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State

Data from November 2026

Housing , home prices, rents and assistance in Maine (2026)

In Maine, a typical home is worth $296,600 and the typical rent is $1,139 a month. The FHA limit for a one-unit home runs from $541,287 to $615,250 depending on the county. 7 HUD-approved counseling agencies serve Maine; 2 say they serve you in Spanish.

Most populous:

Typical home value by county

  • Under $170,200
  • $170,200–$217,300
  • $217,300–$257,700
  • $257,700–$332,700
  • $332,700 or more

Tap the map to see each county’s figure and open its page.

Typical home value
$296,600
11% less than the U.S.
U.S.: $332,700
Typical rent per month
$1,139
19% less than the U.S.
U.S.: $1,413
Typical household income
$74,733
7% less than the U.S.
U.S.: $80,734
FHA limit, 1 unit
$541,287 to $615,250
It changes by county. The highest applies in 3 counties.
U.S.: $541,287 to $1,299,500
Property tax
1.02%
of value a year
The typical bill is $3,036 a year.
U.S.: 0.94%

Source: American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Average 2020–2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Source: FHA mortgage limits (HUD) Data from 2026 data FHA mortgage limits (HUD)

In short

Living in Maine

In Maine, a typical home is worth $296,600: 11% less than in the United States overall. Prices change a lot by county: from $149,700 in Aroostook County to $451,200 in Cumberland County. The typical household earns $74,733 a year and the typical rent is $1,139 a month; 48% of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on housing. 74% of households own their home, and the typical property tax is $3,036 a year (about 1.02% of value).

The conforming loan limit for a one-unit home is $832,750 across Maine. To pay HUD’s fair rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Maine ($1,714) without spending more than 30% of income, you need about $32.96 an hour working full time.

Source: Conforming loan limits (FHFA) Data from 2026 data Conforming loan limits (FHFA) Source: Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Fair Market Rents (HUD)

The essentials in Maine

More on property tax

  • Homestead exemption of up to $25,000 of value

    The homestead exemption lowers the property tax of certain people who have owned homestead property in Maine for at least 12 months and make the home they occupy on April 1 their permanent residence. Eligible property is exempt for up to $25,000 of its just value.

    Maine Revenue Services · Verified October 24, 2026

  • How the application shows that you live in Maine

    The homestead exemption application asks you to check what your Maine residency is based on. The options are: you file a Maine resident income tax return; the address on your driver's license is the same as the home; the legal residence on your resident fishing or hunting license is the same as the home; you pay motor vehicle excise tax in that municipality; or you are a registered voter in that municipality. If you check none of them, the application asks you to attach an explanation and evidence of your residency.

    Maine Revenue Services (Homestead Property Tax Exemption Application) · Verified October 24, 2026

  • Deadline: the application is due by April 1

    The completed homestead exemption application is filed with your local assessor by April 1. If you file it after April 1, it applies to the next assessment year.

    Maine Revenue Services (Homestead Property Tax Exemption Application) · Verified October 24, 2026

  • Deadline to ask the assessors for an abatement

    If there is an error, illegality or irregularity in your property's assessment, you can ask your municipality's assessors in writing for an abatement, stating the grounds. The application is filed within 185 days from commitment, which is when the assessors hand the tax list to the tax collector. The assessors may also make the abatement on their own within one year. The law also requires that you have complied with section 706-A (the property list and answers the assessor asks for).

    Maine Legislature (Maine Revised Statutes, Title 36) · Verified October 24, 2026

  • State property tax deferral for owners 65 and older or with a disability

    You can apply to defer the property taxes on your homestead if, on April 1 of the year you apply, you are 65 or older or unable to be employed because of a disability. For applications filed after January 1, 2024, income for the prior year must be under $80,000 (all owners together if there is more than one), and liquid assets (such as bank accounts) under $100,000 for a sole owner or under $150,000 for all owners together. The home must also receive the homestead exemption. The claim is filed with the municipal assessor after January 1 and no later than April 1 of the first year you claim the deferral.

