MainePop. 7,382Towns
Is Caribou a Good Place to Live? Caribou, Maine: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Caribou ranks #615 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #102 of 234 towns and #16 of 20 in Maine. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($757/mo, #9 of 231) and affordable homes ($134,100, #17 of 231), and trails on low household income ($53,709, #203 of 234) and high unemployment (4.3%, #55 of 67).
Caribou by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Caribou'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 Caribou?
Caribou's cost of living index is 91.6, 8% below the US level of 100 and #265 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $757/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $167,622, 60% below the typical Maine home ($415,552).
| Measure | Caribou | MaineME | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 94.3 · US 100 | 91.6#265 of 1,308 | 97.1 | 94.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $325,401 · US $368,697 | $167,622#65 of 1,187 | $415,552 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $134,100#58 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $757/mo#10 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 2.5x#41 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 16.9%#144 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.
Caribou 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.
Maine housing market →Is Caribou safe?
Caribou recorded 82 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 75% below the US rate of 328 and 12% below Maine's 93. That ranks #93 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #19 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Caribou Police Department. Property crime runs 889 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Caribou | MaineME | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 82#93 of 1,085 | 93 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 889#170 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 Caribou?
The median household in Caribou earns $53,709, 35% below the US figure of $83,163 and 30% below Maine ($76,442). Unemployment is 4.3% (US 4.3%). 15.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Caribou | MaineME | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $53,709#1176 of 1,312 | $76,442 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.3% · US 4.3% | 4.3%#615 of 1,058 | 3.4% | 3.3% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 15.5%#887 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | -0.4%#906 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 Caribou?
The median resident of Caribou is 51.3 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 28.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #843 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 72.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Caribou | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 51.3 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 28.8%#843 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 72.3% | 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 Caribou's schools and health?
We have too few school records for Caribou to describe its public schools. 38.8% of adults are obese and 13.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Caribou | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 38.8%#1057 of 1,311 | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 13.6%#1038 of 1,311 | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 17.7%#799 of 1,311 | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 8.3%#414 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 Caribou?
The average commute in Caribou is 14.7 minutes (Maine 25.6); 0% of workers take transit and 12.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Caribou scores 7.2 of 20 (below average walkable), #1216 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 64.3°F and winters 15.3°F, with 40.7 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Caribou | MaineME | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 14.7 min#55 of 1,312 | 25.6 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 3.3%#247 of 1,312 | 7.2% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 72% | 70.8% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0% | 0.6% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 4.4% | 3.5% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0% | 0.3% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 12.5% | 14.7% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 7.2#1216 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 | 20.8 | 2.6 | 3 |
| Feb | 24.1 | 4.4 | 2.4 |
| Mar | 34.3 | 15.6 | 2.8 |
| Apr | 47.7 | 29.4 | 3 |
| May | 63 | 41.4 | 3.5 |
| Jun | 72.1 | 50.6 | 3.9 |
| Jul | 77.1 | 56.3 | 4.2 |
| Aug | 75.7 | 54.1 | 3.6 |
| Sep | 67.3 | 45.9 | 3.4 |
| Oct | 53.2 | 35.9 | 4 |
| Nov | 39.5 | 25.6 | 3.4 |
| Dec | 27.5 | 12.3 | 3.6 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Caribou Wfo.
| Measure | Caribou | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 40.7°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 64.3°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 15.3°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 40.7 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 Caribou Wfo.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Caribou?
Aroostook County's air had a median air quality index of 32, and 83% of measured days were rated good; 4 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Aroostook County's biggest natural hazard losses in winter weather, hurricane, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 83% of US counties.
| Measure | Caribou | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 38 | 32#85 of 1,138 | 38 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 4#645 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.11%#268 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 Aroostook County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Aroostook County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Winter weather | 0.003% | 97% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.011% | 76% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0046% | 64% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.073% | 39% 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 Caribou compare with similar-size cities?
