MainePop. 9,244Towns
Is Old Orchard Beach a Good Place to Live? Old Orchard Beach, Maine: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Old Orchard Beach ranks #295 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #50 of 234 towns and #7 of 20 in Maine. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high living costs (101.9, #182 of 230).
Old Orchard Beach by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Old Orchard Beach'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 Old Orchard Beach?
Old Orchard Beach's cost of living index is 101.9, 2% above the US level of 100 and #793 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,246/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $507,767, 22% above the typical Maine home ($415,552).
| Measure | Old Orchard Beach | MaineME | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 94.3 · US 100 | 101.9#793 of 1,308 | 97.1 | 94.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $325,401 · US $368,697 | $507,767#824 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 | $1,984/mo#701 of 1,115 | — | $1,583/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $366,600#702 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $1,246/mo#478 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 6.1x#1055 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 24.9%#996 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.
Old Orchard Beach 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. Old Orchard Beach is in the Portland-South Portland, ME metro.
Maine housing market →Is Old Orchard Beach safe?
Old Orchard Beach recorded 157 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 52% below the US rate of 328 and 68% above Maine's 93. That ranks #253 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #50 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Old Orchard Beach Police Department. Property crime runs 869 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Old Orchard Beach | MaineME | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 157#253 of 1,085 | 93 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 869#161 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 Old Orchard Beach?
The median household in Old Orchard Beach earns $60,050, 28% below the US figure of $83,163 and 21% below Maine ($76,442). Unemployment is 3.5% (US 4.3%). 14.9% of residents live below the poverty line.
| Measure | Old Orchard Beach | MaineME | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $60,050#1045 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% | 14.9%#858 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
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 Old Orchard Beach?
The median resident of Old Orchard Beach is 58 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 42.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #393 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 68.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Old Orchard Beach | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 58 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 42.8%#393 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 68.2% | 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 Old Orchard Beach's schools and health?
Old Orchard Beach's 3 public schools graduate 84% of students in four years (Maine 86.1%), with 8.2 students per teacher and $26,788 spent per pupil. 34% of adults are obese and 12.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Old Orchard Beach | MaineME | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 84%#746 of 1,063 | 86.1% | 87% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 8.2#2 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $26,788#39 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 34%#702 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% | 16.2%#457 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 6.7%#218 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). Maine is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 639 students are enrolled in Old Orchard Beach's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Old Orchard Beach?
The average commute in Old Orchard Beach is 22 minutes (Maine 25.6); 0.4% of workers take transit and 15% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Old Orchard Beach scores 8.1 of 20 (below average walkable), #1031 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 68°F and winters 26.8°F, with 48.1 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Old Orchard Beach | MaineME | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 22 min#505 of 1,312 | 25.6 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 3.9%#370 of 1,312 | 7.2% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 71.5% | 70.8% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.4% | 0.6% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 3.4% | 3.5% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0% | 0.3% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 15% | 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 | 32.4 | 15.6 | 3.5 |
| Feb | 35 | 17.3 | 3.5 |
| Mar | 42.3 | 26 | 4.1 |
| Apr | 53.8 | 35.4 | 4.4 |
| May | 64.2 | 45.5 | 3.7 |
| Jun | 73.6 | 55 | 4.2 |
| Jul | 79.5 | 61.2 | 3.4 |
| Aug | 78.7 | 59.7 | 3.6 |
| Sep | 71.1 | 52.1 | 3.8 |
| Oct | 59.5 | 41 | 5.3 |
| Nov | 48.4 | 31.7 | 4.3 |
| Dec | 38.3 | 22.4 | 4.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Portland Jetport.
| Measure | Old Orchard Beach | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 47.5°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 68°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 26.8°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 48.1 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 Portland Jetport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Old Orchard Beach?
York County's air had a median air quality index of 34, and 97% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts York County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, coastal flooding, and hurricane, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 80% of US counties.
| Measure | Old Orchard Beach | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 38 | 34#119 of 1,138 | 38 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 3#572 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.11%#312 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 York County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, York County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Ice storm | 0.0064% | 89% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.011% | 83% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.024% | 81% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0053% | 67% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0013% | 18% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.051% | 11% 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 Old Orchard Beach compare with similar-size cities?
