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Is Lewiston a Good Place to Live? Lewiston, Maine: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Lewiston ranks #748 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #134 of 208 small cities and #20 of 20 in Maine. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on low graduation rates (73%, #180 of 191) and low household income ($55,393, #165 of 208).
Lewiston by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Lewiston'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 Lewiston?
Lewiston's cost of living index is 94.7, 5% below the US level of 100 and #427 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $986/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $298,174, 28% below the typical Maine home ($415,552).
| Measure | Lewiston | MaineME | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 94.7#427 of 1,308 | 97.1 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $298,174#371 of 1,187 | $415,552 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,471/mo#313 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $235,100#345 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $986/mo#200 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 4.2x#631 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 21.4%#605 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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.
Lewiston 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. Lewiston is in the Lewiston-Auburn, ME metro.
Maine housing market →Is Lewiston safe?
Lewiston recorded 240 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 27% below the US rate of 328 and 2.6 times Maine's 93. That ranks #439 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #81 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Lewiston Police Department. Property crime runs 1,704 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Lewiston | MaineME | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 240#439 of 1,085 | 93 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 1,704#577 of 1,085 | 939 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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 Lewiston?
The median household in Lewiston earns $55,393, 33% below the US figure of $83,163 and 28% below Maine ($76,442). Unemployment is 3.9% (US 4.3%). 20% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Lewiston | MaineME | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $55,393#1149 of 1,312 | $76,442 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 3.9%#434 of 1,058 | 3.4% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 20%#1110 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.1%#597 of 1,132 | +0.5% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Maine is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Lewiston?
The median resident of Lewiston is 37.3 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 22.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1076 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 51.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Lewiston | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 37.3 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 22.6%#1076 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 51.2% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Lewiston's schools and health?
Lewiston's 8 public schools graduate 73% of students in four years (Maine 86.1%), with 11.5 students per teacher and $18,903 spent per pupil. 37.8% of adults are obese and 12.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Lewiston | MaineME | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 73%#1006 of 1,063 | 86.1% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 11.5#52 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $18,903#272 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 37.8%#995 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 12.9%#933 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 21.5%#1271 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 11.1%#788 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Maine is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 5,388 students are enrolled in Lewiston's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Lewiston?
The average commute in Lewiston is 21 minutes (Maine 25.6); 0.9% of workers take transit and 12.3% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Lewiston scores 8.5 of 20 (below average walkable), #933 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 68.5°F and winters 23.3°F, with 45.2 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Lewiston | MaineME | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 21 min#422 of 1,312 | 25.6 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 4.3%#446 of 1,312 | 7.2% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 66.5% | 70.8% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.9% | 0.6% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 6.9% | 3.5% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.1% | 0.3% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 12.3% | 14.7% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 8.5#933 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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 | 28.4 | 11.6 | 3.3 |
| Feb | 31.6 | 13.7 | 3.2 |
| Mar | 40.3 | 22.6 | 3.5 |
| Apr | 52.9 | 34.8 | 4 |
| May | 65.3 | 46 | 3.2 |
| Jun | 74.1 | 55.8 | 4.3 |
| Jul | 79.9 | 61.8 | 3.5 |
| Aug | 79.2 | 60.4 | 3.4 |
| Sep | 70.3 | 52.2 | 3.7 |
| Oct | 57.6 | 41.2 | 4.9 |
| Nov | 45 | 31.4 | 3.9 |
| Dec | 34.2 | 20.4 | 4.2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Lewiston.
| Measure | Lewiston | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 46.3°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 68.5°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 23.3°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 45.2 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Lewiston.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Lewiston?
Androscoggin County's air had a median air quality index of 34, and 85% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Androscoggin County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, hurricane, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 90% of US counties.
| Measure | Lewiston | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 34#119 of 1,138 | 41 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 2#481 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.09%#167 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Androscoggin County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Androscoggin County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Ice storm | 0.0078% | 91% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.02% | 80% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0047% | 64% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0016% | 44% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.049% | 10% 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 Lewiston compare with similar-size cities?
