MainePop. 17,077Towns
Is Waterville a Good Place to Live? Waterville, Maine: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Waterville ranks #522 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #87 of 234 towns and #12 of 20 in Maine. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (91 per 100,000, #22 of 146) and affordable homes ($184,600, #48 of 231), and trails on low graduation rates (77%, #138 of 153) and low household income ($53,580, #204 of 234).
Waterville by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Waterville'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 Waterville?
Waterville's cost of living index is 91.6, 8% below the US level of 100 and #265 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $978/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $253,736, 39% below the typical Maine home ($415,552).
| Measure | Waterville | MaineME | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 94.3 · US 100 | 91.6#265 of 1,308 | 97.1 | 94.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $325,401 · US $368,697 | $253,736#259 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 | $1,367/mo#226 of 1,115 | — | $1,583/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $184,600#181 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $978/mo#191 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 3.4x#338 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 21.9%#669 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.
Waterville 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. Waterville is in the Augusta-Waterville, ME metro.
Maine housing market →Is Waterville safe?
Waterville recorded 91 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 72% below the US rate of 328 and 2% below Maine's 93. That ranks #108 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #22 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Waterville Police Department. Property crime runs 2,617 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Waterville | MaineME | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 91#108 of 1,085 | 93 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 2,617#891 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 Waterville?
The median household in Waterville earns $53,580, 36% below the US figure of $83,163 and 30% below Maine ($76,442). Unemployment is 3.6% (US 4.3%). 20.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.7% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Waterville | MaineME | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $53,580#1178 of 1,312 | $76,442 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.3% · US 4.3% | 3.6%#297 of 1,058 | 3.4% | 3.3% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 20.6%#1132 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | +0.7%#317 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 Waterville?
The median resident of Waterville is 35.5 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 30.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #761 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 48.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Waterville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 35.5 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 30.8%#761 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 48.8% | 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 Waterville's schools and health?
Waterville's 4 public schools graduate 77% of students in four years (Maine 86.1%), with 12.1 students per teacher and $21,367 spent per pupil. 33.2% of adults are obese and 12.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Waterville | 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 | 12.1#96 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $21,367#146 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 33.2%#627 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 12.2%#822 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 20.9%#1246 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 9.9%#645 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. 1,618 students are enrolled in Waterville's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Waterville?
The average commute in Waterville is 18 minutes (Maine 25.6); 0% of workers take transit and 16.6% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Waterville scores 9.3 of 20 (below average walkable), #777 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 67.3°F and winters 21.8°F, with 43.4 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Waterville | MaineME | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 18 min#191 of 1,312 | 25.6 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 4.9%#558 of 1,312 | 7.2% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 69.1% | 70.8% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0% | 0.6% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 5.9% | 3.5% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0.3% | 0.3% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 16.6% | 14.7% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 9.3#777 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 | 28.5 | 8.8 | 3.1 |
| Feb | 31.8 | 9.9 | 2.6 |
| Mar | 40.3 | 20.5 | 3.3 |
| Apr | 53.5 | 32.2 | 3.7 |
| May | 65.8 | 43.2 | 3.3 |
| Jun | 74.7 | 53.1 | 4 |
| Jul | 80.1 | 59.1 | 3.4 |
| Aug | 79.5 | 57.4 | 3.4 |
| Sep | 71.7 | 49.5 | 3.8 |
| Oct | 58.7 | 38.4 | 4.9 |
| Nov | 46.1 | 28.7 | 3.9 |
| Dec | 34.5 | 17.2 | 3.9 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Waterville Trtmt Plt.
| Measure | Waterville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 45.2°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 67.3°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 | 43.4 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 Waterville Trtmt Plt.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Waterville?
Kennebec County's air had a median air quality index of 34, and 85% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Kennebec County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, hurricane, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 76% of US counties.
| Measure | Waterville | 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 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.12%#364 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 Kennebec County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Kennebec County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Ice storm | 0.008% | 91% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.018% | 79% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0036% | 57% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.0011% | 54% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0012% | 40% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.071% | 37% 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 Waterville compare with similar-size cities?
