Median Income
$69,667
7% lower than US avg
Home Value
$165,800
41% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
118/100K
69% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
39.0%
16% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$859
26% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.0%
0% lower than US avg
Unemployment
2.3%
36% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.0%
35% lower than US avg
How Sanford Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population743
Median Age43.5 yrs
Density585/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans8.1%
Economy
A
Median Income$69,667
Per Capita$40,561
Unemployment2.3%
Poverty8.0%
County GDP$7,779M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$165,800
Rent$859
Ownership80.7%
Zillow$210,037
Housing Units367
Rent Burden40.0%
Crime
F
Violent118/100K
Property1,292/100K
Health
Obesity32.0%
Uninsured6.3%
Smoking14.3%
Depression27.5%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain33.4 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation637 ft (194 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+39.0%
High School+96.7%
Graduate+12.5%
School Score6.17
Community
2024 VoteR 57% / D 42%
Commute24 min
Broadband89.9%
EV Stations2
Libraries2
Is Sanford a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sanford receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population, affordable housing. Sanford offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Sanford is $69,667, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.3%. 8.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Sanford is $165,800, 41% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $859 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Sanford is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 118 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,292 per 100,000, 34% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 39.0% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 96.7% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Sanford experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 33.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Sanford has a population of 743 with a density of 585 people per square mile, spread across 1.6 square miles. The median age is 43.5 years, 12% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.9% female and 52.1% male. The city is predominantly White (95.7%), with 1.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99% of residents. 8.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.3% of residents have a disability. 94.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
43.5yrs
Median Age
12% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.0%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.0%
93% below US avg
The median household income in Sanford is $69,667, which is 7% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $40,561. The average weekly wage is $1,385. The unemployment rate is 2.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 8.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 3,932 business establishments, including 160 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 16.4% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $69,667 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $40,561 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,385 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $86,531 |
| Gini Index | 0.462 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.3% |
| 36% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.0% |
| 35% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,932 |
| County GDP | $7,779M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 160 |
| Healthcare | 361 |
| Retail | 246 |
| Manufacturing | 71 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,268 |
| 79% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.78% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 67.4% |
| Public Transit | 1.1% |
| Work from Home | 16.4% |
The median home value in Sanford is $165,800, 41% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $210,037, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 96.6% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $859 (26% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $891 for a one-bedroom to $1,113 for a two-bedroom apartment. 80.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 367 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1972. The average annual property tax is $6,268 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 40.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $165,800 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $210,037 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $127 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 96.6% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $859 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 40.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 80.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 80.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 19.3% |
| Housing Units | 367 |
| Median Year Built | 1972 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,268 |
| 79% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.78% |
In Sanford, 32.0% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 8.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 30.5% have high blood pressure. 14.3% are current smokers. 19.9% report binge drinking. 20.3% are physically inactive, below the national average. 27.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.2% experience frequent mental distress. 6.3% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:994. The dentist ratio is 1:1,328. 76.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Sanford vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.0% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.5% |
| Asthma | 11.2% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.3% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.3% |
| Depression | 27.5% |
| Mental Distress | 18.2% |
| Physical Distress | 12.9% |
| Short Sleep | 32.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.2% |
| Uninsured | 6.3% |
| 27% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:994 |
| Dentists | 1:1,328 |
| Mental Health | 1:277 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.8% |
| Dental Visits | 66.7% |
| Premature Death | 6,298/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 76.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 361 |
Sanford has a violent crime rate of 118 per 100,000 residents, 69% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,292 per 100,000, 34% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Sanford receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Sanford vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 118.3/100K |
| 69% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,292.1/100K |
| 34% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Traffic Accidents | 31 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Sanford experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 33.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 637 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 48.0°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 637 ft (194 m) |
| Area | 1.6 sq mi (4.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 585/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.6782°N, 84.3855°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Midland County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mbs International (MBS)
18 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
33.4"
12% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.74"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 72.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 33.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 95.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M3.5 on Sep 2, 1994.
