Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Belfast, ME
Considering a move to Belfast, Maine? This welcoming city of about 7,000 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $259,000 and average rents near $980. Crime rates are low, and residents enjoy a quick 20-minute average commute. Belfast features strong community schools, a historic downtown, and scenic coastal views, all set against Maine’s four-season climate. Discover a relaxed lifestyle with easy access to healthcare, education, and local amenities.
Demographics - Belfast, ME
Demographics - Belfast, ME
Belfast, Maine is home to just over 7,000 residents, with a median age of 47.6, making it a community that skews slightly older. The city is predominantly White at 95%, with a small but present mix of other backgrounds, and about 4% of the population speaks a language other than English. Population density is moderate, creating a friendly, close-knit feel for newcomers.
Population:
7,066
Density:
393 per sq mi
Median Age:
47.6
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
95.1%
Black:
0.7%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
3.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Belfast, ME?
Belfast offers an affordable cost of living, with a median house value of $259,000 and average rents around $980 per month. Overall expenses are slightly below the national average, thanks to lower housing and transportation costs, though utilities run a bit higher. State income taxes range from 5.8% to 7.15%, keeping taxes manageable for most households.
Median House Value:
$259,000
Gross Rent:
$980
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$900
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,450
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$540
State Taxes:
Low:
5.8%
|
High:
7.15%
Cost Of Living Index:
96.5
Grocery:
101.2
Housing:
85.0
Utilities:
108.5
Transportation:
94.6
Health Care:
97.0
Miscellaneous:
98.5
Crime
Is Belfast, ME a safe place to live?
Belfast is considered a safe city, with a low violent crime rate of just 105 incidents per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 1,200 per 100,000. Residents have a 1 in 950 chance of experiencing violent crime, making it a reassuring choice for families and retirees. The overall crime index remains well below national averages.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
105
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,200
Crime Index:
1,305
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 950
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 83
Weather
What is the weather like in Belfast, ME year-round?
Belfast experiences all four seasons, with snowy winters that dip as low as 12°F and warm, pleasant summers reaching up to 77°F. The area receives about 46 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine nearly half the year. This coastal Maine climate is ideal for those who appreciate crisp autumns and mild, breezy summers.
Winter
Min:
12°F
Max:
33°F
Spring
Min:
35°F
Max:
59°F
Summer
Min:
55°F
Max:
77°F
Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
61°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
45.9 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
49%
Neighbors
The typical household in Belfast has an income of about $57,000, and the area maintains a balanced mix of families, singles, and retirees. Residents enjoy a short 20-minute average commute, and educational attainment is high, with over 93% having at least a high school diploma. The community is welcoming and tight-knit, with a modest poverty rate of under 12%.
Median Income:
$34,600
Household Income:
$56,900
Family Income:
$68,900
Per Capita Income:
$31,400
Income Male:
$38,900
Income Female:
$32,100
Poverty Rate:
11.8%
Non English Speakers:
3.8%
Rent:
$980
Unemployment Rate:
4.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
20.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
93.5%
Bachelors or More:
34.8%
Education
How are the schools in Belfast, ME?
Families in Belfast benefit from strong public schools, including Belfast Area High School and Troy Howard Middle School, both offering low student-to-teacher ratios. The city also has a private school option and is within easy reach of the University of Maine at Augusta’s Rockland Center, just 26 miles away. Educational attainment in the community is high, making it a supportive environment for learners of all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Belfast Area High School
Street:
98 Waldo Ave
Phone:
207-338-1790
Students:
525
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.1
Name:
Troy Howard Middle School
Street:
173 Lincolnville Ave
Phone:
207-338-3320
Students:
415
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.9
Private Schools
Name:
The Ecology Learning Center
Street:
230 Main St
Phone:
207-338-3827
Students:
80
Colleges
Name:
University of Maine at Augusta (Rockland Center)
City:
Rockland
State:
ME
Distance:
26 miles
Students:
1,200
Healthcare
Belfast residents benefit from quality healthcare, anchored by Waldo County General Hospital right in town, which offers emergency and general medical services. There are approximately 2.1 physicians per 1,000 people, and nearly 94% of locals have health insurance coverage. Access to care is reliable, supporting a healthy lifestyle for all ages.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Waldo County General Hospital
Address:
118 Northport Ave, Belfast, ME 04915
Phone:
(207) 338-2500
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.8%
Health Care Index:
77.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Belfast, ME?
The Belfast housing market is stable, with a median home price of $259,000 and an owner-occupied rate nearing 64%. Rental options are available, with vacancy rates around 6%, and the area has seen modest home value appreciation of just over 5% in the past year. New construction is limited, helping maintain a classic, small-town feel.
Median Home Price:
$259,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$980
Owner Occupied Rate:
63.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Belfast residents handle vehicle services through the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles, headquartered in Augusta and accessible online. The local DMV provides vehicle registration, licensing, and other essential services. Assistance is available both in person and by phone for added convenience.
State:
Maine
Department:
Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Address:
19 Union Street, 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.