Old Orchard Beach is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #50 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 9,244.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Orchard Beach, MEPop. 9,244 | #295 | 62.2 | $60,050 | $1,246/mo | 157 | 22 min |
| Tanaina, AKPop. 9,646 | #923 | 51.4 | $105,536 | $1,398/mo | no data | 37.9 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 |
| Havre, MTPop. 9,258 | #1228 | 43.8 | $50,329 | $844/mo | 763 | 10.5 min |
| Bridgeport, WVPop. 9,252 | #269 | 62.8 | $100,022 | $1,105/mo | 74 | 18.9 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 |
| Claymont, DEPop. 8,786 | #805 | 53.3 | $74,712 | $1,306/mo | no data | 26.2 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 Old Orchard Beach compare with the rest of Maine?
Old Orchard Beach ranks #7 of the 20 Maine cities we track, with a score of 62.2 against Maine's statewide 71.6. Its households earn 21% below the Maine median. Violent crime is 68% above the statewide rate. Homes are 22% above 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 Old Orchard Beach's score calculated?
Old Orchard Beach scores 62.2 out of 100, #295 of 1,312 (grade B+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 9 of 11 categories with local data; growth 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 · 17% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Old Orchard Beach. Similar-size median 41.9.
49.1 - SafetyCity data · 14% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Old Orchard Beach's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
90.6 - HealthCity data · 14% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Old Orchard Beach. Similar-size median 56.5.
54.7 - EducationCity data · 14% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Old Orchard Beach's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
84.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Old Orchard Beach's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
66.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Old Orchard Beach. Similar-size median 50.8.
38.9 - TransportationCity data · 8% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Old Orchard Beach. Similar-size median 48.3.
53.7 - WalkabilityCity data · 8% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Old Orchard Beach'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.
75.8 - GrowthNot scored
The Census does not estimate yearly population for Old Orchard Beach.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Old Orchard Beach'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 Old Orchard Beach 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 Old Orchard Beach
Is Old Orchard Beach, ME a good place to live?
Old Orchard Beach ranks #295 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #50 of 234 towns and #7 of 20 in Maine. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high living costs (101.9, #182 of 230).
What is the cost of living in Old Orchard Beach?
Old Orchard Beach's cost of living index is 101.9, 2% above the US level of 100 and #793 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,246/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $507,767, 22% above the typical Maine home ($415,552).
What is the crime rate in Old Orchard Beach?
Old Orchard Beach recorded 157 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 52% below the US rate of 328 and 68% above Maine's 93. That ranks #253 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #50 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Old Orchard Beach Police Department. Property crime runs 869 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Old Orchard Beach?
The median household in Old Orchard Beach earns $60,050, 28% below the US figure of $83,163 and 21% below Maine ($76,442). Unemployment is 3.5% (US 4.3%). 14.9% of residents live below the poverty line.
How much is rent in Old Orchard Beach?
Median rent in Old Orchard Beach is $1,246/mo (Census), #478 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,984/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 24.9% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Old Orchard Beach?
The typical home value in Old Orchard Beach is $507,767, up 1.8% in a year, against $415,552 for Maine and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $366,600.
How are the public schools in Old Orchard Beach?
Old Orchard Beach's 3 public schools graduate 84% of students in four years (Maine 86.1%), with 8.2 students per teacher and $26,788 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Old Orchard Beach?
The average commute is 22 minutes, #505 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.6 minutes across Maine. 3.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Old Orchard Beach?
Old Orchard Beach averages 47.5°F over the year, 68°F in summer and 26.8°F in winter, with 48.1 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Old Orchard Beach walkable?
Old Orchard Beach 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 Old Orchard Beach at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts York County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, coastal flooding, and hurricane, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 80% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Old Orchard Beach?
York County's air had a median air quality index of 34, and 97% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Old Orchard Beach?
Old Orchard Beach has 9,244 residents. The median resident of Old Orchard Beach is 58 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 42.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #393 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 68.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Old Orchard Beach compare with the rest of Maine?
Old Orchard Beach ranks #7 of the 20 Maine cities we track, with a score of 62.2 against Maine's statewide 71.6. Its households earn 21% below the Maine median. Violent crime is 68% above the statewide rate. Homes are 22% above the typical Maine home.
What cities are similar in size to Old Orchard Beach?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Old Orchard Beach's population of 9,244 are Tanaina, AK (#923 overall), Berlin, NH (#804 overall), Wakefield-Peace Dale, RI (#282 overall), Havre, MT (#1228 overall), and Bridgeport, WV (#269 overall). Old Orchard Beach is #295.