MainePop. 8,657Towns
Is Ellsworth a Good Place to Live? Ellsworth, Maine: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Ellsworth ranks #328 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #53 of 234 towns and #8 of 20 in Maine. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (67 per 100,000, #14 of 146), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Ellsworth by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Ellsworth'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 Ellsworth?
Ellsworth'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 $1,017/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $360,410, 13% below the typical Maine home ($415,552).
| Measure | Ellsworth | 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 | $360,410#536 of 1,187 | $415,552 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $242,300#369 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $1,017/mo#234 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 3.1x#230 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 15.8%#88 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.
Ellsworth 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 Ellsworth safe?
Ellsworth recorded 67 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 80% below the US rate of 328 and 28% below Maine's 93. That ranks #63 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #14 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Ellsworth Police Department. Property crime runs 2,420 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Ellsworth | MaineME | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 67#63 of 1,085 | 93 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 2,420#843 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 Ellsworth?
The median household in Ellsworth earns $77,375, 7% below the US figure of $83,163 and 1% above Maine ($76,442). Unemployment is 3.5% (US 4.3%). 9.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Ellsworth | MaineME | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $77,375#667 of 1,312 | $76,442 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.3% · US 4.3% | 3.5%#249 of 1,058 | 3.4% | 3.3% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 9.3%#442 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | +0.1%#597 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 Ellsworth?
The median resident of Ellsworth is 43 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 39.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #480 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 66.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Ellsworth | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 43 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 39.3%#480 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 66.7% | 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 Ellsworth's schools and health?
We have too few school records for Ellsworth to describe its public schools. 29.1% of adults are obese and 10.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Ellsworth | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 29.1%#340 of 1,311 | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 10.1%#419 of 1,311 | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 16.8%#585 of 1,311 | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 7.1%#264 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 Ellsworth?
The average commute in Ellsworth is 24.5 minutes (Maine 25.6); 1.2% of workers take transit and 7.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Ellsworth scores 6.9 of 20 (below average walkable), #1246 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 65.1°F and winters 23.2°F, with 49.4 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Ellsworth | MaineME | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 24.5 min#734 of 1,312 | 25.6 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 6.5%#776 of 1,312 | 7.2% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 71.2% | 70.8% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 1.2% | 0.6% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 6.6% | 3.5% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0% | 0.3% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 7.1% | 14.7% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 6.9#1246 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 | 29.5 | 10.6 | 4.1 |
| Feb | 32.3 | 12 | 3.6 |
| Mar | 40.2 | 21.8 | 4.2 |
| Apr | 51.5 | 31.8 | 4.3 |
| May | 63 | 41.9 | 3.7 |
| Jun | 71.1 | 51.3 | 4.5 |
| Jul | 77.4 | 57.4 | 3.1 |
| Aug | 77 | 56.4 | 3.1 |
| Sep | 69.3 | 49.2 | 3.9 |
| Oct | 57.3 | 38.1 | 5.1 |
| Nov | 46.1 | 28.8 | 4.9 |
| Dec | 35.5 | 19 | 5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at E Surry.
| Measure | Ellsworth | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 44.5°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 65.1°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 23.2°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 49.4 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 E Surry.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Ellsworth?
Hancock County's air had a median air quality index of 35, and 91% of measured days were rated good; 4 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Hancock County's biggest natural hazard losses in winter weather, ice storm, and coastal flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 76% of US counties.
| Measure | Ellsworth | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 38 | 35#143 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% | 0.12%#359 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 Hancock County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Hancock County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Winter weather | 0.0018% | 92% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0071% | 90% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.013% | 87% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.038% | 85% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0019% | 39% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.041% | 5% 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 Ellsworth compare with similar-size cities?
