Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Birch Harbor, ME
Thinking of moving to Birch Harbor, ME? This friendly coastal village of around 250 residents offers a peaceful, rural lifestyle with median home prices near $270,000 and average rents of $950. Crime rates are low, with only 62 violent crimes per 100,000, and commute times average a short 22 minutes. While the population is small and skews older, you'll enjoy Maine's beautiful seasons, access to local schooling, and the charm of a close-knit community. Birch Harbor is ideal for those seeking coastal living, safety, and a relaxed pace of life.
Demographics - Birch Harbor, ME
Demographics - Birch Harbor, ME
Birch Harbor is a small, close-knit community of about 250 residents, with a predominantly white population and a median age of 53.2. The town has a balanced gender ratio and a low percentage of non-English speakers, making it a quiet locale with a mature population.
Population:
250
Density:
85 per sq mi
Median Age:
53.2
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
96.2%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
0.6%
Others:
2.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Birch Harbor, ME?
Living in Birch Harbor is moderately affordable, with median home values around $270,000 and average rents at $950. The overall cost of living index is slightly above the national average, but housing costs remain reasonable compared to other coastal areas.
Median House Value:
$270,000
Gross Rent:
$950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,030
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,320
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
5.8%
|
High:
7.15%
Cost Of Living Index:
104.0
Grocery:
103.0
Housing:
92.5
Utilities:
107.1
Transportation:
110.2
Health Care:
101.0
Miscellaneous:
99.8
Crime
Is Birch Harbor, ME a safe place to live?
Birch Harbor offers a safe environment, reporting just 62 violent crimes per 100,000 people and a low chance of property crime. Residents enjoy a sense of security in daily life, making it an appealing choice for families and retirees.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
62
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,120
Crime Index:
1,182
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,610
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 89
Weather
What is the weather like in Birch Harbor, ME year-round?
Residents experience all four seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 76°F and cold winters dipping to 12°F. The area receives about 47 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine 52% of the year, perfect for those who appreciate coastal Maine's changing weather.
Winter
Min:
12°F
Max:
32°F
Spring
Min:
35°F
Max:
57°F
Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
76°F
Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
52%
Neighbors
The community has a median household income of $54,800 and a poverty rate of 11.6%, with most residents commuting about 22 minutes to work. Educational attainment is high, with over 92% of adults holding a high school diploma, reflecting a well-educated and stable population.
Median Income:
$31,000
Household Income:
$54,800
Family Income:
$62,500
Per Capita Income:
$28,200
Income Male:
$33,500
Income Female:
$27,500
Poverty Rate:
11.6%
Non English Speakers:
2.5%
Rent:
$950
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
22.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.4%
Bachelors or More:
27.1%
Education
How are the schools in Birch Harbor, ME?
Local students attend Peninsula School with a favorable student-teacher ratio, and higher education is accessible nearby at the University of Maine at Machias and College of the Atlantic. The town values education, and families benefit from small class sizes and proximity to respected colleges.
Public Schools
Name:
Peninsula School
Street:
71 Main St, Prospect Harbor, ME 04669
Phone:
207-963-2003
Students:
130
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.5
Colleges
Name:
University of Maine at Machias
City:
Machias
State:
ME
Distance:
48 miles
Students:
700
Name:
College of the Atlantic
City:
Bar Harbor
State:
ME
Distance:
32 miles
Students:
350
Healthcare
Healthcare access is strong, with the nearby Northern Light Maine Coast Hospital providing emergency and general services. Birch Harbor has a high rate of health insurance coverage at 91.7% and a solid supply of physicians for its population size.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Northern Light Maine Coast Hospital
Address:
50 Union St, Ellsworth, ME 04605
Phone:
(207) 664-5311
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.7%
Health Care Index:
76.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Birch Harbor, ME?
Birch Harbor's housing market features median home prices at $270,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 76.3%. With a modest home appreciation rate of 4.3% and low foreclosure rates, the area offers stable and affordable housing options.
Median Home Price:
$270,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$950
Owner Occupied Rate:
76.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.3%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents are served by the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest main office in Augusta providing licensing, registration, and essential vehicle services both in person and online.
State:
Maine
Department:
Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Address:
101 Hospital St, 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.