    Maine Legislature (Maine Revised Statutes, Title 36) · Verified October 24, 2026

  • State real estate transfer tax

    The tax is $2.20 for each $500 (or fraction of $500) of the value of the property transferred. Half is imposed on the seller and half on the buyer. For transfers on or after November 1, 2025, when the value is over $1 million, an additional $3.80 is charged on each $500 (or fraction) of the part above $1 million.

    Maine Revenue Services · Verified October 24, 2026

The homes here

Housing in Maine

What homes there are in Maine, what they cost, how that changed and how people live, from Census figures (2020–2024).

What homes there are

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024

Kind of home

Detached houses, standing on their own, make up 70% of homes here, against 61% in the U.S..

Year built

By age, homes in Maine look like those in the U.S.: the typical year built is 1977.

There are fewer big homes in Maine than in the U.S.: 57% have 3 bedrooms or more, against 61%.

All homes, occupied or empty. A figure the Census cannot measure precisely enough here is not shown.

Census tables: B25024, B25034, B25035, B25041

What it costs here

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024

Value of owner-occupied homes

The most common value range in Maine is between $300K and $500K: that is where 30% of owner-occupied homes sit.

Monthly rent with utilities

The most common rent in Maine is between $1,000 and $1,499 a month: that is where 32% of rented homes sit.

With a mortgage

$1,729 a month

United States: $1,963 a month

Without a mortgage

$638 a month

United States: $638 a month

Owners with a mortgage

58%

United States: 61%

The typical cost for an owner with a mortgage in Maine is $1,729 a month, less than in the U.S. ($1,963); without one, $638.

Value: what owners think their home is worth. Rent: rent plus utilities, for homes of every size. The FHA limit is the most an FHA loan (Federal Housing Administration) lends for a one-unit home; the fair market rent (FMR) is the one HUD uses for housing vouchers.

Census tables: B25075, B25063, B25088, B25081

How it changed

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2015–2019 and 2020–2024

Change since 2015–2019

From 2015–2019 to 2020–2024, home values in Maine rose at about the same pace as in the U.S.: 56% against 53%.

Much as in the U.S., the typical rent in Maine rose 34% since 2015–2019.

Here income did not keep up with housing: it rose 29%, while home values changed +56% and rent +34%.

Change between two 5-year periods that do not overlap, in each period's dollars, not adjusted for inflation.

Census tables: B25077, B25064, B19013

How people live

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024

MeasureMaineUnited States
Rental vacancy 4.2%5.5%
Homeowner vacancy 0.7%0.9%
More than one person per room 1.4%3.4%
People per household 2.262.53
Drive alone 71%69%
Carpool 8%9%
Public transit 1%3%
Walk or bike 4%3%
Work from home 16%15%
Other means 1%2%
Typical commute 20 to 29 minutes20 to 29 minutes

In Maine, the rental vacancy rate is 4.2%; in the U.S., 5.5%.

Fewer households are short on space in Maine: 1.4% have more than one person per room; in the U.S., 3.4%.

Households in Maine are smaller: 2.26 people on average; in the U.S., 2.53.

In Maine, 71% of workers drive alone to work; in the U.S., 69%.

Vacancy: empty homes offered for rent or for sale. Rooms: every room in the home, not only bedrooms. Commute: the minute range of the typical worker.

Census tables: B25004, B25003, B25014, B25010, B08301, B08303

Places

Explore the counties in Maine

Sort by any column. Each name leads to its page.

