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Is Bangor a Good Place to Live? Bangor, Maine: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Bangor ranks #698 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #126 of 208 small cities and #17 of 20 in Maine. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (16.6 min, #29 of 208), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Bangor by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Bangor'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 Bangor?
Bangor's cost of living index is 96.5, 4% below the US level of 100 and #526 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,055/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $288,461, 31% below the typical Maine home ($415,552).
| Measure | Bangor | MaineME | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 96.5#526 of 1,308 | 97.1 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $288,461#347 of 1,187 | $415,552 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,511/mo#341 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $219,600#297 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $1,055/mo#273 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 3.7x#469 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 21.1%#573 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Maine 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.
Bangor 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. Bangor is in the Bangor, ME metro.
Maine housing market →Is Bangor safe?
Bangor recorded 242 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 26% below the US rate of 328 and 2.6 times Maine's 93. That ranks #444 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #82 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Bangor Police Department. Property crime runs 3,834 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Bangor | MaineME | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 242#444 of 1,085 | 93 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 3,834#1034 of 1,085 | 939 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Maine 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 Bangor?
The median household in Bangor earns $59,942, 28% below the US figure of $83,163 and 22% below Maine ($76,442). Unemployment is 3.5% (US 4.3%). 17.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Bangor | MaineME | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $59,942#1047 of 1,312 | $76,442 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 3.5%#249 of 1,058 | 3.4% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 17.9%#1032 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | 0%#663 of 1,132 | +0.5% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Maine is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Bangor?
The median resident of Bangor is 41 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 35.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #603 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 47.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Bangor | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 41 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 35.1%#603 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 47.2% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Bangor's schools and health?
Bangor's 10 public schools graduate 85% of students in four years (Maine 86.1%), with 12.6 students per teacher and $17,728 spent per pupil. 37.9% of adults are obese and 11% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Bangor | MaineME | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 85%#705 of 1,063 | 86.1% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 12.6#135 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $17,728#357 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 37.9%#1002 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 11%#624 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 20%#1167 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 8.6%#465 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Maine is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 3,434 students are enrolled in Bangor's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Bangor?
The average commute in Bangor is 16.6 minutes (Maine 25.6); 1.6% of workers take transit and 10.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Bangor scores 8.3 of 20 (below average walkable), #982 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 67.1°F and winters 21.8°F, with 41.7 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Bangor | MaineME | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 16.6 min#119 of 1,312 | 25.6 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 4%#391 of 1,312 | 7.2% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 72.6% | 70.8% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 1.6% | 0.6% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 6.6% | 3.5% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 1.4% | 0.3% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 10.1% | 14.7% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 8.3#982 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Maine 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 | 28.1 | 9 | 3.2 |
| Feb | 31.2 | 10.9 | 2.4 |
| Mar | 40.1 | 21.1 | 3.2 |
| Apr | 53.2 | 32.4 | 3.6 |
| May | 65.7 | 43.3 | 3.3 |
| Jun | 74.7 | 52.6 | 3.9 |
| Jul | 80.4 | 58.6 | 3.2 |
| Aug | 79.4 | 57 | 3.1 |
| Sep | 71 | 48.8 | 3.8 |
| Oct | 58.2 | 38.2 | 4.6 |
| Nov | 45.8 | 28.8 | 3.8 |
| Dec | 34.5 | 17.3 | 3.7 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Bangor International Airport.
| Measure | Bangor | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 45°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 67.1°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 21.8°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 41.7 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Bangor International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Bangor?
Penobscot County's air had a median air quality index of 33, and 84% of measured days were rated good; 6 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Penobscot County's biggest natural hazard losses in winter weather, ice storm, and hurricane, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 81% of US counties.
| Measure | Bangor | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 33#100 of 1,138 | 41 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 6#761 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.11%#294 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Penobscot County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Penobscot County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Winter weather | 0.0024% | 95% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0066% | 90% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.014% | 77% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0037% | 57% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.07% | 35% 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 Bangor compare with similar-size cities?
Bangor is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #126 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 31,938.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bangor, MEPop. 31,938 | #698 | 55.0 | $59,942 | $1,055/mo | 242 | 16.6 min |
| Houma, LAPop. 32,392 | #1078 | 48.4 | $58,194 | $1,058/mo | 489 | 19.7 min |
| Laramie, WYPop. 32,234 | #341 | 61.1 | $55,613 | $925/mo | 93 | 14 min |
| Nicholasville, KYPop. 32,197 | #503 | 58.0 | $68,503 | $1,147/mo | 197 | 24 min |
| Naugatuck, CTPop. 31,800 | #223 | 63.9 | $96,324 | $1,369/mo | 56 | 33.3 min |
| Juneau, AKPop. 31,794 | #237 | 63.5 | $101,661 | $1,444/mo | 487 | 15.1 min |
| Carlsbad, NMPop. 31,746 | #1004 | 50.0 | $72,306 | $1,236/mo | 576 | 22.3 min |
| Bella Vista, ARPop. 31,697 | #156 | 66.0 | $88,055 | $1,395/mo | 167 | 27.9 min |
| Shawnee, OKPop. 31,671 | #1044 | 49.1 | $55,815 | $936/mo | 483 | 20.2 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 Bangor compare with the rest of Maine?
