Sanford, North Carolina

Sanford, North Carolina
The Lee County Courthouse in Sanford
Nickname: 
Well Centered
Location of Sanford, North Carolina
Coordinates: 35°29′16″N 79°10′42″W / 35.48778°N 79.17833°W / 35.48778; -79.17833
CountryUnited States
StateNorth Carolina
CountyLee
Government
 • TypeCouncil-Manager
 • BodySanford City Council
 • MayorRebecca Wyhof Salmon (D)
 • City managerHal Hegwer
Area
 • Total
29.83 sq mi (77.26 km2)
 • Land29.57 sq mi (76.59 km2)
 • Water0.26 sq mi (0.67 km2)
Elevation
358 ft (109 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
30,261
 • Density1,023.3/sq mi (395.11/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
ZIP Codes
27330-27332
Area code919
FIPS code37-59280
GNIS feature ID2405419
Websitewww.sanfordnc.net

Sanford is a city in and the county seat of Lee County, North Carolina, United States. Since its incorporation in 1874, Sanford has been an active railroad and industrial center, known as one of the nation's largest producers of brick and pottery products. The population was 30,261 at the 2020 census. The geographic center of North Carolina is located northwest of the city, in Chatham County.