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Is Orono a Good Place to Live? Orono, Maine: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Orono ranks #526 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #90 of 234 towns and #13 of 20 in Maine. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (92%, #27 of 153) and short commutes (15.2 min, #46 of 234), and trails on high poverty (27%, #227 of 234).
Orono by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Orono's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
No crime figure is shown for Orono: its police agency reported only part of the year. See Is Orono safe?
What is the cost of living in Orono?
Orono'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 $1,280/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $313,830, 24% below the typical Maine home ($415,552).
| Measure | Orono | 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 | $313,830#415 of 1,187 | $415,552 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $262,900#425 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $1,280/mo#512 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 4.4x#690 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 25.7%#1065 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.
Orono 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. Orono is in the Bangor, ME metro.
Maine housing market →Is Orono safe?
The FBI figures we hold for Orono are far below Maine's rates for a city of 11,151, which usually means the police agency reported only part of the year, so we don't publish them or rank Orono on safety. Maine as a whole records 93 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What do people earn in Orono?
The median household in Orono earns $59,784, 28% below the US figure of $83,163 and 22% below Maine ($76,442). Unemployment is 3.2% (US 4.3%). 27% of residents live below the poverty line.
| Measure | Orono | MaineME | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $59,784#1050 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% | 27%#1269 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 Orono?
The median resident of Orono is 21.6 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 69.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #49 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 41.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Orono | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 21.6 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 69.8%#49 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 41.7% | 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 Orono's schools and health?
Orono's 3 public schools graduate 92% of students in four years (Maine 86.1%), with 10.9 students per teacher and $18,843 spent per pupil. 29.8% of adults are obese and 5.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Orono | MaineME | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 92%#222 of 1,063 | 86.1% | 87% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 10.9#27 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $18,843#275 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 29.8%#383 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 5.2%#9 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 24.9%#1307 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 8.1%#389 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. 837 students are enrolled in Orono's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Orono?
The average commute in Orono is 15.2 minutes (Maine 25.6); 0.6% of workers take transit and 11% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Orono scores 7.4 of 20 (below average walkable), #1184 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 67.1°F and winters 21.8°F, with 41.7 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Orono | MaineME | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 15.2 min#67 of 1,312 | 25.6 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 2.3%#77 of 1,312 | 7.2% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 58.5% | 70.8% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.6% | 0.6% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 18.9% | 3.5% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0.7% | 0.3% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 11% | 14.7% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 7.4#1184 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 | 28.1 | 9 | 3.2 |
| Feb | 31.2 | 10.9 | 2.4 |
| Mar | 40.1 | 21.1 | 3.2 |
| Apr | 53.2 | 32.4 | 3.6 |
| May | 65.7 | 43.3 | 3.3 |
| Jun | 74.7 | 52.6 | 3.9 |
| Jul | 80.4 | 58.6 | 3.2 |
| Aug | 79.4 | 57 | 3.1 |
| Sep | 71 | 48.8 | 3.8 |
| Oct | 58.2 | 38.2 | 4.6 |
| Nov | 45.8 | 28.8 | 3.8 |
| Dec | 34.5 | 17.3 | 3.7 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Bangor International Airport.
| Measure | Orono | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 45°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 67.1°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 21.8°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 41.7 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 Bangor International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Orono?
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 | Orono | 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 Orono compare with similar-size cities?
