Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Sanford, NC
Thinking of moving to Sanford, NC? This friendly city of about 30,000 offers affordable living, with median home prices around $225,000 and average rents near $1,050. Commutes are manageable at under 23 minutes on average, and you'll find plenty of sunny days—about 62% each year. While Sanford’s property crime rate is higher than the national average, the community is diverse, features a warm climate, and offers access to solid local schools and healthcare providers. Explore all the essentials below to see if Sanford fits your needs!
Demographics - Sanford, NC
Demographics - Sanford, NC
Sanford, NC is home to about 30,000 residents with a median age of 34.7, reflecting a relatively young and diverse population. The city's ethnic makeup is nearly half White and nearly one-third Black, with a notable 14.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Its moderate density and balanced gender ratio provide a welcoming environment for newcomers.
Population:
30,361
Density:
1,280 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.7
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
14.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
48.2%
Black:
31.5%
Asian:
1.1%
Others:
19.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Sanford, NC?
Sanford offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $225,000 and average rent around $1,050. The overall cost of living index is 88.6, meaning expenses are generally below the national average, especially for housing. Residents benefit from modest utility and transportation costs, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious families.
Median House Value:
$225,000
Gross Rent:
$1,050
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,020
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,370
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$360
State Taxes:
Low:
4.75%
|
High:
4.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
88.6
Grocery:
94.2
Housing:
75.4
Utilities:
96.5
Transportation:
91.3
Health Care:
93.0
Miscellaneous:
88.7
Crime
Is Sanford, NC a safe place to live?
Sanford experiences higher property crime rates than the national average, with a 1 in 39 chance of property crime, but violent crime remains comparatively lower at a 1 in 341 chance. The city's overall crime index reflects a need for vigilance, yet many residents find the area manageable with standard precautions. Community efforts continue to focus on improving local safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
293
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,570
Crime Index:
2,863
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 341
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 39
Weather
What is the weather like in Sanford, NC year-round?
Sanford enjoys a mild climate with warm summers reaching highs near 89°F and winters that rarely dip below freezing. The city receives about 46 inches of rainfall annually and boasts 62% sunny days, making outdoor activities popular throughout the year. Seasonal changes are noticeable but rarely extreme, offering comfortable living for most preferences.
Winter
Min:
32°F
Max:
52°F
Spring
Min:
50°F
Max:
74°F
Summer
Min:
68°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
47°F
Max:
73°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Residents of Sanford typically earn a median household income of $55,300, with a poverty rate of 19.1%. Most neighbors have at least a high school education, and average commute times are under 23 minutes. The community is diverse and friendly, with a small percentage relying on public transportation.
Median Income:
$33,200
Household Income:
$55,300
Family Income:
$62,800
Per Capita Income:
$24,400
Income Male:
$38,600
Income Female:
$29,800
Poverty Rate:
19.1%
Non English Speakers:
14.5%
Rent:
$1,050
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
22.9 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
81.9%
Bachelors or More:
17.8%
Education
How are the schools in Sanford, NC?
Sanford’s education landscape includes well-regarded public schools like Lee County High and SanLee Middle, as well as private options such as Grace Christian School. Higher education is readily available at Central Carolina Community College in town, with additional opportunities nearby. Student-teacher ratios are reasonable, supporting a positive learning environment for families.
Public Schools
Name:
Lee County High School
Street:
1708 Nash St
Phone:
919-776-7541
Students:
1,550
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.0
Name:
SanLee Middle School
Street:
2309 Tramway Rd
Phone:
919-708-7227
Students:
930
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.3
Private Schools
Name:
Grace Christian School
Street:
2601 Jefferson Davis Hwy
Phone:
919-774-4415
Students:
650
Colleges
Name:
Central Carolina Community College
City:
Sanford
State:
NC
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
5,300
Name:
Campbell University
City:
Buies Creek
State:
NC
Distance:
26 miles
Students:
5,700
Healthcare
Sanford offers reliable healthcare options, including Central Carolina Hospital for general and emergency services. With 1.9 physicians per 1,000 residents and 88% health insurance coverage, most locals have access to medical care. The city’s healthcare index suggests services are available and accessible for families and individuals alike.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Central Carolina Hospital
Address:
1135 Carthage St, Sanford, NC 27330
Phone:
(919) 774-2100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.0%
Health Care Index:
67.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Sanford, NC?
The housing market in Sanford features a median home price of $225,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,050. Over half of homes are owner-occupied, and the area has a healthy 6.6% home appreciation rate, reflecting steady growth. Vacancy and foreclosure rates are low, indicating a stable and welcoming market for buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$225,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,050
Owner Occupied Rate:
53.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.6%
New Construction Rate:
2.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Sanford residents can access DMV services locally at the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles on N. Horner Blvd. The office provides essential services such as licensing and vehicle registration, and more information is available through the North Carolina DMV website. This convenient location helps new and current residents manage their transportation needs efficiently.
State:
North Carolina
Department:
N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1407 N. Horner Blvd, Sanford, NC 27330
Phone:
919-775-2541
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.