Best Cities for Young Professionals in Maine
Why Maine Works for Young Professionals
Maine ranks #10 out of 50 for young professionals — a top destination for ambitious early-career workers. The state's economy scores 50/100, with 3.2% unemployment and a median household income of $68,810. Modest population growth of 0.5% 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, 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 62/100 reflects a vibrant social scene with restaurants, nightlife, arts, and cultural venues. Transportation is car-dependent in most areas (score: 53/100), which is worth factoring into housing location decisions.
All 20 Cities Ranked for Young Professionals
| # | City | Grade | Young Professionals Score | Overall | Economy | Growth | Livability | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Westbrook | A+ | 67.5 | 68.4 | 66 | 80 | 69 | 20,484 |
| 2 | Portland | A+ | 61.0 | 65.0 | 65 | 49 | 47 | 69,104 |
| 3 | South Portland | A+ | 60.5 | 65.8 | 66 | 49 | 47 | 26,780 |
| 4 | Saco | A | 59.1 | 63.4 | 65 | 48 | 47 | 20,636 |
| 5 | Brunswick | A+ | 58.6 | 64.0 | 39 | 50 | 56 | 16,928 |
| 6 | Bath | A | 56.6 | 62.0 | 56 | 41 | 42 | 8,801 |
| 7 | Auburn | B+ | 56.6 | 57.7 | 54 | 52 | 51 | 24,294 |
| 8 | Ellsworth | A | 56.4 | 61.0 | 55 | 50 | 50 | 8,550 |
| 9 | Orono | B+ | 54.4 | 59.0 | 35 | 50 | 56 | 10,699 |
| 10 | Sanford | B+ | 54.4 | 57.7 | 54 | 50 | 50 | 22,095 |
| 11 | Old Town | B+ | 54.3 | 56.4 | 48 | 52 | 50 | 7,439 |
| 12 | Bangor | B | 53.0 | 55.3 | 50 | 45 | 46 | 31,663 |
| 13 | Lewiston | B | 51.9 | 53.4 | 48 | 45 | 47 | 37,886 |
| 14 | Old Orchard Beach | B+ | 51.8 | 58.4 | 38 | 50 | 56 | 9,150 |
| 15 | Augusta | C+ | 51.8 | 52.1 | 47 | 47 | 47 | 18,999 |
| 16 | Caribou | B+ | 50.8 | 57.5 | 45 | 35 | 40 | 7,427 |
| 17 | Biddeford | B | 50.5 | 55.4 | 57 | 37 | 40 | 22,463 |
| 18 | Waterville | C+ | 50.3 | 52.4 | 44 | 44 | 46 | 16,704 |
| 19 | Brewer | B | 50.1 | 55.6 | 48 | 41 | 42 | 9,654 |
| 20 | Presque Isle | C+ | 49.2 | 52.9 | 46 | 38 | 42 | 8,736 |