Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Sanford, ME
Thinking of moving to Sanford, ME? With a friendly population of about 21,000, Sanford offers affordable living—median home prices are around $269,000 and average rents are $1,080. Residents enjoy a quiet New England lifestyle, a reasonable average commute of 27 minutes, and low violent crime rates (152 per 100k). While educational attainment is moderate, local schools are well-rated, and you’ll experience four seasons with 54% sunny days each year. Sanford is a great option for those seeking small-town charm with practical amenities.
Demographics - Sanford, ME
Demographics - Sanford, ME
Sanford, Maine is home to about 21,225 residents, with a median age of 41.2 and a balanced gender ratio. The community is predominantly White, and roughly 6% of the population speaks a language other than English at home. With a moderate population density, Sanford offers a friendly and welcoming small-town atmosphere.
Population:
21,225
Density:
410 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.2
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.9%
Ethnic Composition
White:
93.7%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
0.9%
Others:
4.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Sanford, ME?
The cost of living in Sanford is below the national average, with a median home value of $269,000 and average rent of $1,080 per month. Utilities and healthcare costs are slightly above average, but housing remains particularly affordable. State income taxes are moderate, making Sanford an attractive choice for budget-conscious residents.
Median House Value:
$269,000
Gross Rent:
$1,080
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$135
Auto Insurance:
$1,070
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,585
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$525
State Taxes:
Low:
5.8%
|
High:
7.15%
Cost Of Living Index:
94.5
Grocery:
97.2
Housing:
81.4
Utilities:
108.5
Transportation:
102.8
Health Care:
104.2
Miscellaneous:
95.0
Crime
Is Sanford, ME a safe place to live?
Sanford experiences low violent crime rates, with just 152 incidents per 100,000 residents, while property crime is somewhat higher but still manageable for a city of its size. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is about 1 in 657, contributing to a generally safe environment. Residents appreciate the community's focus on safety and well-being.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
152
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,620
Crime Index:
1,772
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 657
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 62
Weather
What is the weather like in Sanford, ME year-round?
Sanford enjoys four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 80°F and cold winters dropping to around 10°F. The city receives about 47 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 54% of its days. This climate offers residents plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation year-round.
Winter
Min:
10°F
Max:
33°F
Spring
Min:
33°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
57°F
Max:
80°F
Fall
Min:
37°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Sanford's residents have a median household income of $56,800, and about 14% live below the poverty line. Most adults have at least a high school diploma, with nearly 20% holding a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute is a manageable 27 minutes, making it convenient for those working in or outside the city.
Median Income:
$37,000
Household Income:
$56,800
Family Income:
$69,700
Per Capita Income:
$29,600
Income Male:
$43,200
Income Female:
$34,700
Poverty Rate:
14.2%
Non English Speakers:
5.9%
Rent:
$1,080
Unemployment Rate:
4.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.9%
Commute Time:
27.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
89.6%
Bachelors or More:
19.5%
Education
How are the schools in Sanford, ME?
Sanford offers a range of educational options, including well-regarded public schools like Sanford High School and several private school choices. The nearby York County Community College, just 11 miles away, provides accessible higher education opportunities. Families appreciate the supportive learning environment and manageable student-teacher ratios.
Public Schools
Name:
Sanford High School
Street:
100 Alumni Blvd
Phone:
207-324-4050
Students:
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.7
Name:
Margaret Chase Smith School
Street:
21 Bradeen St
Phone:
207-324-7586
Students:
500
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.6
Private Schools
Name:
St. Thomas School
Street:
69 North Ave
Phone:
207-324-5832
Students:
180
Colleges
Name:
York County Community College
City:
Wells
State:
ME
Distance:
11 miles
Students:
1,700
Healthcare
Sanford offers reliable healthcare services, with Southern Maine Health Care providing general and emergency care locally. There are about 2.5 physicians per 1,000 residents, and over 93% have health insurance coverage. Residents benefit from accessible and comprehensive medical facilities within the city.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Southern Maine Health Care – Sanford
Address:
25 June St, Sanford, ME 04073
Phone:
(207) 490-7300
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.9%
Health Care Index:
77.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Sanford, ME?
The housing market in Sanford is affordable, with a median home price of $269,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,080. About 65% of residents own their homes, and the area has seen a healthy appreciation rate of 7.2% over the past year. Rental vacancies remain low, reflecting steady demand for housing.
Median Home Price:
$269,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,080
Owner Occupied Rate:
65.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Sanford residents are served by the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles, located in Augusta, with convenient online services and statewide support. The DMV provides all standard licensing and registration services for drivers. For more information, residents can visit the official website or contact the main office by phone.
State:
Maine
Department:
Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Address:
19 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333
Phone:
207-624-9000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.