Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Calais, ME
Thinking about moving to Calais, ME? With a population of just over 3,000, Calais offers affordable small-town living, with median home prices around $119,000 and average rents near $780. Residents benefit from low crime rates, short 14-minute commutes, and access to local schools and healthcare. The city’s scenic riverside location, friendly pace, and mild summers make it an inviting choice for those seeking value and Maine’s natural beauty.
Demographics - Calais, ME
Demographics - Calais, ME
Calais, Maine is a small city of about 3,100 people, with a predominantly White population and a median age of 48. The community is fairly balanced in gender and features low linguistic diversity, making it a close-knit and traditional New England town.
Population:
3,079
Density:
163 per sq mi
Median Age:
48.1
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
94.5%
Black:
0.6%
Asian:
0.3%
Others:
4.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Calais, ME?
Calais offers an affordable cost of living, with median home values around $119,000 and average rents at $780. The overall cost of living index is well below the national average, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious residents.
Median House Value:
$119,000
Gross Rent:
$780
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,100
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$390
State Taxes:
Low:
5.8%
|
High:
7.15%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.5
Grocery:
98.4
Housing:
52.6
Utilities:
102.1
Transportation:
89.7
Health Care:
104.3
Miscellaneous:
97.8
Crime
Is Calais, ME a safe place to live?
Calais experiences low violent crime, with only about 123 incidents per 100,000 residents, and property crime rates are moderate for a city of its size. Residents generally enjoy a safe and secure environment, contributing to the city's appeal for families and retirees.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
123
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,217
Crime Index:
1,340
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 813
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 82
Weather
What is the weather like in Calais, ME year-round?
Calais experiences cold, snowy winters and mild, pleasant summers, with temperatures ranging from 7°F in winter to 78°F in summer. The area receives about 44 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine nearly half the year, making for a distinctly four-season climate.

Winter
Min:
7°F
Max:
28°F

Spring
Min:
28°F
Max:
51°F

Summer
Min:
52°F
Max:
78°F

Fall
Min:
33°F
Max:
59°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
44.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
48%
Neighbors
The community in Calais has a median household income of $39,000 and a poverty rate of 24.5%. Most residents have at least a high school education, and daily commutes are short, averaging just over 14 minutes.
Median Income:
$24,000
Household Income:
$39,000
Family Income:
$51,000
Per Capita Income:
$22,600
Income Male:
$32,000
Income Female:
$25,000
Poverty Rate:
24.5%
Non English Speakers:
2.0%
Rent:
$780
Unemployment Rate:
6.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
14.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
87.5%
Bachelors or More:
16.2%
Education
How are the schools in Calais, ME?
Calais offers public elementary and middle/high schools with favorable student-teacher ratios, and is home to Washington County Community College. The city supports both K-12 and higher education within a small-town setting.

Public Schools
Name:
Calais Elementary School
Street:
32 Calais Ave
Phone:
207-454-2000
Students:
270
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.8
Name:
Calais Middle/High School
Street:
34 Blue Devil Hill
Phone:
207-454-2591
Students:
320
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5

Colleges
Name:
Washington County Community College
City:
Calais
State:
ME
Distance:
1 mile
Students:
750
Healthcare
Calais is served by Calais Community Hospital, providing general and emergency care locally. With a high rate of health insurance coverage and accessible physicians, healthcare needs are well supported for a small city.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Calais Community Hospital
Address:
24 Hospital Lane, Calais, ME 04619
Phone:
(207) 454-7521
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.1%
Health Care Index:
77.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Calais, ME?
Calais’s housing market is stable and affordable, with median home prices at $119,000 and over two-thirds of homes owner-occupied. Vacancy rates are moderate, and home values have seen steady appreciation in recent years.
Median Home Price:
$119,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$780
Owner Occupied Rate:
66.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
Residents of Calais access motor vehicle services through the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles, headquartered in Augusta, with online resources and regional offices available for licensing and registration needs.
State:
Maine
Department:
Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Address:
112 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333
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.