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Is Sanford a Good Place to Live? Sanford, Florida: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Sanford ranks #696 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #307 of 524 smaller cities and #29 of 80 in Florida. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (95%, #31 of 437) and fast population growth (+1.7%, #55 of 468), and trails on high violent crime (530 per 100,000, #383 of 442).
Sanford by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Sanford's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Sanford?
Sanford's cost of living index is 101.4, 1% above the US level of 100 and #757 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,609/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $340,196, 9% below the typical Florida home ($375,470).
| Measure | Sanford | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 101.4#757 of 1,308 | 103 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $340,196#498 of 1,187 | $375,470 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rent (Zillow)Zillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,836/mo#604 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $309,300#555 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,609/mo#795 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 4.6x#755 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 28.9%#1224 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Florida is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Sanford housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Sanford is in the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL metro.
Florida housing market →Is Sanford safe?
Sanford recorded 530 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 42% above the US rate of 373 and 38% above Florida's 384. That ranks #864 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #383 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Sanford Police Department. Property crime runs 1,970 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Sanford | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 530#864 of 1,083 | 384 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 1,970#700 of 1,083 | 1,954 | 1,553 | 2,083 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Florida is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Sanford?
The median household in Sanford earns $66,891, 13% below the US figure of $76,827 and 6% below Florida ($71,516). Unemployment is 3.9% (US 4.2%). 11.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.7% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Sanford | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $66,891#883 of 1,312 | $71,516 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 3.9%#434 of 1,058 | 4.3% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 11.9%#645 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | +1.7%#129 of 1,132 | +2% | +0.2% | +0.8% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Florida is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Sanford?
The median resident of Sanford is 37.1 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 29.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #813 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 52% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Sanford | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 37.1 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 29.5%#813 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 52% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Sanford's schools and health?
Sanford's 15 public schools graduate 95% of students in four years (Florida 87%), with 16.9 students per teacher and $10,243 spent per pupil. 33.4% of adults are obese and 12.3% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Sanford | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 95%#68 of 1,063 | 87% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 16.9#722 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $10,243#1136 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 33.4%#644 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 12.3%#839 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 17.8%#817 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 17.3%#1154 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Florida is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 14,266 students are enrolled in Sanford's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Sanford?
The average commute in Sanford is 25 minutes (Florida 24.6); 1.3% of workers take transit and 19.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Sanford scores 10.9 of 20 (above average walkable), #599 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 83°F and winters 62.2°F, with 49.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Sanford | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 25 min#782 of 1,312 | 24.6 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 6.1%#727 of 1,312 | 8.5% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 66.6% | 74.1% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.3% | 1.3% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.1% | 1.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.4% | 0.5% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 19.5% | 11.9% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 10.9#599 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Florida is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 71.3 | 49.6 | 2.4 |
| Feb | 74.2 | 52.1 | 2.3 |
| Mar | 78.3 | 55.9 | 2.9 |
| Apr | 83.4 | 61.2 | 2.4 |
| May | 88.5 | 67 | 3.3 |
| Jun | 91 | 72.7 | 8.2 |
| Jul | 92.7 | 74.4 | 7.3 |
| Aug | 92.5 | 74.6 | 6.8 |
| Sep | 89.7 | 73.1 | 6.2 |
| Oct | 84.6 | 66.5 | 3.9 |
| Nov | 78.2 | 58.2 | 1.9 |
| Dec | 73.4 | 52.7 | 2.2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Orlando Sanford Airport.
| Measure | Sanford | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 73.2°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 83°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 62.2°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 49.6 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Orlando Sanford Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Sanford?
Seminole County's air had a median air quality index of 39, and 85% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Seminole County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, wildfire, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 56% of US counties.
| Measure | Sanford | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 39#281 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.14%#611 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Seminole County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Seminole County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.029% | 83% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0027% | 70% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0035% | 66% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0094% | 52% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.081% | 50% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Sanford compare with similar-size cities?
Sanford is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #307 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 63,730.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sanford, FLPop. 63,730 | #696 | 55.0 | $66,891 | $1,609/mo | 530 | 25 min |
| Laguna Niguel, CAPop. 64,139 | #213 | 64.1 | $140,452 | $2,903/mo | 114 | 25.9 min |
| Huntersville, NCPop. 63,969 | #111 | 68.0 | $120,516 | $1,834/mo | 115 | 27.1 min |
| Millcreek, UTPop. 63,648 | #358 | 60.8 | $98,045 | $1,492/mo | no data | 20.6 min |
| West Hartford, CTPop. 63,620 | #10 | 75.4 | $129,890 | $1,756/mo | 45 | 22.3 min |
| Coon Rapids, MNPop. 63,468 | #420 | 59.7 | $88,251 | $1,494/mo | 146 | 23.2 min |
| Hamilton, OHPop. 63,468 | #1098 | 47.9 | $55,166 | $1,007/mo | 295 | 24.5 min |
| Moore, OKPop. 63,420 | #607 | 56.6 | $80,420 | $1,340/mo | 230 | 22.9 min |
| Brookline, MAPop. 63,266 | #2 | 79.5 | $142,101 | $2,835/mo | 124 | 27.1 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Sanford compare with the rest of Florida?