See the counties page
Population, typical home value, FHA limit, 2-bedroom fair rent and typical income by county in Maine
Cumberland County308,827$451,200$615,250$1,941–$2,353$95,677
York County216,731$395,700$615,250$1,792–$2,376$88,333
Penobscot County154,710$214,100$541,287$1,496–$1,722$66,356
Kennebec County126,808$238,200$541,287$1,374$69,077
Androscoggin County113,423$252,800$541,287$1,677$67,873
Aroostook County67,058$149,700$541,287$1,175$56,700
Oxford County59,255$217,300$541,287$1,224$60,173
Hancock County56,460$310,400$541,287$1,484$72,744
Somerset County50,959$166,900$541,287$1,242$58,179
Knox County41,003$324,900$541,287$1,503$74,096
Waldo County40,192$257,700$541,287$1,367$72,782
Sagadahoc County37,285$333,300$615,250$1,659$87,806
Lincoln County36,099$332,700$541,287$1,307$76,875
Washington County31,331$161,800$541,287$1,230$56,024
Franklin County30,413$194,700$541,287$1,264$58,675
Piscataquis County17,263$170,200$541,287$1,340$61,345

Source: American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Average 2020–2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Source: FHA mortgage limits (HUD) Data from 2026 data FHA mortgage limits (HUD) Source: Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Fair Market Rents (HUD)

Calculator

Work out your payment in Maine

Start from the typical home value in Maine, $296,600, and this week’s average rate. Move the price and the down payment to see your monthly payment. If you already visited a county, the calculator uses its numbers.

More math for Maine

$
%

Estimated monthly payment

$2,480

FHA loan over 30 years, with estimated taxes and insurance.

See the full calculation

Prices and risks

Three official measures that help you decide: how much home prices have changed according to FHFA, how prices compare with the national average according to BEA, and how many homes sit in a flood zone according to FEMA.

Home prices

How have home prices changed?

According to the FHFA House Price Index, home prices in Maine rose 112% in the 10 years through 2025.

Price change each year

Period Maine United States
In 2025 +4.7% +2.9%
5 years (2020–2025) +68% +47%
10 years (2015–2025) +112% +85%

The index follows the prices of the same homes over time (sales and appraisals on loans bought or guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac). It is not the average price of a home. FHFA considers its annual state indexes experimental.

Source: FHFA House Price Index (HPI) Data from 2025 data FHFA House Price Index (HPI)

Cost of living

How expensive are prices here?

According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), in 2024 prices in Maine were 3% lower than the U.S. average. Housing rents were 22% lower than nationwide.

Category Maine United States Versus the U.S.
All prices Consumer goods and services 97.1 100.0 3% less
Housing rents What renters pay 78.9 100.6 22% less
Water, power and gas Water, sewer, electricity and gas 135.2 98.4 37% more
Goods Food, clothing, transportation and more 97.2 99.6 2% less
Other services Services other than rent 103.2 100.1 3% more

BEA expresses each index as a percentage of the average U.S. price level: a higher number means higher prices, and a lower one, lower prices.

Source: Regional price parities (BEA) Data from 2024 data Regional price parities (BEA)

Flooding

Is there a flood risk?

According to FEMA, in Maine 1% of homes (5,159) are in a high-risk flood zone. Of those homes, 79% have NFIP flood insurance.

  • A high-risk zone (Special Flood Hazard Area) has a 1% or greater chance of flooding each year. 44 CFR 59.1
  • If the home is in that zone and the loan comes from a regulated lender, federal law requires flood insurance for the life of the loan, in communities that take part in the NFIP. 42 U.S.C. 4012a
  • Most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. FEMA, FloodSmart
Maine United States
Homes in a high-risk zone 1% 3.5%
Of those, with NFIP insurance 79% 48%
All homes with NFIP insurance 1.2% 2.9%

The NFIP is the federal flood insurance program; private policies are not counted. FEMA counts homes with its National Structure Inventory. We add up the county figures FEMA publishes.

Look up your address on FEMA’s map Source: Homes with flood insurance (NFIP, FEMA) As of August 3, 2026 Homes with flood insurance (NFIP, FEMA)

Places

Cities in Maine

The 4 most populous cities with a page. Each one compares its prices and rents with its county.

See the other cities (30)

    Help to buy

    Assistance programs in Maine

    Our list has 2 official programs that help you buy in Maine. Each card says what kind of help it gives and when we checked its official page.

    See all 2 programs
    1. First Home Loan Program — Advantage

      With the Maine state agency's First Home mortgage, the buyer gets $5,000 for the down payment and closing costs (up to $14,000 for 2- to 4-unit homes), with no second mortgage. Offered by MaineHousing.

