Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Frye Island, ME
Considering a move to Frye Island, ME? This unique island community has a small year-round population of around 40, swelling to 300+ in summer, and offers a peaceful, seasonal lifestyle with a median home price of $525,000. Crime rates are exceptionally low, and the cost of living is slightly above the national average, with limited long-term rentals and minimal commute times by ferry. Residents enjoy access to beautiful lake scenery, outdoor recreation, and nearby schools and hospitals across the water. Frye Island is best suited for those seeking a tranquil, nature-focused retreat.
Demographics - Frye Island, ME
Demographics - Frye Island, ME
Frye Island is a close-knit, predominantly White community with about 40 year-round residents and over 300 during the summer months, and a high median age of 62, reflecting its popularity among retirees. The island's population density rises seasonally, and English is the primary language spoken by nearly all residents. This tranquil setting offers a peaceful atmosphere with a slight male majority.
Population:
40 (year-round), approx. 300+ (seasonal)
Density:
65 per sq mi (seasonal)
Median Age:
62
Gender Ratio:
105 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
98.5%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
0.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Frye Island, ME?
The cost of living on Frye Island is moderately above the national average, with a cost of living index of 113.0 and a median home value of $525,000. Utilities, groceries, and healthcare are slightly higher than average, and most housing is owner-occupied, with limited long-term rentals. State income taxes range from 5.8% to 7.15%, contributing to the overall affordability picture.
Median House Value:
$525,000
Gross Rent:
$1,100 (seasonal, limited long-term rentals)
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$680
State Taxes:
Low:
5.8%
|
High:
7.15%
Cost Of Living Index:
113.0
Grocery:
109.1
Housing:
118.5
Utilities:
105.3
Transportation:
110.0
Health Care:
108.7
Miscellaneous:
105.0
Crime
Is Frye Island, ME a safe place to live?
Frye Island boasts exceptionally low crime rates, making it one of the safest communities in Maine, especially during its quieter seasons. With only 30 violent crimes per 100,000 residents and a low property crime risk, residents enjoy peace of mind year-round. The island's seasonal nature and small population contribute to its strong sense of security.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
30 (very low, seasonal island)
Property Crimes Per 100k:
100
Crime Index:
130
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 3,300
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 1,000
Weather
What is the weather like in Frye Island, ME year-round?
The island experiences classic Maine seasons, with cold winters averaging 10°F to 30°F and warm, pleasant summers ranging from 55°F to 82°F. Annual rainfall is about 44 inches, and sunshine is plentiful 53% of the year. This climate supports a vibrant outdoor lifestyle, especially during the popular summer months.
Winter
Min:
10°F
Max:
30°F
Spring
Min:
35°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
55°F
Max:
82°F
Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
44 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
53%
Neighbors
Frye Island residents enjoy a median household income of $64,000 and a family income of $72,000, with education levels above the national average—over 97% are high school graduates. Unemployment is low at 4.1%, and poverty affects only 7.5% of the population. Nearly all commuting involves a short island ferry ride, and the community is known for its welcoming, educated neighbors.
Median Income:
$36,000
Household Income:
$64,000
Family Income:
$72,000
Per Capita Income:
$32,000
Income Male:
$42,000
Income Female:
$34,000
Poverty Rate:
7.5%
Non English Speakers:
2%
Rent:
$1,100 (seasonal avg.)
Unemployment Rate:
4.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0%
Commute Time:
15 minutes (island ferry commute; off-island varies)
Education
High School or Higher:
97.2%
Bachelors or More:
40.1%
Education
How are the schools in Frye Island, ME?
Families on Frye Island can access public schools such as Raymond Elementary and Lake Region High School, both offering favorable student-teacher ratios and supportive learning environments nearby on the mainland. Private school and college options, including Southern Maine Community College and the University of Southern Maine, are within a 30–35 mile drive. The island’s seasonal lifestyle is complemented by strong educational opportunities in the surrounding region.
Public Schools
Name:
Raymond Elementary School
Street:
434 Webbs Mills Rd, Raymond, ME 04071
Phone:
207-655-8672
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.5
Name:
Lake Region High School
Street:
1877 Roosevelt Trail, Naples, ME 04055
Phone:
207-693-6221
Students:
530
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.2
Private Schools
Name:
Windham Christian Academy
Street:
386 Gray Rd, Windham, ME 04062
Phone:
207-892-2244
Students:
165
Colleges
Name:
Southern Maine Community College
City:
South Portland
State:
ME
Distance:
32 miles
Students:
6,000
Name:
University of Southern Maine
City:
Portland
State:
ME
Distance:
34 miles
Students:
8,000
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality healthcare services, with two major hospitals—Bridgton Hospital and Maine Medical Center—located nearby on the mainland. The area maintains a high health insurance coverage rate of 92.5% and a physician availability of 2.5 per 1,000 residents. Emergency services are accessible, ensuring comprehensive care for year-round and seasonal residents alike.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Bridgton Hospital
Address:
10 Hospital Dr, Bridgton, ME 04009
Phone:
(207) 647-6000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Maine Medical Center
Address:
22 Bramhall St, Portland, ME 04102
Phone:
(207) 662-0111
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.5%
Health Care Index:
77.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Frye Island, ME?
The Frye Island housing market is characterized by a high median home price of $525,000 and a strong owner-occupancy rate of 96%. Seasonal rentals are limited, with average two-bedroom rents around $1,100, and the market shows steady appreciation at 4.2% annually. With low foreclosure rates and slow new construction, the community maintains exclusivity and stability.
Median Home Price:
$525,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,100 (seasonal, limited availability)
Owner Occupied Rate:
96%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
10% (seasonal)
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Frye Island residents are served by the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest branch in Augusta. Essential DMV services, including licensing and registration, are conveniently accessible both in-person and online. The state’s DMV provides comprehensive support for vehicle owners and new residents moving to the island.
State:
Maine
Department:
Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Address:
101 Hospital St, Augusta, ME 04330
Phone:
1-207-624-9000
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.