Sanford ranks #29 of the 80 Florida cities we track, with a score of 55 against Florida's statewide 52.8. Its households earn 6% below the Florida median. Violent crime is 38% above the statewide rate. Homes are 9% below the typical Florida home.
| City | Rank in FL | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palm Beach Gardens, FLPop. 60,959 | #1 | 64.8 | $106,947 | $2,417/mo | 72 |
| Horizon West, FLPop. 67,416 | #2 | 64.0 | $127,335 | $2,464/mo | no data |
| Jupiter, FLPop. 61,883 | #3 | 62.6 | $110,240 | $2,381/mo | 126 |
| Doral, FLPop. 79,216 | #4 | 61.5 | $94,164 | $2,669/mo | 79 |
| North Port, FLPop. 84,605 | #5 | 61.2 | $84,049 | $1,894/mo | 102 |
| Wellington, FLPop. 62,146 | #6 | 61.1 | $115,632 | $2,562/mo | 90 |
| Boca Raton, FLPop. 100,234 | #7 | 61.0 | $106,273 | $2,508/mo | 113 |
| Apopka, FLPop. 58,232 | #8 | 59.4 | $96,884 | $1,969/mo | 408 |
| St. Cloud, FLPop. 65,130 | #9 | 58.8 | $83,174 | $1,683/mo | 141 |
| Delray Beach, FLPop. 67,979 | #10 | 58.5 | $82,041 | $1,961/mo | 292 |
| Tampa, FLPop. 401,618 | … #25 | 55.8 | $75,475 | $1,701/mo | 334 |
| Largo, FLPop. 82,617 | #26 | 55.5 | $62,096 | $1,618/mo | 254 |
| Miami, FLPop. 459,745 | #27 | 55.3 | $62,462 | $1,758/mo | 358 |
| The Villages, FLPop. 83,498 | #28 | 55.3 | $77,622 | $1,397/mo | no data |
| Sanford, FLPop. 63,730 | #29 | 55.0 | $66,891 | $1,609/mo | 530 |
| Pinellas Park, FLPop. 53,560 | #30 | 54.8 | $63,432 | $1,631/mo | 247 |
| West Palm Beach, FLPop. 122,290 | #31 | 54.4 | $73,446 | $1,772/mo | 493 |
| Bonita Springs, FLPop. 55,904 | #32 | 53.6 | $95,210 | $1,882/mo | no data |
| Orlando, FLPop. 319,758 | #33 | 53.4 | $72,336 | $1,747/mo | part year |
The top 10 of the 80 and the cities ranked either side of Sanford among the Florida cities we track, by overall score. Florida statewide: median income $71,516, violent crime 384 per 100,000.
How is Sanford's score calculated?
Sanford scores 55 out of 100, #696 of 1,312 (grade C+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Florida's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Sanford. Similar-size median 55.5.
49.7 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Sanford's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
59.0 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Sanford. Similar-size median 58.9.
51.9 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Sanford's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
56.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Sanford's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
64.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Sanford. Similar-size median 56.1.
47.4 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Sanford. Similar-size median 42.4.
58.5 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Sanford. Similar-size median 50.0.
55.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Sanford's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
52.1 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
59.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Sanford's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Sanford has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Sanford
Is Sanford, FL a good place to live?
Sanford ranks #696 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #307 of 524 smaller cities and #29 of 80 in Florida. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (95%, #31 of 437) and fast population growth (+1.7%, #55 of 468), and trails on high violent crime (530 per 100,000, #383 of 442).
What is the cost of living in Sanford?
Sanford's cost of living index is 101.4, 1% above the US level of 100 and #757 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,609/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $340,196, 9% below the typical Florida home ($375,470).
What is the crime rate in Sanford?
Sanford recorded 530 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 42% above the US rate of 373 and 38% above Florida's 384. That ranks #864 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #383 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Sanford Police Department. Property crime runs 1,970 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Sanford?
The median household in Sanford earns $66,891, 13% below the US figure of $76,827 and 6% below Florida ($71,516). Unemployment is 3.9% (US 4.2%). 11.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.7% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Sanford?
Median rent in Sanford is $1,609/mo (Census), #795 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,836/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 28.9% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Sanford?
Zillow's typical home value in Sanford is $340,196, down 2.1% in a year, against $375,470 for Florida and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $309,300.
How are the public schools in Sanford?
Sanford's 15 public schools graduate 95% of students in four years (Florida 87%), with 16.9 students per teacher and $10,243 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Sanford?
The average commute is 25 minutes, #782 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24.6 minutes across Florida. 6.1% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Sanford?
Sanford averages 73.2°F over the year, 83°F in summer and 62.2°F in winter, with 49.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Sanford walkable?
Sanford scores 10.9 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #599 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Sanford at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Seminole County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, wildfire, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 56% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Sanford?
Seminole County's air had a median air quality index of 39, and 85% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Sanford?
Sanford has 63,730 residents. The median resident of Sanford is 37.1 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 29.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #813 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 52% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Sanford compare with the rest of Florida?
Sanford ranks #29 of the 80 Florida cities we track, with a score of 55 against Florida's statewide 52.8. Its households earn 6% below the Florida median. Violent crime is 38% above the statewide rate. Homes are 9% below the typical Florida home.
What cities are similar in size to Sanford?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Sanford's population of 63,730 are Laguna Niguel, CA (#213 overall), Huntersville, NC (#111 overall), Millcreek, UT (#358 overall), West Hartford, CT (#10 overall), and Coon Rapids, MN (#420 overall). Sanford is #696.