Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Caribou, ME
Considering a move to Caribou, ME? With a welcoming small-town vibe and a population of about 7,400, Caribou offers affordable living—median home prices are just $119,800 and average rents hover around $735. Commutes are short at under 16 minutes, and crime rates are low with only 79 violent crimes per 100K residents. Enjoy four distinct seasons, access to quality local schools, and a close-knit community surrounded by Maine’s natural beauty.
Demographics - Caribou, ME
Demographics - Caribou, ME
Caribou, Maine is home to about 7,400 residents, with a median age of 47, reflecting a mature and stable community. The city is predominantly White, with a small percentage of other ethnic groups and a low number of non-English speakers, making it a close-knit and accessible place for newcomers.
Population:
7,396
Density:
106 per sq mi
Median Age:
47.2
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.2%
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 Caribou, ME?
Caribou boasts a low cost of living, with median home values at $119,800 and average rents around $735, making homeownership and renting highly affordable. Utilities are slightly above average, but overall expenses remain well below national averages, offering excellent value for families and retirees.
Median House Value:
$119,800
Gross Rent:
$735
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$125
Auto Insurance:
$1,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,100
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$425
State Taxes:
Low:
5.8%
|
High:
7.15%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.1
Grocery:
97.3
Housing:
54.6
Utilities:
109.2
Transportation:
91.4
Health Care:
97.8
Miscellaneous:
97.2
Crime
Is Caribou, ME a safe place to live?
Caribou is a notably safe community, with violent crime rates of only 79 per 100,000 and a property crime rate of 1,078 per 100,000. Residents enjoy peace of mind thanks to the city’s low overall crime index and strong sense of security.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
79
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,078
Crime Index:
1,157
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,260
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 93
Weather
What is the weather like in Caribou, ME year-round?
Caribou experiences all four seasons, with cold, snowy winters and pleasant summers where highs reach around 75°F. The area receives about 40 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine about 44% of the year, making it ideal for those who appreciate seasonal variety.
Winter
Min:
1°F
Max:
23°F
Spring
Min:
27°F
Max:
55°F
Summer
Min:
51°F
Max:
75°F
Fall
Min:
32°F
Max:
55°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
39.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
44%
Neighbors
The city offers a community-oriented lifestyle with a median household income of $45,180 and a poverty rate of 17.1%. Most adults have at least a high school diploma, and commutes are short at just over 15 minutes, contributing to a friendly and accessible local atmosphere.
Median Income:
$36,400
Household Income:
$45,180
Family Income:
$58,300
Per Capita Income:
$26,340
Income Male:
$40,200
Income Female:
$33,100
Poverty Rate:
17.1%
Non English Speakers:
3.2%
Rent:
$735
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.6%
Commute Time:
15.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91.9%
Bachelors or More:
19.6%
Education
How are the schools in Caribou, ME?
Caribou offers quality public education, highlighted by Caribou High School and Caribou Community School, both featuring low student-teacher ratios for personalized attention. For higher education, the University of Maine at Presque Isle is a short 15-mile drive, supporting local academic and career opportunities.
Public Schools
Name:
Caribou High School
Street:
308 Sweden St
Phone:
207-493-4260
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.2
Name:
Caribou Community School
Street:
25 Griffeth Rd
Phone:
207-496-6301
Students:
800
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.8
Colleges
Name:
University of Maine at Presque Isle
City:
Presque Isle
State:
ME
Distance:
15 miles
Students:
1,300
Healthcare
Caribou provides solid healthcare options, anchored by Cary Medical Center, a full-service hospital with emergency care. The city has a strong physician-to-resident ratio and over 94% of residents have health insurance coverage, ensuring reliable access to medical services.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Cary Medical Center
Address:
163 Van Buren Rd #1, Caribou, ME 04736
Phone:
(207) 498-3111
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.1%
Health Care Index:
69.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Caribou, ME?
The local housing market is attractive, with a median home price of $119,800 and two-bedroom rents around $750. Homeownership is common, vacancy rates are moderate, and property values are steadily appreciating, making Caribou a smart choice for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$119,800
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$750
Owner Occupied Rate:
66.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Caribou residents are served by the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles, with the main office located in Augusta and comprehensive services available online and by phone. The DMV provides convenient access for license, registration, and vehicle-related needs.
State:
Maine
Department:
Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Address:
19 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.