MainePop. 20,819Towns
Is Saco a Good Place to Live? Saco, Maine: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Saco ranks #160 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #31 of 234 towns and #5 of 20 in Maine. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (33 per 100,000, #5 of 146) and low unemployment (2.7%, #12 of 67), and trails on expensive homes ($413,100, #189 of 231) and high living costs (101.9, #182 of 230).
Saco by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Saco'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 Saco?
Saco'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 $1,249/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $524,610, 26% above the typical Maine home ($415,552).
| Measure | Saco | 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 | $524,610#863 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 | $2,016/mo#721 of 1,115 | — | $1,583/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $413,100#816 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $1,249/mo#482 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 4.5x#721 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 16.2%#109 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.
Saco 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. Saco is in the Portland-South Portland, ME metro.
Maine housing market →Is Saco safe?
Saco recorded 33 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 90% below the US rate of 328 and 65% below Maine's 93. That ranks #10 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #5 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Saco Police Department. Property crime runs 1,018 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Saco | MaineME | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 33#10 of 1,085 | 93 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 1,018#226 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 Saco?
The median household in Saco earns $92,241, 11% above the US figure of $83,163 and 21% above Maine ($76,442). Unemployment is 2.7% (US 4.3%). 6.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Saco | MaineME | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $92,241#434 of 1,312 | $76,442 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.3% · US 4.3% | 2.7%#47 of 1,058 | 3.4% | 3.3% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 6.4%#206 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 Saco?
The median resident of Saco is 44.9 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 43.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #377 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 72.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Saco | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 44.9 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 43.5%#377 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 72.8% | 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 Saco's schools and health?
Saco's 5 public schools graduate 92% of students in four years (Maine 86.1%), with 11.7 students per teacher and $13,719 spent per pupil. 32.4% of adults are obese and 9.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Saco | 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 | 11.7#65 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $13,719#743 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 32.4%#564 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 9.1%#231 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 17.1%#657 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 6.9%#243 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. 1,924 students are enrolled in Saco's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Saco?
The average commute in Saco is 23.8 minutes (Maine 25.6); 0.8% of workers take transit and 19% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Saco scores 7.4 of 20 (below average walkable), #1184 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 | Saco | MaineME | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 23.8 min#664 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% | 70.4% | 70.8% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.8% | 0.6% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 1.4% | 3.5% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0.9% | 0.3% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 19% | 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 | 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 | Saco | 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 Saco?
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 | Saco | 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 Saco compare with similar-size cities?
Saco is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #31 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 20,819.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saco, MEPop. 20,819 | #160 | 65.8 | $92,241 | $1,249/mo | 33 | 23.8 min |
| Derry, NHPop. 21,339 | #381 | 60.4 | $91,673 | $1,549/mo | county/metro | 29.3 min |
| Ashland, KYPop. 21,295 | #957 | 50.8 | $52,715 | $872/mo | 244 | 20.9 min |
| Gallup, NMPop. 21,023 | #1301 | 36.6 | $58,303 | $927/mo | 1,291 | 20.5 min |
| South Burlington, VTPop. 20,756 | #66 | 69.6 | $106,667 | $1,787/mo | 231 | 17.7 min |
| Makakilo, HIPop. 20,735 | #660 | 55.7 | $118,550 | $2,276/mo | no data | 32.8 min |
| Elko, NVPop. 20,696 | #1056 | 48.8 | $79,036 | $1,267/mo | 378 | 26.6 min |
| Vicksburg, MSPop. 20,589 | #1269 | 40.6 | $45,781 | $820/mo | 681 | 17.5 min |
| Knik-Fairview, AKPop. 19,972 | #1057 | 48.8 | $96,437 | $1,588/mo | no data | 38.2 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 Saco compare with the rest of Maine?
Saco ranks #5 of the 20 Maine cities we track, with a score of 65.8 against Maine's statewide 71.6. Its households earn 21% above the Maine median. Violent crime is 65% below the statewide rate. Homes are 26% 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 Saco's score calculated?
Saco scores 65.8 out of 100, #160 of 1,312 (grade A, 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 Saco. Similar-size median 41.9.
67.8 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Saco's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
96.2 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Saco. Similar-size median 56.5.
61.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Saco's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
69.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Saco's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
64.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Saco. Similar-size median 50.8.
68.6 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Saco. Similar-size median 35.2.
46.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Saco. Similar-size median 48.3.
55.7 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Saco's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
33.7 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 59.2.
75.8 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Saco'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 Saco 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 Saco
Is Saco, ME a good place to live?
Saco ranks #160 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #31 of 234 towns and #5 of 20 in Maine. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (33 per 100,000, #5 of 146) and low unemployment (2.7%, #12 of 67), and trails on expensive homes ($413,100, #189 of 231) and high living costs (101.9, #182 of 230).
What is the cost of living in Saco?
Saco'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 $1,249/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $524,610, 26% above the typical Maine home ($415,552).
What is the crime rate in Saco?
Saco recorded 33 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 90% below the US rate of 328 and 65% below Maine's 93. That ranks #10 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #5 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Saco Police Department. Property crime runs 1,018 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Saco?
The median household in Saco earns $92,241, 11% above the US figure of $83,163 and 21% above Maine ($76,442). Unemployment is 2.7% (US 4.3%). 6.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Saco?
Median rent in Saco is $1,249/mo (Census), #482 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,016/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 16.2% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Saco?
The typical home value in Saco is $524,610, up 0.9% in a year, against $415,552 for Maine and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $413,100.
How are the public schools in Saco?
Saco's 5 public schools graduate 92% of students in four years (Maine 86.1%), with 11.7 students per teacher and $13,719 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Saco?
The average commute is 23.8 minutes, #664 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 Saco?
Saco 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 Saco walkable?
Saco 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 Saco 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 Saco?
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 Saco?
Saco has 20,819 residents. The median resident of Saco is 44.9 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 43.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #377 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 72.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Saco compare with the rest of Maine?
Saco ranks #5 of the 20 Maine cities we track, with a score of 65.8 against Maine's statewide 71.6. Its households earn 21% above the Maine median. Violent crime is 65% below the statewide rate. Homes are 26% above the typical Maine home.
What cities are similar in size to Saco?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Saco's population of 20,819 are Derry, NH (#381 overall), Ashland, KY (#957 overall), Gallup, NM (#1301 overall), South Burlington, VT (#66 overall), and Makakilo, HI (#660 overall). Saco is #160.