Best Cities for Young Professionals in Maine
Maine ranks #9 of 50 for young professionals, with a young professionals score of 66.4. South Portland is its best city for young professionals at 63.0.
- Maine, all states
- #9 of 50
- Population
- 26,930
Why Maine Works for Young Professionals
Maine ranks #9 out of 50 for young professionals — a top destination for ambitious early-career workers. The state's economy scores 51/100, with 3.4% unemployment and a median household income of $76,442. Modest population growth of 0.46% suggests a stable but not booming market.
For young professionals, the equation comes down to earning potential versus cost of living. With a cost-of-living index of 97.1, expenses are near the national norm — what you earn is roughly what you keep. Growth metrics are moderate, so career advancement may depend more on specific industries than broad market expansion.
Beyond the paycheck, livability matters. Maine's livability score of 55/100 is adequate — metro areas have decent options, though the state isn't known as a cultural hub. Transportation is car-dependent in most areas (score: 51/100), which is worth factoring into housing location decisions.
All 20 Cities Ranked for Young Professionals
| # City | Grade | Young Professionals score | Overall | Economy | Growth | Walkability | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1South Portland | A+ | 63.0 | 69.1 | 66 | 45 | 65 | 26,930 |
| 2Brunswick | A+ | 62.9 | 68.8 | 57 | — | 42 | 17,652 |
| 3Portland | A+ | 62.9 | 67.1 | 61 | 47 | 72 | 68,854 |
| 4Westbrook | A+ | 62.6 | 68.1 | 65 | 52 | 58 | 20,775 |
| 5Saco | A | 59.7 | 65.8 | 68 | 47 | 34 | 20,819 |
| 6Bath | A | 59.0 | 64.5 | 59 | 48 | 38 | 8,815 |
| 7Ellsworth | B+ | 56.6 | 61.5 | 57 | 44 | 31 | 8,657 |
| 8Old Town | B | 56.0 | 58.5 | 47 | 54 | 33 | 7,470 |
| 9Waterville | B | 55.5 | 57.8 | 46 | 50 | 44 | 17,077 |
| 10Old Orchard Beach | B+ | 55.1 | 62.2 | 49 | — | 37 | 9,244 |
| 11Orono | B | 54.5 | 57.7 | 51 | — | 34 | 11,151 |
| 12Auburn | B | 54.5 | 56.9 | 53 | 51 | 37 | 24,602 |
| 13Brewer | B | 54.0 | 57.7 | 54 | 43 | 37 | 9,652 |
| 14Biddeford | B+ | 53.9 | 59.1 | 57 | 42 | 39 | 22,498 |
| 15Sanford | B | 52.9 | 57.8 | 55 | 47 | 35 | 22,247 |
| 16Caribou | B | 52.3 | 56.5 | 42 | 36 | 33 | 7,382 |
| 17Bangor | C+ | 52.0 | 55.0 | 49 | 43 | 38 | 31,938 |
| 18Augusta | C+ | 51.9 | 54.7 | 45 | 43 | 37 | 19,077 |
| 19Lewiston | C+ | 51.7 | 54.2 | 45 | 43 | 40 | 38,324 |
| 20Presque Isle | C+ | 49.7 | 54.8 | 44 | 34 | 34 | 8,736 |
City young professionals scores use each city's own data, with the category weights rescaled over the categories the city has; outdoor access has no city-level measure and is left out.
Compare: States with Similar Young Professionals Rankings
Also See: Maine for Other Lifestyles
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Maine a good state for young professionals?
Maine ranks #9 out of 50 for young professionals with a persona-weighted score of 66.4/100. Its strongest relevant category is Safety (95/100) and its weakest is Growth (49/100).
What is the best city for young professionals in Maine?
South Portland ranks #1 in Maine for young professionals with a score of 63.0/100, followed by Brunswick and Portland.
What factors are most important for young professionals in Maine?
Rankings weighted toward job market strength, economic growth, affordable living, transportation, and vibrant community life — the factors that attract ambitious young professionals.