| City: | Sanford, North Carolina |
| City Alias: | Buffalo Lake, Colon |
| Names to Avoid: | Carbonton, Haw Branch, Jonesboro Heights, Osgood, Pine View, Shallowell, Swan Station, Tramway, White Hill |
| Counties: | Lee County[Primary] Chatham County Harnett County Moore County |
| Timezone: | Eastern (GMT -05:00) |
| Local Time: | 7:55:26 PM |
| Population: | 39,489 [See All] |
| Area Codes: | 919 / 984 |
| Classification: | Standard [Normal Street Delivery] |
| Coordinates: | 35.5105, -79.1997 |
| Land Area: | 210.699 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
ZIP Code 27330 has 39,489 residents and 15,207 households (average 2.54 persons per household). The median age is 38.6 years, about the same as the state (39.4) and about the same as the nation (38.8). The gender split is 48.9% male and 51.1% female, which is about the same as the state male share (48.5%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are White (58.1%, lower than the state average of 62.2%) and Hispanic or Latino (20.7%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 20.7%, which is much higher than the state average (10.7%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 39,489Source: Census DHC |
| 2023 ACS Population Estimate: | 41,473Source: Census ACS |
| 2025 ZC Population Estimate: | 44,907Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 187.4 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $60,726Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 15,207Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $213,000Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 2.54Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 3.06Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 38,265 | 38,982 | 39,824 | 39,172 | 39,401 | 40,378 | 39,532 | 39,279 | 40,121 | 38,943 | 40,063 | 40,657 | 41,473 |
| Decennial Census | 37,947 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 39,489 | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 38.6
Male Median Age: 37.4
Female Median Age: 39.9
| Group | < 5 | 5-9 | 10-14 | 15-19 | 20-24 | 25-29 | 30-34 | 35-39 | 40-44 | 45-49 | 50-54 | 55-59 | 60-64 | 65-69 | 70-74 | 75-79 | 80-84 | 85+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 1,214 | 1,300 | 1,386 | 1,389 | 1,215 | 1,259 | 1,297 | 1,234 | 1,199 | 1,170 | 1,242 | 1,354 | 1,204 | 1,026 | 782 | 528 | 290 | 238 |
| Female | 1,152 | 1,261 | 1,417 | 1,230 | 1,108 | 1,334 | 1,339 | 1,266 | 1,233 | 1,219 | 1,284 | 1,416 | 1,287 | 1,087 | 901 | 730 | 448 | 450 |
| Total | 2,366 | 2,561 | 2,803 | 2,619 | 2,323 | 2,593 | 2,636 | 2,500 | 2,432 | 2,389 | 2,526 | 2,770 | 2,491 | 2,113 | 1,683 | 1,258 | 738 | 688 |
| White: | 22,937 | 51.75% |
| Black: | 7,706 | 17.39% |
| Hispanic:* | 8,185 | 18.47% |
| Asian: | 469 | 1.06% |
| American Indian: | 305 | 0.69% |
| Hawaiian: | 34 | 0.08% |
| Other: | 4,686 | 10.57% |
| Total: | 44,322 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 19,327 | 48.94% | 37.4 years |
| Females: | 20,162 | 51.06% | 39.9 years |
| Total: | 39,489 | 100% | 38.6 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 35,922 | 86.62% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 1,460 | 3.52% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 900 | 2.17% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 3,191 | 9.86% |
| Total Population: | 41,473 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 37,382 | 90.14% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 4,091 | 9.86% |
In 2023, the Median household income is $60,726, which is well under the national median ($78,538), is up $15,428 (34.1%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $9,779. Family households earn a median of $70,890 versus $40,145 for nonfamily households (a difference of $30,745). By gender, male median income is $50,243 and female is $41,000, which is much lower than the national female median ($53,445), with a current gap of $9,243 that has widened from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 62.2%, which is trails slightly the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 3.1%, which is markedly below the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (32.8%).
Explore More:Income Over TimeHousehold IncomeEmployment StatusBy Occupation
| Income Type | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $45,298 | $46,713 | $45,766 | $45,775 | $44,549 | $44,701 | $48,056 | $48,744 | $50,947 | $50,836 | $55,090 | $58,279 | $60,726 |
| Median Family Income | $54,303 | $56,027 | $57,228 | $56,719 | $55,440 | $57,688 | $58,642 | $59,912 | $61,611 | $60,530 | $64,759 | $70,908 | $70,890 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $29,750 | $30,376 | $29,538 | $29,247 | $28,496 | $24,073 | $24,345 | $27,743 | $32,765 | $33,177 | $37,938 | $40,005 | $40,145 |
| Median Male Income | $38,318 | $39,766 | $41,153 | $40,047 | $40,675 | $43,237 | $42,977 | $43,234 | $43,041 | $42,271 | $44,576 | $48,845 | $50,243 |
| Median Female Income | $30,953 | $29,958 | $31,209 | $32,171 | $31,658 | $31,646 | $35,167 | $35,000 | $34,225 | $34,701 | $38,482 | $40,460 | $41,000 |
| Employed: | 19,132 | 59.84% |
| Unemployed: | 620 | 1.94% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 12,218 | 38.22% |
| Total: | 31,970 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 6,278 | 32.81% |
| Service: | 3,012 | 15.74% |
| Sales and Office: | 3,635 | 19.00% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 1,867 | 9.76% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 4,340 | 22.68% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 19,132 | 100% |
In 2023, the median home value is $213,000, which is much lower than the national median ($303,400), is up $77,300 (56.96%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $66,500. The median gross rent is $966, which is much lower than the national median ($1,348), is up $285 (41.85%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $185. Of occupied housing, owners make up 60.96% (65.32% with a mortgage, 34.68% free-and-clear) and renters 39.04% - making this ZIP Code less home ownership than the state and higher than national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 8.89%, which is much lower than the state rate (13.05%).
