MainePop. 9,652Towns
Is Brewer a Good Place to Live? Brewer, Maine: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Brewer ranks #527 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #90 of 234 towns and #14 of 20 in Maine. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (31 per 100,000, #4 of 146), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Brewer by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Brewer'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 Brewer?
Brewer'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 $1,086/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $306,030, 26% below the typical Maine home ($415,552).
| Measure | Brewer | MaineME | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 94.3 · US 100 | 96.5#526 of 1,308 | 97.1 | 94.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $325,401 · US $368,697 | $306,030#395 of 1,187 | $415,552 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,583/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,433/mo#288 of 1,115 | — | $1,583/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $245,300#381 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $1,086/mo#306 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 3.7x#469 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 19.6%#407 of 1,309 | — | 19.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people 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.
Brewer 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. Brewer is in the Bangor, ME metro.
Maine housing market →Is Brewer safe?
Brewer recorded 31 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 90% below the US rate of 328 and 67% below Maine's 93. That ranks #8 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #4 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Brewer Police Department. Property crime runs 1,726 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Brewer | MaineME | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 31#8 of 1,085 | 93 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 1,726#588 of 1,085 | 939 | 1,379 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people 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 Brewer?
The median household in Brewer earns $66,613, 20% below the US figure of $83,163 and 13% below Maine ($76,442). Unemployment is 3.1% (US 4.3%). 12.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Brewer | MaineME | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $66,613#891 of 1,312 | $76,442 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.3% · US 4.3% | 3.1%#131 of 1,058 | 3.4% | 3.3% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 12.5%#690 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | -0.1%#723 of 1,132 | +0.5% | 0% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Maine is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Brewer?
The median resident of Brewer is 40.1 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 35% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #608 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 59.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Brewer | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 40.1 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 35%#608 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 59.7% | 65.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Brewer's schools and health?
We have too few school records for Brewer to describe its public schools. 39% of adults are obese and 12.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Brewer | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 39%#1067 of 1,311 | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 12.1%#810 of 1,311 | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 19.5%#1113 of 1,311 | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 8.6%#465 of 1,311 | 8.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
What are the commute and weather like in Brewer?
The average commute in Brewer is 16.9 minutes (Maine 25.6); 0% of workers take transit and 6.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Brewer scores 8.1 of 20 (below average walkable), #1031 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 | Brewer | MaineME | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 16.9 min#131 of 1,312 | 25.6 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 4.4%#469 of 1,312 | 7.2% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 80.4% | 70.8% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0% | 0.6% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 0.9% | 3.5% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0% | 0.3% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 6.9% | 14.7% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 8.1#1031 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people 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 | Brewer | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 45°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 67.1°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 21.8°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 41.7 in | 36.5 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people 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 Brewer?
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 | Brewer | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 38 | 33#100 of 1,138 | 38 | — |
| 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 234 places under 25,000 people 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 Brewer compare with similar-size cities?
Brewer is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #90 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 9,652.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brewer, MEPop. 9,652 | #527 | 57.7 | $66,613 | $1,086/mo | 31 | 16.9 min |
| Cody, WYPop. 10,276 | #398 | 60.1 | $72,570 | $1,051/mo | 124 | 9.5 min |
| Cross Lanes, WVPop. 9,671 | #1198 | 45.1 | $63,537 | $949/mo | no data | 25.8 min |
| Tanaina, AKPop. 9,646 | #923 | 51.4 | $105,536 | $1,398/mo | no data | 37.9 min |
| Evergreen, MTPop. 9,611 | #991 | 50.3 | $76,446 | $1,166/mo | no data | 19.6 min |
| Berlin, NHPop. 9,383 | #804 | 53.3 | $45,180 | $815/mo | 337 | 18.7 min |
| Wakefield-Peace Dale, RIPop. 9,302 | #282 | 62.5 | $106,551 | $1,258/mo | no data | 24 min |
| Bennington, VTPop. 9,245 | #603 | 56.7 | $54,257 | $1,115/mo | county/metro | 17.2 min |
| Gretna, NEPop. 9,193 | #173 | 65.3 | $123,992 | $1,540/mo | no data | 21.1 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 Brewer compare with the rest of Maine?
Brewer ranks #14 of the 20 Maine cities we track, with a score of 57.7 against Maine's statewide 71.6. Its households earn 13% below the Maine median. Violent crime is 67% below the statewide rate. Homes are 26% 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 Brewer's score calculated?
Brewer scores 57.7 out of 100, #527 of 1,312 (grade B, which follows rank). It is scored on the 9 of 11 categories with local data; education and outdoor access are 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 · 18% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Brewer. Similar-size median 41.9.
54.3 - SafetyCity data · 15% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Brewer's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
91.1 - HealthCity data · 15% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Brewer. Similar-size median 56.5.
41.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 12% of score
Brewer's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
76.3 - Household financesCity data · 10% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Brewer. Similar-size median 50.8.
46.2 - GrowthCity data · 9% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Brewer. Similar-size median 35.2.
43.4 - TransportationCity data · 9% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Brewer. Similar-size median 48.3.
44.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 9% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Brewer's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
37.4 - EnvironmentCounty data · 5% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 59.2.
77.3 - EducationNot scored
Too few school records for Brewer.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Brewer's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 234 places under 25,000 people we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Brewer 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 Brewer
Is Brewer, ME a good place to live?
Brewer ranks #527 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #90 of 234 towns and #14 of 20 in Maine. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (31 per 100,000, #4 of 146), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Brewer?
Brewer'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 $1,086/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $306,030, 26% below the typical Maine home ($415,552).
What is the crime rate in Brewer?
Brewer recorded 31 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 90% below the US rate of 328 and 67% below Maine's 93. That ranks #8 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #4 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Brewer Police Department. Property crime runs 1,726 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Brewer?
The median household in Brewer earns $66,613, 20% below the US figure of $83,163 and 13% below Maine ($76,442). Unemployment is 3.1% (US 4.3%). 12.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Brewer?
Median rent in Brewer is $1,086/mo (Census), #306 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,433/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 19.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Brewer?
The typical home value in Brewer is $306,030, up 3% in a year, against $415,552 for Maine and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $245,300.
How are the public schools in Brewer?
We have too few school records for Brewer to describe its public schools.
How long is the commute in Brewer?
The average commute is 16.9 minutes, #131 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.6 minutes across Maine. 4.4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Brewer?
Brewer 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 Brewer walkable?
Brewer scores 8.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1031 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 Brewer 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 Brewer?
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 Brewer?
Brewer has 9,652 residents. The median resident of Brewer is 40.1 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 35% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #608 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 59.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Brewer compare with the rest of Maine?
Brewer ranks #14 of the 20 Maine cities we track, with a score of 57.7 against Maine's statewide 71.6. Its households earn 13% below the Maine median. Violent crime is 67% below the statewide rate. Homes are 26% below the typical Maine home.
What cities are similar in size to Brewer?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Brewer's population of 9,652 are Cody, WY (#398 overall), Cross Lanes, WV (#1198 overall), Tanaina, AK (#923 overall), Evergreen, MT (#991 overall), and Berlin, NH (#804 overall). Brewer is #527.