MainePop. 7,470Towns
Is Old Town a Good Place to Live? Old Town, Maine: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Old Town ranks #477 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #77 of 234 towns and #10 of 20 in Maine. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (0 per 100,000, #1 of 146) and fast population growth (+1%, #31 of 151), and trails on low household income ($51,585, #212 of 234) and low graduation rates (77%, #138 of 153).
Old Town by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Old Town'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 Town?
Old Town'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 $989/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $256,347, 38% below the typical Maine home ($415,552).
| Measure | Old Town | 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 | $256,347#266 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 | $1,717/mo#526 of 1,115 | — | $1,583/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $208,100#252 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $989/mo#203 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 4x#577 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 23%#777 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 Town 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 Town is in the Bangor, ME metro.
Maine housing market →Is Old Town safe?
Old Town recorded 0 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 100% below the US rate of 328 and 100% below Maine's 93. That ranks #1 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #1 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Old Town Police Department. Property crime runs 1,049 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Old Town | MaineME | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 0#1 of 1,085 | 93 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 1,049#240 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 Town?
The median household in Old Town earns $51,585, 38% below the US figure of $83,163 and 33% below Maine ($76,442). Unemployment is 3.2% (US 4.3%). 21.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Old Town | MaineME | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $51,585#1209 of 1,312 | $76,442 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.3% · US 4.3% | 3.2%#155 of 1,058 | 3.4% | 3.3% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 21.3%#1157 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | +1%#233 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 Old Town?
The median resident of Old Town is 37 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 36.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #554 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 59.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Old Town | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 37 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 36.8%#554 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 59.3% | 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 Old Town's schools and health?
Old Town's 3 public schools graduate 77% of students in four years (Maine 86.1%), with 11.5 students per teacher and $18,568 spent per pupil. 37.3% of adults are obese and 10.3% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Old Town | MaineME | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 77%#944 of 1,063 | 86.1% | 87% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 11.5#52 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $18,568#299 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 37.3%#964 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 10.3%#460 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 20.6%#1219 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 8.4%#432 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. 1,306 students are enrolled in Old Town's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Old Town?
The average commute in Old Town is 20.2 minutes (Maine 25.6); 0.5% of workers take transit and 21.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Old Town scores 7.3 of 20 (below average walkable), #1203 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 64.8°F and winters 20.3°F, with 44.4 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Old Town | MaineME | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 20.2 min#357 of 1,312 | 25.6 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 4.8%#540 of 1,312 | 7.2% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 62.4% | 70.8% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.5% | 0.6% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 3.2% | 3.5% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0% | 0.3% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 21.4% | 14.7% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 7.3#1203 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 | 27.1 | 6.4 | 3.7 |
| Feb | 30.7 | 8.2 | 3 |
| Mar | 39.3 | 19.4 | 3.8 |
| Apr | 52.1 | 30.3 | 3.7 |
| May | 64.6 | 40.7 | 3.5 |
| Jun | 72.9 | 49.7 | 4.2 |
| Jul | 79.1 | 55.9 | 3.5 |
| Aug | 77.7 | 53.4 | 3.2 |
| Sep | 69.8 | 45.7 | 3.7 |
| Oct | 57 | 35.8 | 4.3 |
| Nov | 44.4 | 27.2 | 4 |
| Dec | 33.5 | 15.8 | 4.2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Old Town 2 W.
| Measure | Old Town | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 43.2°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 64.8°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 20.3°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 44.4 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 Old Town 2 W.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Old Town?
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 | Old Town | 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 Old Town compare with similar-size cities?
Old Town is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #77 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 7,470.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Town, MEPop. 7,470 | #477 | 58.5 | $51,585 | $989/mo | 0 | 20.2 min |
| Moundsville, WVPop. 7,869 | #1165 | 46.3 | $49,048 | $834/mo | 263 | 20.8 min |
| Brattleboro, VTPop. 7,657 | #280 | 62.6 | $52,734 | $1,113/mo | county/metro | 15.3 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 |
| Laurel, MTPop. 7,215 | #846 | 52.6 | $68,474 | $974/mo | 303 | 19.1 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 Old Town compare with the rest of Maine?
Old Town ranks #10 of the 20 Maine cities we track, with a score of 58.5 against Maine's statewide 71.6. Its households earn 33% below the Maine median. Violent crime is 100% below the statewide rate. Homes are 38% 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 Old Town's score calculated?
Old Town scores 58.5 out of 100, #477 of 1,312 (grade B, 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 Old Town. Similar-size median 41.9.
47.2 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Old Town's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
96.0 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Old Town. Similar-size median 56.5.
45.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Old Town's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
63.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Old Town's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
79.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Old Town. Similar-size median 50.8.
23.3 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Old Town. Similar-size median 35.2.
54.0 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Old Town. Similar-size median 48.3.
63.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Old Town's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
33.2 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 59.2.
77.3 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Old Town'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 Town 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 Town
Is Old Town, ME a good place to live?
Old Town ranks #477 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #77 of 234 towns and #10 of 20 in Maine. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (0 per 100,000, #1 of 146) and fast population growth (+1%, #31 of 151), and trails on low household income ($51,585, #212 of 234) and low graduation rates (77%, #138 of 153).
What is the cost of living in Old Town?
Old Town'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 $989/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $256,347, 38% below the typical Maine home ($415,552).
What is the crime rate in Old Town?
Old Town recorded 0 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 100% below the US rate of 328 and 100% below Maine's 93. That ranks #1 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #1 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Old Town Police Department. Property crime runs 1,049 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Old Town?
The median household in Old Town earns $51,585, 38% below the US figure of $83,163 and 33% below Maine ($76,442). Unemployment is 3.2% (US 4.3%). 21.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Old Town?
Median rent in Old Town is $989/mo (Census), #203 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,717/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 23% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Old Town?
The typical home value in Old Town is $256,347, up 0.9% in a year, against $415,552 for Maine and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $208,100.
How are the public schools in Old Town?
Old Town's 3 public schools graduate 77% of students in four years (Maine 86.1%), with 11.5 students per teacher and $18,568 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Old Town?
The average commute is 20.2 minutes, #357 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.6 minutes across Maine. 4.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Old Town?
Old Town averages 43.2°F over the year, 64.8°F in summer and 20.3°F in winter, with 44.4 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Old Town walkable?
Old Town scores 7.3 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1203 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 Town 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 Old Town?
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 Old Town?
Old Town has 7,470 residents. The median resident of Old Town is 37 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 36.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #554 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 59.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Old Town compare with the rest of Maine?
Old Town ranks #10 of the 20 Maine cities we track, with a score of 58.5 against Maine's statewide 71.6. Its households earn 33% below the Maine median. Violent crime is 100% below the statewide rate. Homes are 38% below the typical Maine home.
What cities are similar in size to Old Town?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Old Town's population of 7,470 are Moundsville, WV (#1165 overall), Brattleboro, VT (#280 overall), Kenai, AK (#533 overall), Lander, WY (#699 overall), and Millsboro, DE (#661 overall). Old Town is #477.