      Grant Verified November 5, 2026

    2. First Generation Program

      Maine state agency mortgage with a rate 1% lower than its First Home mortgage and a $10,000 grant for the down payment and closing costs, with no second mortgage; for people who have never owned a home and never lived in a home their parents or guardians owned, or who were in foster care. Offered by MaineHousing.

      Grant Verified November 5, 2026

    Tenant rights

    Tenant rights in Maine

    Maine law answers 1 of these 5 questions, each answer with its citation. Where it says “Data not available”, we have not verified it against the source yet.

    A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.

    See every right

    1. How much can they charge for a deposit?

      In Maine, a lease or tenancy-at-will agreement cannot require a security deposit of more than 2 months' rent.

      14 M.R.S. §6032

    2. When must they return my deposit?

      Data not available

    3. If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?

      Data not available

    4. How much notice ends a month-to-month rental?

      Data not available

    5. Are there limits on late fees?

      Data not available

    Three generations of a family gather on the porch of their home.

    Help and advice

    Who can help you in Maine?

    You do not have to do this alone. A HUD-approved housing counselor gives independent advice on buying, renting, late payments and credit, often free or at low cost.

    7 HUD-approved counseling agencies serve Maine; 2 say they serve you in Spanish. Choose your county to see the closest ones with their phone number.

    24 public housing authorities run Section 8 vouchers and public housing in Maine.

    See all 7 agencies See the housing agencies

    Who runs the help in Maine

    • MaineHousing (Maine State Housing Authority)

      MaineHousing offers low fixed-rate mortgages and other assistance to make homeownership affordable for more Maine people. There are no-point and low-point options and options with little or no down payment. If you still need help with the cash needed for closing, it also offers down payment and closing cost assistance. Its mortgages come with payment protection for unemployment.

      The agency's official page · Verified October 24, 2026

    Where to file a complaint in Maine

    • Discrimination complaints to the Maine Human Rights Commission

      Any aggrieved person may file a complaint under oath with the Maine Human Rights Commission (which the law calls "the commission"). The complaint states the facts of the alleged discrimination. It must be filed no more than 300 days after the alleged act of unlawful discrimination.

      Maine Legislature (Maine Revised Statutes, Title 5) · Verified October 24, 2026

    Guides

    Guides for you in Maine

    We picked them with the numbers of Maine. Each one says why it can help you.

    Frequently asked questions about housing in Maine

    What is the FHA limit in Maine in 2026?

    In Maine, the FHA limit for a one-unit home runs from $541,287 to $615,250. The highest is in Cumberland County.

    How much does a typical home cost in Maine?

    The typical home value in Maine is $296,600 (Average 2020–2024, U.S. Census). The highest is in Cumberland County ($451,200) and the lowest in Aroostook County ($149,700).

    How much does it cost to rent in Maine?

    The typical rent in Maine is $1,139 a month (Average 2020–2024, U.S. Census).

    How much do you need to earn to rent a 2-bedroom apartment in Maine?

    At HUD's average fair market rent in Maine ($1,714, Fiscal year 2027), about $32.96 an hour working full time, so rent stays under 30% of income.

    How much is property tax in Maine?

    The typical property tax in Maine is $3,036 a year, about 1.02% of home value (Average 2020–2024, U.S. Census).

    Where can I find free help in Spanish to buy a home in Maine?

    There are 7 HUD-approved counseling agencies in Maine; 2 say they serve you in Spanish. Each county page lists the closest ones with their phone number.

    Sources: American Community Survey (Average 2020–2024); FHA mortgage limits (2026 data); Conforming loan limits (2026 data); Fair Market Rents (Fiscal year 2027); HUD-approved housing counseling agencies (Retrieved November 6, 2026); Public Housing Agencies (Retrieved November 6, 2026); FHFA House Price Index (2025 data); Homes with flood insurance (As of August 3, 2026); Regional price parities (2024 data); Census Bureau cartographic boundary files (2024 data).