Lewiston is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #134 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 38,324.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lewiston, MEPop. 38,324 | #748 | 54.2 | $55,393 | $986/mo | 240 | 21 min |
| Georgetown, KYPop. 39,117 | #387 | 60.3 | $80,088 | $1,255/mo | 165 | 21.5 min |
| Phenix City, ALPop. 38,499 | #1193 | 45.3 | $50,053 | $967/mo | 708 | 22.1 min |
| Myrtle Beach, SCPop. 38,371 | #1268 | 40.6 | $60,394 | $1,261/mo | 1,104 | 17.7 min |
| Clovis, NMPop. 37,942 | #1027 | 49.6 | $54,820 | $988/mo | 378 | 16.4 min |
| Hot Springs, ARPop. 37,920 | #1157 | 46.5 | $47,760 | $914/mo | 500 | 16.9 min |
| Bartlesville, OKPop. 37,878 | #998 | 50.1 | $58,869 | $916/mo | 352 | 17.5 min |
| Tupelo, MSPop. 37,791 | #677 | 55.5 | $66,257 | $976/mo | 310 | 18 min |
| Oregon City, ORPop. 37,755 | #519 | 57.8 | $97,829 | $1,708/mo | 265 | 26.5 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 Lewiston compare with the rest of Maine?
Lewiston ranks #20 of the 20 Maine cities we track, with a score of 54.2 against Maine's statewide 71.6. Its households earn 28% below the Maine median. Violent crime is 2.6 times the statewide rate. Homes are 28% 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 Lewiston's score calculated?
Lewiston scores 54.2 out of 100, #748 of 1,312 (grade C+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is 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 · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Lewiston. Similar-size median 52.9.
44.7 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Lewiston's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
79.3 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Lewiston. Similar-size median 52.2.
37.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Lewiston's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
59.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Lewiston's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
79.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Lewiston. Similar-size median 46.7.
27.4 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Lewiston. Similar-size median 44.2.
42.5 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Lewiston. Similar-size median 47.3.
57.2 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Lewiston's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
39.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
80.8 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Lewiston's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Lewiston 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 Lewiston
Is Lewiston, ME a good place to live?
Lewiston ranks #748 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #134 of 208 small cities and #20 of 20 in Maine. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on low graduation rates (73%, #180 of 191) and low household income ($55,393, #165 of 208).
What is the cost of living in Lewiston?
Lewiston's cost of living index is 94.7, 5% below the US level of 100 and #427 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $986/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $298,174, 28% below the typical Maine home ($415,552).
What is the crime rate in Lewiston?
Lewiston recorded 240 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 27% below the US rate of 328 and 2.6 times Maine's 93. That ranks #439 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #81 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Lewiston Police Department. Property crime runs 1,704 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Lewiston?
The median household in Lewiston earns $55,393, 33% below the US figure of $83,163 and 28% below Maine ($76,442). Unemployment is 3.9% (US 4.3%). 20% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Lewiston?
Median rent in Lewiston is $986/mo (Census), #200 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,471/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 21.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Lewiston?
The typical home value in Lewiston is $298,174, up 1.2% in a year, against $415,552 for Maine and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $235,100.
How are the public schools in Lewiston?
Lewiston's 8 public schools graduate 73% of students in four years (Maine 86.1%), with 11.5 students per teacher and $18,903 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Lewiston?
The average commute is 21 minutes, #422 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.6 minutes across Maine. 4.3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Lewiston?
Lewiston averages 46.3°F over the year, 68.5°F in summer and 23.3°F in winter, with 45.2 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Lewiston walkable?
Lewiston scores 8.5 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #933 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 Lewiston at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Androscoggin County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, hurricane, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 90% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Lewiston?
Androscoggin County's air had a median air quality index of 34, and 85% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Lewiston?
Lewiston has 38,324 residents. The median resident of Lewiston is 37.3 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 22.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1076 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 51.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Lewiston compare with the rest of Maine?
Lewiston ranks #20 of the 20 Maine cities we track, with a score of 54.2 against Maine's statewide 71.6. Its households earn 28% below the Maine median. Violent crime is 2.6 times the statewide rate. Homes are 28% below the typical Maine home.
What cities are similar in size to Lewiston?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Lewiston's population of 38,324 are Georgetown, KY (#387 overall), Phenix City, AL (#1193 overall), Myrtle Beach, SC (#1268 overall), Clovis, NM (#1027 overall), and Hot Springs, AR (#1157 overall). Lewiston is #748.