Sanborn, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,323
-12.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$59,417/yr
5.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
609
-7.2% year-over-year change

Sanborn population

How many people live in Sanborn

Sanborn is home to 1,323 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.3% of Sanborn locals are male, and 51.7% are female.

Total population
1,323
-12.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.3%
639
Female
51.7%
684
Value Percent YoY change
Male 639 48.3% -10.9%
Female 684 51.7% -13.8%
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 Sanborn is 46, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.5% are children under 15, then 11.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 21.2% of the population, while another 14.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 35.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
45.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.5%
15 to 24
11.1%
25 to 44
21.2%
45 to 64
14.3%
Over 65
35.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 232 17.5% -26.1%
15 to 24 147 11.1% -27.6%
25 to 44 281 21.2% -5.7%
45 to 64 189 14.3% -8.2%
Over 65 474 35.8% -3.1%
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 Sanborn, 96.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 93.5% of locals are Caucasian, 3.3% are African American and 0.5% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 2.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.4%
Non-citizens
3.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,273 96.2% -13.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 5 0.4% -64.3%
Non-citizens 45 3.4% 164.7%
Racial breakdown
White
93.5%
Black or African American
3.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
2.3%
Other
0.3%
Value Percent
White 1,237 93.5%
Black or African American 44 3.3%
Asian 7 0.5%
Two or more races 31 2.3%
Other 4 0.3%

Households in Sanborn

A peek inside Sanborn households

Sanborn has 593 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 53.3% are families, while the remaining 46.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
593
-6.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
277
Family households
316
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 277 46.7% -0.7%
Family households 316 53.3% -11.2%
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 Sanborn

The housing landscape of Sanborn

Sanborn's housing consists of 609 units, with 76.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6.2% 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 1.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
609
-7.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 464 76.2%
1 unit, attached 38 6.2%
2 units 12 2%
3 or 4 units 14 2.3%
5 to 9 units 47 7.7%
10 to 19 units 26 4.3%
Mobile home 8 1.3%
Homes built since 2020
4
33.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Sanborn

In Sanborn, the median construction year is 1967. About 28.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 8.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 172 28.2% -14.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 23 3.8% -11.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 25 4.1% -37.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 126 20.7% -6.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 83 13.6% 18.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 28 4.6% -9.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 67 11% 0.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 52 8.5% 30.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 29 4.8% -32.6%
Built in 2020 or later 4 0.7% 33.3%
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.

Sanborn occupancy rates

Out of the 593 occupied housing units in Sanborn, 72.5% are owner-occupied, while 27.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 2.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
593
-6.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
163
Owner occupied
430
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 163 27.5% 6.5%
Owner occupied 430 72.5% -10.8%
Unoccupied housing units
2.6%
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.

Sanborn housing costs

Housing costs in Sanborn come to a median of $828 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $954.

Median housing costs per month
$828/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 Sanborn
$954/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 Sanborn

Sanborn education at a glance

About 41.3% of the population in Sanborn went to high school, while 22.6% pursued college studies. Another 10.6% earned an associate degree and 18.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 33 3.1% 50.0%
High school diploma 437 41.3% -17.9%
College diploma 239 22.6% -3.2%
Associate degree 112 10.6% -5.1%
Bachelor's degree 198 18.7% -3.9%
Graduate degree 39 3.7% 30.0%
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 Sanborn

How much people earn in Sanborn

The average annual household income in Sanborn was $81,053 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +11.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $59,417, reflecting a +5.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Sanborn
$81,053/year
11.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Sanborn
$59,417/year
5.2% year-over-year change

Sanborn income by age

In Sanborn, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $70,000. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $69,167 overall. Overall, 86.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $70,000 5.0%
45 - 64 $69,167 -24.2%
Over 65 $38,672 13.5%
Above poverty level
1,072
Below poverty level
164
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,072 86.7% -11.5%
Below poverty level 164 13.3% -15.0%

Average renter income in Sanborn

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Sanborn, their median household income was $27,946 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 41%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$27,946
Rent-to-income ratio
41%
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 Sanborn

Workforce and job types in Sanborn

The job market in Sanborn is powered by 571 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 71.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 28.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.7% run their own businesses, 52.2% are employed by private companies, and 20.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
571
-13.3% year-over-year change
White collar
407
Blue collar
164
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 407 71.3% -9.6%
Blue collar 164 28.7% -21.5%
Employer type
Self employees
10.7%
Private companies
52.2%
Governmental workers
20.8%
Not for profit companies
16.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 61 10.7% -33.7%
Private companies 298 52.2% -12.9%
Governmental workers 119 20.8% 3.5%
Not for profit companies 93 16.3% -15.4%
Unemployment rate
2.1%
20.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Sanborn stands at 2.1%, 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 Sanborn

How people get around in Sanborn

Commuting methods vary: 88.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.6% 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 502 88.8% -15.1%
Ferryboat 5 0.9% 25.0%
Bicycle 5 0.9% -16.7%
Walk 9 1.6% -18.2%
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 Sanborn by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
51248 1,534 686 $64,375 $82,772

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FAQs about Sanborn demographics 

What is the total population of Sanborn?

Sanborn has a total population of 1,323 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 -12.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Sanborn?

The gender ratio in Sanborn is as follows:
  • 48.3% males (639 residents)
  • 51.7% females (684 residents)

What is the median age in Sanborn?

The median age in Sanborn is 45.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Sanborn?

The age distribution in Sanborn is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.5% (232 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.1% (147 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 21.2% (281 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 14.3% (189 residents)
  • Over 65: 35.8% (474 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Sanborn?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Sanborn is as follows:
  • White: 93.5% (1,237 residents)
  • Black or African American: 3.3% (44 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0.5% (7 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 2.3% (31 residents)
  • Other: 0.3% (4 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.2% of the population in Sanborn.

How many housing units are there in Sanborn?

There are 609 housing units in Sanborn, reflecting a -7.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Sanborn has a total of 593 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Sanborn?

Sanborn has a median household income of $59,417, representing a +5.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 97.9% in Sanborn, with a workforce of 571 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 71.3% (407 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 28.7% (164 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.7% (61 residents)
  • Private companies: 52.2% (298 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 20.8% (119 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 16.3% (93 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