Explore More:Compare Home ValueHome Value Over TimeRent & Over TimeHousing Occupancy
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $135,700 | $133,800 | $135,200 | $137,700 | $141,800 | $140,900 | $143,600 | $142,200 | $146,500 | $149,400 | $156,800 | $188,400 | $213,000 |
| Less than $500: | 491 | 8.11% |
| $500 to $999: | 2,626 | 43.36% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 2,123 | 35.06% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 253 | 4.18% |
| $2,000 to $2,499: | 43 | 0.71% |
| $2,500 to $2,999: | 127 | 2.10% |
| $3,000 or more: | 0 | 0.00% |
| No Rent: | 393 | 6.49% |
| Total: | 6,056 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $681 | $676 | $685 | $692 | $719 | $697 | $733 | $751 | $781 | $804 | $858 | $924 | $966 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 6,177 | 39.82% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 3,279 | 21.14% |
| Renter Occupied: | 6,056 | 39.04% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 15,512 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 15,512 | 91.11% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 1,514 | 8.89% |
| Total Housing Units: | 17,026 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 11,208 | 65.83% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 3,653 | 21.46% |
| Other Units: | 2,165 | 12.72% |
| Total Housing Units: | 17,026 | 100% |
In 2023, 23.10% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is far lower than the national rate (35.00%). High school or higher is 85.10%, which is generally lower than the state rate (89.70%). The uninsured rate is 12.70%, which is well above the national rate (8.60%). The share of people in poverty is 14.30%, which is far higher than the national rate (8.70%), down 0.80 percentage points since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 2.50 percentage points. This suggests a positive shift in the local economic and social landscape - higher incomes, steadier consumer demand, and a strengthening tax base. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is elementary (49.18%). College enrollment is 22.60%, which is generally lower than the state rate (27.10%), indicating the community may be more oriented toward vocational/trade or direct-to-workforce opportunities.
Explore More:Educational AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool Enrollment
| Less than 9th grade: | 1,629 | 6.04% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 2,391 | 8.86% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 6,668 | 24.71% |
| Some college, no degree: | 6,081 | 22.53% |
| Associate's degree: | 3,970 | 14.71% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 4,514 | 16.73% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 1,733 | 6.42% |
| Total: | 26,986 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 22,966 | 85.10% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 6,247 | 23.15% |
| Private Insurance: | 24,787 | 54.94% |
| Public Insurance: | 15,156 | 33.59% |
| No Insurance: | 5,174 | 11.47% |
| Total: | 45,117 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 39,943 | 88.53% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 15.1% | 14.3% | 14.4% | 14.2% | 12.7% | 12.9% | 12.7% | 11.4% | 11.8% | 13.8% | 12.9% | 14.2% | 14.3% |
Note: Counts of Families & People in poverty are not published at the ZIP Code level due to small sample sizes. Percentages shown are survey estimates from the American Community Survey (ACS). They may differ from official poverty statistics. The U.S. Census Bureau defines poverty status by comparing a family's or individual's total income with federal poverty thresholds that vary by family size and composition.
| Nursery School, Preschool: | 525 | 4.88% |
| Kindergarten: | 350 | 3.26% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 5,287 | 49.18% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 2,159 | 20.08% |
| College or graduate school: | 2,429 | 22.60% |
| Total: | 10,750 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 875 | 8.14% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 7,796 | 72.52% |
ZIP Code 27330 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2023), there are 1,029 business establishments, employing about 18,824 people with an annual payroll of $1,048,798,000. USPS data shows 17,680 residential mailboxes and 1,331 business mailboxes, reflecting local delivery coverage.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 17,680Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 1,331Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 18,891Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 13,220Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 2,144Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 1,029Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $266,363,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $1,048,798,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 18,824Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 27330 is located in Lee County, North Carolina, within the Sanford, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 41820) and North Carolina's 9th and 13rd Congressional Districts. This Micro area has a population of 64,565 people, about 61.16% of whom live in ZIP Code 27330. It covers 210.699 sq mi of land and a water area of 2.862 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | Sanford, NCSource: Census |
| CBSA Number: | 41820Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | MicroSource: Census |
| CBSA Division: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 64,565Source: Census |
| MSA: | Source: Census |
| Land Area: | 210.699 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 2.862 sq miSource: Census |
| Congressional District: | 09,13Source: USPS |
| Congressional Land Area: | 856.93, 2280.59 sq miSource: Census |
| PMSA: | Source: Census |
| Intro Date: | < 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Place FIPS Code: | 3759280Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Sanford city; North CarolinaSource: Census |
ZIP Code 27330 is part of 2 school districts, including: Lee County Schools (Grades PK thru 12) and Harnett County Schools (Grades Pre-Kindergarten thru 12th). There are 13 public schools and 1 private school(s) in this ZIP Code. It also has 6 colleges, universities or post secondary education institutions nearby which would be a short commute to.
Our sources include trusted federal and licensed data from the United States Postal Service, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Geological Survey, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the National Center for Education Statistics, along with proprietary datasets created by ZIP-Codes.com. Data last updated on October 1, 2025.