| Sep 2, 1994 |
5 km SSW of DeWitt, Michigan |
M3.5 |
100 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
291 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 128 fatalities, 1,119 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF5 |
78 km |
116 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
95 km |
1 |
| May 12, 1956 |
EF4 |
95 km |
3 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF3 |
83 km |
1 |
| Jun 21, 1996 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 1984 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1984 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Mar 30, 1976 |
EF3 |
75 km |
1 |
| Mar 30, 1976 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 1974 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Mar 14, 2019 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 2012 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1999 |
EF2 |
13 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1995 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
17 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: MERIDIAN BOUNDARY COMPLEX (MERIDIAN ROAD) (7,478 ac, 2010).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2010 |
MERIDIAN BOUNDARY COMPLEX (MERIDIAN ROAD) |
7,478 |
97 km |
| 2021 |
BRITTLE |
5,912 |
100 km |
| 2006 |
HUGHES LAKE FIRE |
5,285 |
96 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
3,759 |
98 km |
| 2018 |
BRITTLE 04/30/2018 |
3,484 |
97 km |
| 2005 |
ROSCOMMON4 |
2,109 |
64 km |
| 1987 |
OGEMAW22 |
1,952 |
92 km |
| 2017 |
BRITTLE 20 AND 23 RX |
1,557 |
97 km |
| 1988 |
OGEMAW13 |
1,547 |
87 km |
| 1998 |
OGEMAW16 |
1,391 |
88 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
1,276 |
99 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
1,168 |
97 km |
| 2010 |
BRITTLE FUELS BLOCK 10 |
1,076 |
99 km |
| 1995 |
OGEMAW10 |
856 |
91 km |
| 1990 |
CRAWFORD16 |
777 |
98 km |
| 2007 |
GALION |
637 |
97 km |
| 2019 |
CORSAIR BLOCK 8 |
541 |
100 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.2 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| March |
32°F (0°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| June |
65°F (18°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
2.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (20°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
60°F (15°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
2.1 in |
|
Sanford has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 23°F in February to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.2 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.7") and February the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in Sanford. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$241 ($144–$385) |
| Specialist Visit |
$337 ($192–$529) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$192 ($96–$337) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,116 ($770–$4,810) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$125 ($72–$192) |
| Dental Filling |
$241 ($144–$385) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24–$72) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$72 ($48–$115) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$289 ($144–$481) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$72) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$577 ($385–$962) |
| Battery Replacement |
$192 ($96–$337) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$96 ($58–$144) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($48–$135) |
| HVAC Repair |
$385 ($144–$770) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,734 ($3,848–$11,544) |
| Roof Repair |
$962 ($385–$1,924) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,658 ($5,291–$14,430) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,443 ($481–$3,367) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,430 ($4,810–$28,860) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,810 ($1,924–$9,620) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,443 ($770–$2,886) |
| Will Preparation |
$481 ($192–$962) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,405 ($962–$4,810) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29–$96) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$144 ($72–$241) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$77 ($48–$125) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.94 ($2.89–$5.29) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.37 ($2.41–$4.81) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.66 ($2.41–$5.29) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.33 ($2.89–$6.25) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.29 ($3.85–$7.22) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.96 ($0.58–$1.73) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$135 ($77–$241) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$144) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$67 ($38–$115) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$67 ($38–$96) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$96) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$82 ($48–$144) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$192 ($72–$481) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,924 ($1,154–$3,367) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$125) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.70–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$96 ($29–$241) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($14–$72) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,154 ($577–$2,405) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$962 ($481–$1,924) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$385 ($192–$673) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$48 ($24–$96) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$962 ($385–$2,405) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,025 ($4,810–$28,860) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$96 ($48–$192) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$72) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$289 ($144–$481) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$192 ($96–$385) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $574 |
| Toddler | $637 |
| Preschool | $637 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $845 |
| Toddler | $845 |
| Preschool | $826 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sanford
What is the population of Sanford?
Sanford has a population of 743 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 585 people per square mile, spread across 1.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.9% female and 52.1% male.
Is Sanford expensive to live in?
Sanford has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 96.2 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $69,667, 7% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $165,800 (41% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $859 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Sanford safe?
Sanford is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 118 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,292 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Sanford receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Sanford?
Sanford has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 33.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Sanford?
The job market in Sanford is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,385. There are 3,932 business establishments in the area, including 160 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 16.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sanford?
The median home value in Sanford is $165,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $210,037. For renters, the median monthly rent is $859. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 80.7%. The average annual property tax is $6,268.
How are the schools in Sanford?
Schools in Sanford score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 39.0% of adults in Sanford hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 96.7% have completed high school. 12.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sanford?
The obesity rate in Sanford is 32.0% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 14.3% of adults are smokers. 20.3% are physically inactive. 27.5% of residents report depression. 6.3% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 76.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:994.
What is transportation like in Sanford?
The average commute in Sanford is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 67.4% of workers drive alone to work, 1.1% use public transit, and 16.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sanford?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sanford is 95.7% White, 1.1% Black or African American, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino. 99% of residents speak only English at home. 8.1% of the population are military veterans. 15.3% of residents have a disability. 94.2% have health insurance coverage.
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