Caribou is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #102 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 7,382.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caribou, MEPop. 7,382 | #615 | 56.5 | $53,709 | $757/mo | 82 | 14.7 min |
| Kenai, AKPop. 7,641 | #533 | 57.6 | $87,083 | $1,138/mo | 344 | 15.5 min |
| Lander, WYPop. 7,432 | #699 | 55.0 | $74,813 | $896/mo | part year | 13.6 min |
| Millsboro, DEPop. 7,424 | #661 | 55.7 | $78,707 | $1,277/mo | 345 | 33 min |
| Kingston, RIPop. 7,332 | #215 | 64.1 | $107,404 | — | no data | 18.4 min |
| Devils Lake, NDPop. 7,308 | #1006 | 50.0 | $43,220 | $711/mo | 191 | 12.1 min |
| Middlebury, VTPop. 7,220 | #5 | 76.4 | $86,250 | $1,201/mo | 54 | 14.6 min |
| Laurel, MTPop. 7,215 | #846 | 52.6 | $68,474 | $974/mo | 303 | 19.1 min |
| Sturgis, SDPop. 7,086 | #1120 | 47.6 | $54,404 | $780/mo | 329 | 18.3 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 Caribou compare with the rest of Maine?
Caribou ranks #16 of the 20 Maine cities we track, with a score of 56.5 against Maine's statewide 71.6. Its households earn 30% below the Maine median. Violent crime is 12% below the statewide rate. Homes are 60% 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 Caribou's score calculated?
Caribou scores 56.5 out of 100, #615 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 Caribou. Similar-size median 41.9.
41.7 - SafetyCity data · 15% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Caribou's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
95.1 - HealthCity data · 15% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Caribou. Similar-size median 56.5.
42.3 - AffordabilityCity data · 12% of score
Caribou's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
87.8 - Household financesCity data · 10% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Caribou. Similar-size median 50.8.
35.0 - GrowthCity data · 9% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Caribou. Similar-size median 35.2.
36.1 - TransportationCity data · 9% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Caribou. Similar-size median 48.3.
57.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 9% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Caribou's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
32.6 - EnvironmentCounty data · 5% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 59.2.
79.4 - EducationNot scored
Too few school records for Caribou.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Caribou'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 Caribou 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 Caribou
Is Caribou, ME a good place to live?
Caribou ranks #615 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #102 of 234 towns and #16 of 20 in Maine. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($757/mo, #9 of 231) and affordable homes ($134,100, #17 of 231), and trails on low household income ($53,709, #203 of 234) and high unemployment (4.3%, #55 of 67).
What is the cost of living in Caribou?
Caribou's cost of living index is 91.6, 8% below the US level of 100 and #265 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $757/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $167,622, 60% below the typical Maine home ($415,552).
What is the crime rate in Caribou?
Caribou recorded 82 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 75% below the US rate of 328 and 12% below Maine's 93. That ranks #93 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #19 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Caribou Police Department. Property crime runs 889 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Caribou?
The median household in Caribou earns $53,709, 35% below the US figure of $83,163 and 30% below Maine ($76,442). Unemployment is 4.3% (US 4.3%). 15.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Caribou?
Median rent in Caribou is $757/mo (Census), #10 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 16.9% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Caribou?
The typical home value in Caribou is $167,622, up 1% in a year, against $415,552 for Maine and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $134,100.
How are the public schools in Caribou?
We have too few school records for Caribou to describe its public schools.
How long is the commute in Caribou?
The average commute is 14.7 minutes, #55 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.6 minutes across Maine. 3.3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Caribou?
Caribou averages 40.7°F over the year, 64.3°F in summer and 15.3°F in winter, with 40.7 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Caribou walkable?
Caribou scores 7.2 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1216 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 Caribou at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Aroostook County's biggest natural hazard losses in winter weather, hurricane, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 83% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Caribou?
Aroostook County's air had a median air quality index of 32, and 83% of measured days were rated good; 4 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Caribou?
Caribou has 7,382 residents. The median resident of Caribou is 51.3 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 28.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #843 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 72.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Caribou compare with the rest of Maine?
Caribou ranks #16 of the 20 Maine cities we track, with a score of 56.5 against Maine's statewide 71.6. Its households earn 30% below the Maine median. Violent crime is 12% below the statewide rate. Homes are 60% below the typical Maine home.
What cities are similar in size to Caribou?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Caribou's population of 7,382 are Kenai, AK (#533 overall), Lander, WY (#699 overall), Millsboro, DE (#661 overall), Kingston, RI (#215 overall), and Devils Lake, ND (#1006 overall). Caribou is #615.