Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Bar Harbor, ME
Considering a move to Bar Harbor, ME? This scenic coastal town of 5,535 residents offers small-town charm, beautiful natural surroundings, and a strong educational profile—over 56% hold bachelor's degrees or higher. The median home price is $475,000, with average rents around $1,350, and a cost of living just above the national average. Bar Harbor boasts low violent crime rates, short 15-minute commutes, and access to quality local schools and healthcare—all set against the backdrop of Acadia National Park and a vibrant seaside community.
Demographics - Bar Harbor, ME
Demographics - Bar Harbor, ME
Bar Harbor is a close-knit coastal town with a population of 5,535 and a median age of 46.7, offering a tranquil, mature community atmosphere. The population is predominantly White, with a small percentage of Asian, Black, and other groups, and about 7.5% speak languages other than English at home.
Population:
5,535
Density:
180 per sq mi
Median Age:
46.7
Gender Ratio:
88 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
94.4%
Black:
0.7%
Asian:
2.1%
Others:
2.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Bar Harbor, ME?
Living in Bar Harbor comes with a cost of living index of 122.1, slightly higher than the national average, largely due to elevated housing expenses. The median home value is $475,000, and typical rents run about $1,350 per month, reflecting the area's popularity and scenic location.
Median House Value:
$475,000
Gross Rent:
$1,350
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$170
Auto Insurance:
$1,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,980
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$675
State Taxes:
Low:
5.8%
|
High:
7.15%
Cost Of Living Index:
122.1
Grocery:
113.0
Housing:
138.0
Utilities:
120.0
Transportation:
112.5
Health Care:
109.0
Miscellaneous:
106.0
Crime
Is Bar Harbor, ME a safe place to live?
Bar Harbor enjoys a low violent crime rate, with only 105 incidents per 100,000 residents and a 1 in 950 chance of experiencing such an event, making it a safe choice for new residents. Property crime is more common but still moderate compared to many towns, supporting a generally secure environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
105
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,060
Crime Index:
1,165
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 950
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 94
Weather
What is the weather like in Bar Harbor, ME year-round?
Residents experience four distinct seasons, with mild summers reaching up to 76°F and chilly winters dipping to 12°F. The area receives about 52 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine roughly 51% of the year, ideal for those who appreciate both vibrant seasonal changes and outdoor recreation.
Winter
Min:
12°F
Max:
29°F
Spring
Min:
34°F
Max:
56°F
Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
76°F
Fall
Min:
37°F
Max:
60°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
52.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
51%
Neighbors
Bar Harbor's households typically earn a median income around $68,100, with a low unemployment rate of 2.9% and a poverty rate of 8.1%, indicating economic stability. The community is highly educated, with over 56% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, and average commute times are under 15 minutes.
Median Income:
$41,200
Household Income:
$68,100
Family Income:
$87,500
Per Capita Income:
$39,900
Income Male:
$47,000
Income Female:
$34,500
Poverty Rate:
8.1%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$1,350
Unemployment Rate:
2.9%
Public Transport Usage:
1.2%
Commute Time:
14.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
96.2%
Bachelors or More:
56.8%
Education
How are the schools in Bar Harbor, ME?
Bar Harbor offers quality education with well-rated public and private schools, including Conners Emerson School and Mount Desert Island High School, both featuring low student-to-teacher ratios. The town is also home to the College of the Atlantic, providing higher education opportunities within the community.
Public Schools
Name:
Conners Emerson School
Street:
11 Eagle Lake Rd
Phone:
207-288-3631
Students:
350
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.7
Name:
Mount Desert Island High School
Street:
1081 Eagle Lake Rd
Phone:
207-288-5011
Students:
540
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.1
Private Schools
Name:
Acadia Christian School
Street:
10 West Street
Phone:
207-288-4247
Students:
48
Colleges
Name:
College of the Atlantic
City:
Bar Harbor
State:
ME
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
380
Healthcare
Residents benefit from strong healthcare access, including a general hospital in town and 2.6 physicians per 1,000 people. Nearly 95% of locals have health insurance, making Bar Harbor a reassuring choice for families and retirees.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Mount Desert Island Hospital
Address:
10 Wayman Lane, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Phone:
(207) 288-5081
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.8%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Bar Harbor, ME?
Bar Harbor's housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $475,000 and an average two-bedroom rent of $1,350. Home values have appreciated by over 7% in the past year, and about half of the residents own their homes, reflecting steady demand in this scenic location.
Median Home Price:
$475,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,350
Owner Occupied Rate:
51.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Bar Harbor residents are served by the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest main office located in Augusta. Information and services for licensing and registration are easily accessible via the state DMV website or by phone.
State:
Maine
Department:
Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Address:
19 Anthony Avenue, Augusta, ME 04330
Phone:
(207) 624-9000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.