Sandpoint's population is approximately 7,500 while that of Bonner County as a whole is about 39,000. During the decade of the 1970s, county population grew by 55 percent from 15,600 to 24,000. That growth continued, though at a slower rate, during the 80's. Most of the growth has taken place outside of the Sandpoint city limits in the surrounding county. Many of the new residents have come from urban areas seeking the quality of life attributes that Sandpoint possesses. These newcomers have, in turn, added their skills and energies to the Sandpoint community.

The age breakdown of the Bonner County population roughly corresponds to that of the nation as a whole. Thirty percent are under the age of 18, 52 percent are between the ages of 18 and 65, and the remaining 18 percent are over the age of 65. Approximately 75 percent of that population has completed high school, while 40 percent have taken at least some college level courses.