Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Islesford, ME
Considering a move to Islesford, ME? This charming island village has a close-knit population of just 65, offering tranquil living and scenic coastal beauty. Median home values are around $340,000, with typical rents at $1,050. Crime rates are very low, and the average commute is just 15 minutes—though island life often means walking or boating. While education options are nearby and the climate is cool with 51% sunny days, Islesford is ideal for those seeking a peaceful, rural lifestyle with access to Maine’s natural splendor.
Demographics - Islesford, ME
Demographics - Islesford, ME
Islesford is a small, close-knit community of just 65 residents, with a median age of 58, reflecting a mature population. The town is predominantly White, and a very low percentage of non-English speakers makes it a linguistically homogenous area. With its low population density, Islesford offers a peaceful and uncrowded island lifestyle.
Population:
65
Density:
30 per sq mi
Median Age:
58.0
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
96.0%
Black:
0.0%
Asian:
0.0%
Others:
4.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Islesford, ME?
The cost of living in Islesford is slightly above the national average, with a median home value of $340,000 and rents typically around $1,050 per month. Utility and transportation costs are moderate, while state income taxes range from 5.8% to 7.15%. Residents enjoy a comfortable standard of living with reasonable housing expenses compared to coastal New England norms.
Median House Value:
$340,000
Gross Rent:
$1,050
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$970
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,410
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$510
State Taxes:
Low:
5.8%
|
High:
7.15%
Cost Of Living Index:
109.0
Grocery:
104.5
Housing:
98.0
Utilities:
113.5
Transportation:
105.0
Health Care:
101.0
Miscellaneous:
103.0
Crime
Is Islesford, ME a safe place to live?
Islesford enjoys a very low crime rate, with only 80 violent crimes and 650 property crimes per 100,000 residents, making it a notably safe place to live. The odds of experiencing a violent crime are just 1 in 1,250, providing peace of mind for families and retirees. The overall crime index is well below national averages, reinforcing the island's reputation for safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
80
Property Crimes Per 100k:
650
Crime Index:
730
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,250
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 155
Weather
What is the weather like in Islesford, ME year-round?
Islesford experiences cool, coastal weather with mild summers peaking around 74°F and chilly winters averaging lows of 13°F. The area receives about 46 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 51% of days, creating a refreshing maritime climate. Residents can expect crisp sea air and beautiful seasonal changes throughout the year.
Winter
Min:
13°F
Max:
34°F
Spring
Min:
34°F
Max:
56°F
Summer
Min:
56°F
Max:
74°F
Fall
Min:
37°F
Max:
60°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
51%
Neighbors
The Islesford community has a median household income of $41,200 and a low unemployment rate of 3.9%. Most residents have at least a high school education, and the average commute time is just 15 minutes, often involving walking or boating. The area maintains a modest poverty rate of 10.4%, reflecting a stable and supportive local economy.
Median Income:
$34,800
Household Income:
$41,200
Family Income:
$50,500
Per Capita Income:
$29,550
Income Male:
$34,000
Income Female:
$27,200
Poverty Rate:
10.4%
Non English Speakers:
2.5%
Rent:
$1,050
Unemployment Rate:
3.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
15.0 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91.5%
Bachelors or More:
36.2%
Education
How are the schools in Islesford, ME?
Education in Islesford is supported by nearby Mount Desert Elementary School, which offers small class sizes and a student-teacher ratio of 10.5. For higher education, the College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor is just 13 miles away, providing local access to college-level learning. While private school options are not available on the island, public schools in the area are well-regarded.
Public Schools
Name:
Mount Desert Elementary School
Street:
8 Joy Rd
Phone:
207-276-3348
Students:
180
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.5
Colleges
Name:
College of the Atlantic
City:
Bar Harbor
State:
ME
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
370
Healthcare
Healthcare access in Islesford is supported by nearby facilities like Mount Desert Island Hospital in Bar Harbor, which offers general and emergency services. With 2.3 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 92% health insurance coverage, Islanders benefit from reliable medical care. The healthcare index indicates solid overall service quality for such a small population.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Mount Desert Island Hospital
Address:
10 Wayman Lane, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Phone:
(207) 288-5081
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.8%
Health Care Index:
80.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Islesford, ME?
Islesford’s housing market features a median home price of $340,000, with approximately 69% of homes owner-occupied. Rental options are limited but affordable, with average two-bedroom rents at $1,050. The area has seen steady appreciation and very low foreclosure rates, making it a stable environment for homeowners.
Median Home Price:
$340,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,050
Owner Occupied Rate:
69.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.5%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Residents of Islesford handle vehicle services through the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles in Augusta, accessible online or by phone. The BMV provides all standard licensing and registration services for Maine drivers. Islanders may need to plan ahead for in-person visits due to the island's remote location.
State:
Maine
Department:
Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Address:
101 Hospital Street, 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.