Orono is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #90 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 11,151.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orono, MEPop. 11,151 | #526 | 57.7 | $59,784 | $1,280/mo | part year | 15.2 min |
| Belgrade, MTPop. 11,872 | #389 | 60.3 | $97,328 | $1,877/mo | 331 | 24.6 min |
| Newport East, RIPop. 11,069 | #465 | 58.7 | $89,028 | $1,876/mo | no data | 20.5 min |
| Brandon, SDPop. 10,996 | #60 | 70.0 | $110,806 | $976/mo | 46 | 18.4 min |
| Cheat Lake, WVPop. 10,902 | #294 | 62.2 | $117,014 | $1,124/mo | no data | 23.8 min |
| Lexington, NEPop. 10,862 | #781 | 53.6 | $67,666 | $966/mo | 79 | 16.1 min |
| Riverton, WYPop. 10,856 | #1179 | 45.8 | $55,208 | $921/mo | 817 | 14.5 min |
| Essex Junction, VTPop. 10,803 | #49 | 70.9 | $89,257 | $1,544/mo | no data | 19.2 min |
| Durham, NHPop. 10,681 | #42 | 71.2 | $112,070 | $1,302/mo | 92 | 17.2 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 Orono compare with the rest of Maine?
Orono ranks #13 of the 20 Maine cities we track, with a score of 57.7 against Maine's statewide 71.6. Its households earn 22% below the Maine median. Homes are 24% 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 Orono's score calculated?
Orono scores 57.7 out of 100, #526 of 1,312 (grade B, which follows rank). It is scored on the 8 of 11 categories with local data; safety, 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 · 20% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Orono. Similar-size median 41.9.
50.8 - HealthCity data · 16% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Orono. Similar-size median 56.5.
56.7 - EducationCity data · 16% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Orono's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
80.2 - AffordabilityCity data · 13% of score
Orono's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
73.2 - Household financesCity data · 11% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Orono. Similar-size median 50.8.
16.3 - TransportationCity data · 9% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Orono. Similar-size median 48.3.
73.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 9% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Orono's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
33.7 - EnvironmentCounty data · 5% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 59.2.
77.3 - SafetyNot scored
Orono's police agency has no full year of FBI reports to score.
— - GrowthNot scored
The Census does not estimate yearly population for Orono.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Orono'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 Orono 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 Orono
Is Orono, ME a good place to live?
Orono ranks #526 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #90 of 234 towns and #13 of 20 in Maine. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (92%, #27 of 153) and short commutes (15.2 min, #46 of 234), and trails on high poverty (27%, #227 of 234).
What is the cost of living in Orono?
Orono'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 $1,280/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $313,830, 24% below the typical Maine home ($415,552).
Is Orono safe?
The FBI figures we hold for Orono are far below Maine's rates for a city of 11,151, which usually means the police agency reported only part of the year, so we don't publish them or rank Orono on safety. Maine as a whole records 93 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What is the median household income in Orono?
The median household in Orono earns $59,784, 28% below the US figure of $83,163 and 22% below Maine ($76,442). Unemployment is 3.2% (US 4.3%). 27% of residents live below the poverty line.
How much is rent in Orono?
Median rent in Orono is $1,280/mo (Census), #512 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 25.7% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Orono?
The typical home value in Orono is $313,830, up 1.7% in a year, against $415,552 for Maine and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $262,900.
How are the public schools in Orono?
Orono's 3 public schools graduate 92% of students in four years (Maine 86.1%), with 10.9 students per teacher and $18,843 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Orono?
The average commute is 15.2 minutes, #67 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.6 minutes across Maine. 2.3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Orono?
Orono averages 45°F over the year, 67.1°F in summer and 21.8°F in winter, with 41.7 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Orono walkable?
Orono scores 7.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1184 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 Orono 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 Orono?
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 Orono?
Orono has 11,151 residents. The median resident of Orono is 21.6 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 69.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #49 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 41.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Orono compare with the rest of Maine?
Orono ranks #13 of the 20 Maine cities we track, with a score of 57.7 against Maine's statewide 71.6. Its households earn 22% below the Maine median. Homes are 24% below the typical Maine home.
What cities are similar in size to Orono?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Orono's population of 11,151 are Belgrade, MT (#389 overall), Newport East, RI (#465 overall), Brandon, SD (#60 overall), Cheat Lake, WV (#294 overall), and Lexington, NE (#781 overall). Orono is #526.