Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Bustins Island, ME
Thinking of moving to Bustins Island, ME? This tranquil, seasonal island community has about 50 residents and offers a serene lifestyle with low crime rates and a median home price around $410,000. While amenities are limited and most homes are seasonal, you’ll enjoy a slower pace, beautiful coastal weather, and easy access to Freeport’s schools and services via ferry. Cost of living is on par with the Maine coast, and the island is ideal for those seeking peace, nature, and a close-knit summer community.
Demographics - Bustins Island, ME
Demographics - Bustins Island, ME
Bustins Island is a quiet, seasonal community with an estimated population of about 50 residents, primarily older adults with a median age of 55. The island is largely homogenous, with over 97% identifying as White, and has a balanced gender ratio. Its low population density and small size offer a peaceful, close-knit atmosphere ideal for those seeking seclusion.
Population:
Approx. 50 (seasonal)
Density:
Low (island, less than 100 per sq mi, varies by season)
Median Age:
55
Gender Ratio:
100 males per 100 females (estimated)
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
97%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
1%
Others:
1.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Bustins Island, ME?
The cost of living on Bustins Island is somewhat above the national average, with a cost of living index of 115 and a median home value of $410,000. Housing and groceries are priced higher than the U.S. average, and most homes are seasonal with limited rental options. Monthly utilities and state taxes are moderate, making the island best suited for those prepared for coastal Maine expenses.
Median House Value:
$410,000
Gross Rent:
$1,100 (limited rentals, seasonal)
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$600
State Taxes:
Low:
5.8%
|
High:
7.15%
Cost Of Living Index:
115
Grocery:
110
Housing:
125
Utilities:
105
Transportation:
115
Health Care:
105
Miscellaneous:
101
Crime
Is Bustins Island, ME a safe place to live?
Bustins Island boasts very low crime rates, with violent crime estimated at just 30 incidents per 100,000 people and property crime around 350 per 100,000. The tight-knit, seasonal nature of the community contributes to its safe environment, providing peace of mind for residents and visitors alike.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
30 (very low, estimated from county data)
Property Crimes Per 100k:
350 (very low, estimated from county data)
Crime Index:
380
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 3,300
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 285
Weather
What is the weather like in Bustins Island, ME year-round?
The island experiences classic coastal Maine weather, with cool winters averaging between 15°F and 35°F and mild summers ranging from 55°F to 78°F. Annually, the area receives about 48 inches of rainfall and enjoys sunny skies about 55% of the year. Seasonal changes bring a variety of outdoor opportunities, from crisp autumns to pleasant summers.
Winter
Min:
15°F
Max:
35°F
Spring
Min:
32°F
Max:
60°F
Summer
Min:
55°F
Max:
78°F
Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
48 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
55%
Neighbors
Residents of Bustins Island typically have median household incomes around $65,000, with a low poverty rate of 7.5% and high educational attainment—95% hold at least a high school diploma. The island community is small, friendly, and relies on neighboring towns for many services, with no public transportation and access exclusively by ferry or boat.
Median Income:
$41,000
Household Income:
$65,000
Family Income:
$78,000
Per Capita Income:
$36,000
Income Male:
$40,000
Income Female:
$34,000
Poverty Rate:
7.5%
Non English Speakers:
2.5%
Rent:
$1,100
Unemployment Rate:
3.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0%
Commute Time:
N/A (island access by ferry/boat only)
Education
High School or Higher:
95%
Bachelors or More:
41%
Education
How are the schools in Bustins Island, ME?
While Bustins Island itself lacks schools, families access highly rated public and private education in nearby Freeport, including Freeport Middle School and Merriconeag Waldorf School. The area is also close to Bowdoin College in Brunswick, offering higher education opportunities just 11 miles away. Students benefit from small class sizes and a strong emphasis on academic achievement.
Public Schools
Name:
Freeport Middle School
Street:
19 Kendall Ln, Freeport, ME 04032
Phone:
207-865-6051
Students:
500
Student Teacher Ratio:
11:1
Name:
Morse Street School
Street:
21 Morse St, Freeport, ME 04032
Phone:
207-865-6361
Students:
300
Student Teacher Ratio:
12:1
Private Schools
Name:
Merriconeag Waldorf School
Street:
57 Desert Rd, Freeport, ME 04032
Phone:
207-865-3900
Students:
200
Colleges
Name:
Bowdoin College
City:
Brunswick
State:
ME
Distance:
11 miles
Students:
1,900
Healthcare
Access to healthcare on Bustins Island includes nearby facilities like Mid Coast Hospital in Brunswick, offering full emergency and general medical services. The area features a solid ratio of physicians (2.1 per 1,000 residents) and a high rate of health insurance coverage at over 92%. Residents benefit from comprehensive medical care just a short ferry ride away.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Mid Coast Hospital
Address:
123 Medical Center Dr, Brunswick, ME 04011
Phone:
(207) 373-6000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.5%
Health Care Index:
79
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Bustins Island, ME?
Bustins Island's housing market is dominated by seasonal homes, with a median home price of $410,000 and a high owner occupancy rate of 95%. Rental opportunities are scarce and typically short-term, reflecting the vacation-oriented nature of the island. Home values have appreciated steadily, and new construction is minimal, preserving the island’s unique charm.
Median Home Price:
$410,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,100
Owner Occupied Rate:
95% (majority are seasonal homes)
Rental Vacancy Rate:
15% (seasonal/short-term)
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.5%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.1%
DMV Information
Residents handle vehicle registration and licensing through the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles in Augusta, with resources and services accessible online or by phone. As Bustins Island is car-free, most vehicle needs relate to mainland transportation. The DMV provides all standard services for Maine residents.
State:
Maine
Department:
Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Address:
19 Union 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.