Bangor ranks #17 of the 20 Maine cities we track, with a score of 55 against Maine's statewide 71.6. Its households earn 22% below the Maine median. Violent crime is 2.6 times the statewide rate. Homes are 31% below the typical Maine home.
| City | Rank in ME | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Portland, MEPop. 26,930 | #1 | 69.1 | $86,838 | $1,812/mo | 55 |
| Brunswick, MEPop. 17,652 | #2 | 68.8 | $70,722 | $1,465/mo | 48 |
| Westbrook, MEPop. 20,775 | #3 | 68.1 | $85,038 | $1,392/mo | 153 |
| Portland, MEPop. 68,854 | #4 | 67.1 | $79,540 | $1,577/mo | 245 |
| Saco, MEPop. 20,819 | #5 | 65.8 | $92,241 | $1,249/mo | 33 |
| Bath, MEPop. 8,815 | #6 | 64.5 | $69,390 | $1,044/mo | 57 |
| Old Orchard Beach, MEPop. 9,244 | #7 | 62.2 | $60,050 | $1,246/mo | 157 |
| Ellsworth, MEPop. 8,657 | #8 | 61.5 | $77,375 | $1,017/mo | 67 |
| Biddeford, MEPop. 22,498 | #9 | 59.1 | $72,333 | $1,292/mo | 264 |
| Old Town, MEPop. 7,470 | #10 | 58.5 | $51,585 | $989/mo | 0 |
| Sanford, MEPop. 22,247 | #11 | 57.8 | $72,524 | $1,152/mo | 190 |
| Waterville, MEPop. 17,077 | #12 | 57.8 | $53,580 | $978/mo | 91 |
| Orono, MEPop. 11,151 | #13 | 57.7 | $59,784 | $1,280/mo | part year |
| Brewer, MEPop. 9,652 | #14 | 57.7 | $66,613 | $1,086/mo | 31 |
| Auburn, MEPop. 24,602 | #15 | 56.9 | $66,647 | $1,041/mo | 232 |
| Caribou, MEPop. 7,382 | #16 | 56.5 | $53,709 | $757/mo | 82 |
| Bangor, MEPop. 31,938 | #17 | 55.0 | $59,942 | $1,055/mo | 242 |
| Presque Isle, MEPop. 8,736 | #18 | 54.8 | $55,768 | $904/mo | 229 |
| Augusta, MEPop. 19,077 | #19 | 54.7 | $47,979 | $919/mo | 218 |
| Lewiston, MEPop. 38,324 | #20 | 54.2 | $55,393 | $986/mo | 240 |
All 20 Maine cities we track, by overall score. Maine statewide: median income $76,442, violent crime 93.2 per 100,000.
How is Bangor's score calculated?
Bangor scores 55 out of 100, #698 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 Maine'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 Bangor. Similar-size median 52.9.
49.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Bangor's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
63.6 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Bangor. Similar-size median 52.2.
44.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Bangor's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
67.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Bangor's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
77.8 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Bangor. Similar-size median 46.7.
33.3 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Bangor. Similar-size median 44.2.
42.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Bangor. Similar-size median 47.3.
57.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Bangor's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
38.4 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
77.3 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Bangor's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Bangor 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 Bangor
Is Bangor, ME a good place to live?
Bangor ranks #698 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #126 of 208 small cities and #17 of 20 in Maine. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (16.6 min, #29 of 208), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Bangor?
Bangor's cost of living index is 96.5, 4% below the US level of 100 and #526 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,055/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $288,461, 31% below the typical Maine home ($415,552).
What is the crime rate in Bangor?
Bangor recorded 242 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 26% below the US rate of 328 and 2.6 times Maine's 93. That ranks #444 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #82 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Bangor Police Department. Property crime runs 3,834 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Bangor?
The median household in Bangor earns $59,942, 28% below the US figure of $83,163 and 22% below Maine ($76,442). Unemployment is 3.5% (US 4.3%). 17.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Bangor?
Median rent in Bangor is $1,055/mo (Census), #273 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,511/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 21.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Bangor?
The typical home value in Bangor is $288,461, up 1.1% in a year, against $415,552 for Maine and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $219,600.
How are the public schools in Bangor?
Bangor's 10 public schools graduate 85% of students in four years (Maine 86.1%), with 12.6 students per teacher and $17,728 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Bangor?
The average commute is 16.6 minutes, #119 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.6 minutes across Maine. 4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Bangor?
Bangor averages 45°F over the year, 67.1°F in summer and 21.8°F in winter, with 41.7 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Bangor walkable?
Bangor scores 8.3 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #982 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 Bangor at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Penobscot County's biggest natural hazard losses in winter weather, ice storm, and hurricane, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 81% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Bangor?
Penobscot County's air had a median air quality index of 33, and 84% of measured days were rated good; 6 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Bangor?
Bangor has 31,938 residents. The median resident of Bangor is 41 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 35.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #603 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 47.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Bangor compare with the rest of Maine?
Bangor ranks #17 of the 20 Maine cities we track, with a score of 55 against Maine's statewide 71.6. Its households earn 22% below the Maine median. Violent crime is 2.6 times the statewide rate. Homes are 31% below the typical Maine home.
What cities are similar in size to Bangor?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Bangor's population of 31,938 are Houma, LA (#1078 overall), Laramie, WY (#341 overall), Nicholasville, KY (#503 overall), Naugatuck, CT (#223 overall), and Juneau, AK (#237 overall). Bangor is #698.