Ellsworth is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #53 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 8,657.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ellsworth, MEPop. 8,657 | #328 | 61.5 | $77,375 | $1,017/mo | 67 | 24.5 min |
| Franklin, NHPop. 8,799 | #532 | 57.6 | $71,648 | $1,110/mo | 113 | 31.6 min |
| Claymont, DEPop. 8,786 | #805 | 53.3 | $74,712 | $1,306/mo | no data | 26.2 min |
| Whitefish, MTPop. 8,749 | #505 | 58.0 | $73,811 | $1,354/mo | 176 | 16.6 min |
| Kalifornsky, AKPop. 8,663 | #687 | 55.3 | $93,508 | $1,394/mo | no data | 24 min |
| Cumberland Hill, RIPop. 8,648 | #129 | 67.3 | $130,506 | $1,310/mo | no data | 26.3 min |
| Gering, NEPop. 8,550 | #672 | 55.6 | $75,093 | $823/mo | 105 | 15.1 min |
| Harrisburg, SDPop. 8,519 | #276 | 62.7 | $108,724 | $1,362/mo | no data | 21.9 min |
| Barre, VTPop. 8,412 | #852 | 52.5 | $65,625 | $1,093/mo | 533 | 18.6 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 Ellsworth compare with the rest of Maine?
Ellsworth ranks #8 of the 20 Maine cities we track, with a score of 61.5 against Maine's statewide 71.6. Its households earn 1% above the Maine median. Violent crime is 28% below the statewide rate. Homes are 13% 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 Ellsworth's score calculated?
Ellsworth scores 61.5 out of 100, #328 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 Ellsworth. Similar-size median 41.9.
56.7 - SafetyCity data · 15% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Ellsworth's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
85.0 - HealthCity data · 15% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Ellsworth. Similar-size median 56.5.
64.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 12% of score
Ellsworth's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
80.1 - Household financesCity data · 10% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Ellsworth. Similar-size median 50.8.
56.8 - GrowthCity data · 9% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Ellsworth. Similar-size median 35.2.
43.9 - TransportationCity data · 9% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Ellsworth. Similar-size median 48.3.
47.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 9% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Ellsworth's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
31.1 - EnvironmentCounty data · 5% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 59.2.
73.1 - EducationNot scored
Too few school records for Ellsworth.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Ellsworth'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 Ellsworth 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 Ellsworth
Is Ellsworth, ME a good place to live?
Ellsworth ranks #328 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #53 of 234 towns and #8 of 20 in Maine. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (67 per 100,000, #14 of 146), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Ellsworth?
Ellsworth'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 $1,017/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $360,410, 13% below the typical Maine home ($415,552).
What is the crime rate in Ellsworth?
Ellsworth recorded 67 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 80% below the US rate of 328 and 28% below Maine's 93. That ranks #63 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #14 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Ellsworth Police Department. Property crime runs 2,420 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Ellsworth?
The median household in Ellsworth earns $77,375, 7% below the US figure of $83,163 and 1% above Maine ($76,442). Unemployment is 3.5% (US 4.3%). 9.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Ellsworth?
Median rent in Ellsworth is $1,017/mo (Census), #234 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 15.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Ellsworth?
The typical home value in Ellsworth is $360,410, up 3.2% in a year, against $415,552 for Maine and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $242,300.
How are the public schools in Ellsworth?
We have too few school records for Ellsworth to describe its public schools.
How long is the commute in Ellsworth?
The average commute is 24.5 minutes, #734 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.6 minutes across Maine. 6.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Ellsworth?
Ellsworth averages 44.5°F over the year, 65.1°F in summer and 23.2°F in winter, with 49.4 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Ellsworth walkable?
Ellsworth scores 6.9 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1246 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 Ellsworth at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Hancock County's biggest natural hazard losses in winter weather, ice storm, and coastal flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 76% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Ellsworth?
Hancock County's air had a median air quality index of 35, and 91% of measured days were rated good; 4 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Ellsworth?
Ellsworth has 8,657 residents. The median resident of Ellsworth is 43 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 39.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #480 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 66.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Ellsworth compare with the rest of Maine?
Ellsworth ranks #8 of the 20 Maine cities we track, with a score of 61.5 against Maine's statewide 71.6. Its households earn 1% above the Maine median. Violent crime is 28% below the statewide rate. Homes are 13% below the typical Maine home.
What cities are similar in size to Ellsworth?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Ellsworth's population of 8,657 are Franklin, NH (#532 overall), Claymont, DE (#805 overall), Whitefish, MT (#505 overall), Kalifornsky, AK (#687 overall), and Cumberland Hill, RI (#129 overall). Ellsworth is #328.