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 9.1% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 2.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
27,088
3.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 13,983 51.6%
1 unit, attached 2,474 9.1%
2 units 427 1.6%
3 or 4 units 1,412 5.2%
5 to 9 units 1,690 6.2%
10 to 19 units 2,709 10%
20 to 49 units 1,449 5.4%
50 or more units 2,146 7.9%
Mobile home 743 2.7%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 55 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
800
70.9% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Sanford

In Sanford, the median construction year is 1994. About 5.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 24.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 14.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,481 5.5% -1.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 443 1.6% -11.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,757 6.5% -0.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,837 6.8% 6.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,471 9.1% -7.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 4,211 15.6% -3.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 3,589 13.2% -6.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 6,654 24.6% 10.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 3,845 14.2% 19.2%
Built in 2020 or later 800 3% 70.9%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Sanford occupancy rates

Out of the 24,875 occupied housing units in Sanford, 52% are owner-occupied, while 48% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 8.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
24,875
3.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
11,928
Owner occupied
12,947
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 11,928 48% 1.4%
Owner occupied 12,947 52% 5.6%
Unoccupied housing units
8.2%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Sanford housing costs

Housing costs in Sanford come to a median of $1,497 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,609.

Median housing costs per month
$1,497/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Sanford
$1,609/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Sanford

Sanford education at a glance

About 38.2% of the population in Sanford went to high school, while 19.9% pursued college studies. Another 11.6% earned an associate degree and 18.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,400 2.8% 2.0%
High school diploma 19,389 38.2% -1.8%
College diploma 10,083 19.9% -0.7%
Associate degree 5,865 11.6% 10.0%
Bachelor's degree 9,402 18.5% 9.8%
Graduate degree 4,592 9% 18.9%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Sanford

How much people earn in Sanford

The average annual household income in Sanford was $83,106 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $66,891, reflecting a +6.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Sanford
$83,106/year
1.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Sanford
$66,891/year
6.4% year-over-year change

Sanford income by age

In Sanford, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $77,377. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $73,782 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $51,250, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $48,890 in earnings. Overall, 88.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $51,250 0.6%
25 - 44 $77,377 5.9%
45 - 64 $73,782 10.4%
Over 65 $48,890 7.0%
Above poverty level
54,573
Below poverty level
7,399
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 54,573 88.1% 3.9%
Below poverty level 7,399 11.9% -9.7%

Average renter income in Sanford

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Sanford, their median household income was $48,534 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 39.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$48,534
Rent-to-income ratio
39.8%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Sanford

Workforce and job types in Sanford

The job market in Sanford is powered by 33,232 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 77.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 22.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.9% run their own businesses, 73.2% are employed by private companies, and 11.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
33,232
4.3% year-over-year change
White collar
25,732
Blue collar
7,500
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 25,732 77.4% 7.5%
Blue collar 7,500 22.6% -5.5%
Employer type
Self employees
7.9%
Private companies
73.2%
Governmental workers
11.7%
Not for profit companies
7.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,613 7.9% 3.9%
Private companies 24,341 73.2% 3.0%
Governmental workers 3,902 11.7% 7.6%
Not for profit companies 2,376 7.2% 13.4%
Unemployment rate
4.0%
-6.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Sanford stands at 4%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Sanford

How people get around in Sanford

Commuting methods vary: 76.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 24,875 76.2% 1.6%
Taxicab 189 0.6% 30.3%
Bus or trolleybus 249 0.8% 42.3%
Railroad 167 0.5% -8.2%
Motorcycle 31 0.1% -6.1%
Bicycle 135 0.4% 48.4%
Walk 344 1% 5.2%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Sanford by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
32771 62,606 23,061 $77,868 $111,351
32773 34,032 13,128 $70,442 $83,266

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FAQs about Sanford demographics 

What is the total population of Sanford?

Sanford has a total population of 63,730 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +2.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Sanford?

The gender ratio in Sanford is as follows:
  • 49.2% males (31,351 residents)
  • 50.8% females (32,379 residents)

What is the median age in Sanford?

The median age in Sanford is 37.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Sanford?

The age distribution in Sanford is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17% (10,851 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.4% (7,929 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 34.3% (21,847 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.9% (14,614 residents)
  • Over 65: 13.3% (8,489 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Sanford?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Sanford is as follows:
  • White: 41.5% (26,427 residents)
  • Black or African American: 24.5% (15,641 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (114 residents)
  • Asian: 4.4% (2,806 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (8 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 21.8% (13,917 residents)
  • Other: 7.6% (4,817 residents)

What percentage of the population in Sanford are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 76.4% of the population in Sanford.

How many housing units are there in Sanford?

There are 27,088 housing units in Sanford, reflecting a +3.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Sanford and what is the average household size?

Sanford has a total of 24,875 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Sanford?

Sanford has a median household income of $66,891, representing a +6.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Sanford?

The employment rate is 96% in Sanford, with a workforce of 33,232 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 77.4% (25,732 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 22.6% (7,500 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.9% (2,613 residents)
  • Private companies: 73.2% (24,341 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.7% (3,902 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.2% (2,376 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025