Waterville is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #87 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 17,077.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waterville, MEPop. 17,077 | #522 | 57.8 | $53,580 | $978/mo | 91 | 18 min |
| Westerly, RIPop. 18,411 | #55 | 70.6 | $95,207 | $1,260/mo | 26 | 22.9 min |
| Spanish Springs, NVPop. 17,980 | #438 | 59.3 | $127,658 | $1,963/mo | no data | 33 min |
| Sunland Park, NMPop. 17,463 | #1058 | 48.8 | $62,814 | $920/mo | 280 | 31.9 min |
| Laconia, NHPop. 17,085 | #404 | 60.0 | $73,218 | $1,224/mo | 184 | 17 min |
| Ocean Pointe, HIPop. 17,085 | #146 | 66.4 | $149,767 | $3,424/mo | no data | 36.9 min |
| Beckley, WVPop. 16,818 | #1308 | 34.1 | $45,826 | $869/mo | 716 | 16.5 min |
| La Vista, NEPop. 16,563 | #382 | 60.4 | $81,961 | $1,317/mo | 67 | 20.2 min |
| Mountain Home, IDPop. 16,493 | #1093 | 48.0 | $63,125 | $1,155/mo | 193 | 23 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 Waterville compare with the rest of Maine?
Waterville ranks #12 of the 20 Maine cities we track, with a score of 57.8 against Maine's statewide 71.6. Its households earn 30% below the Maine median. Violent crime is 2% below the statewide rate. Homes are 39% 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 Waterville's score calculated?
Waterville scores 57.8 out of 100, #522 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 Waterville. Similar-size median 41.9.
45.7 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Waterville's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
82.0 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Waterville. Similar-size median 56.5.
46.2 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Waterville's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
66.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Waterville's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
83.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Waterville. Similar-size median 50.8.
25.5 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Waterville. Similar-size median 35.2.
49.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Waterville. Similar-size median 48.3.
60.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Waterville's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
43.7 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 59.2.
73.8 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Waterville'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 Waterville 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 Waterville
Is Waterville, ME a good place to live?
Waterville ranks #522 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #87 of 234 towns and #12 of 20 in Maine. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (91 per 100,000, #22 of 146) and affordable homes ($184,600, #48 of 231), and trails on low graduation rates (77%, #138 of 153) and low household income ($53,580, #204 of 234).
What is the cost of living in Waterville?
Waterville's cost of living index is 91.6, 8% below the US level of 100 and #265 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $978/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $253,736, 39% below the typical Maine home ($415,552).
What is the crime rate in Waterville?
Waterville recorded 91 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 72% below the US rate of 328 and 2% below Maine's 93. That ranks #108 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #22 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Waterville Police Department. Property crime runs 2,617 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Waterville?
The median household in Waterville earns $53,580, 36% below the US figure of $83,163 and 30% below Maine ($76,442). Unemployment is 3.6% (US 4.3%). 20.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.7% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Waterville?
Median rent in Waterville is $978/mo (Census), #191 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,367/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 21.9% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Waterville?
The typical home value in Waterville is $253,736, up 1.8% in a year, against $415,552 for Maine and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $184,600.
How are the public schools in Waterville?
Waterville's 4 public schools graduate 77% of students in four years (Maine 86.1%), with 12.1 students per teacher and $21,367 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Waterville?
The average commute is 18 minutes, #191 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.6 minutes across Maine. 4.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Waterville?
Waterville averages 45.2°F over the year, 67.3°F in summer and 21.8°F in winter, with 43.4 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Waterville walkable?
Waterville scores 9.3 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #777 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 Waterville at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Kennebec County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, hurricane, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 76% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Waterville?
Kennebec County's air had a median air quality index of 34, and 85% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Waterville?
Waterville has 17,077 residents. The median resident of Waterville is 35.5 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 30.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #761 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 48.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Waterville compare with the rest of Maine?
Waterville ranks #12 of the 20 Maine cities we track, with a score of 57.8 against Maine's statewide 71.6. Its households earn 30% below the Maine median. Violent crime is 2% below the statewide rate. Homes are 39% below the typical Maine home.
What cities are similar in size to Waterville?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Waterville's population of 17,077 are Westerly, RI (#55 overall), Spanish Springs, NV (#438 overall), Sunland Park, NM (#1058 overall), Laconia, NH (#404 overall), and Ocean Pointe, HI (#146 overall). Waterville is #522.