Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Mount Desert, ME
Dreaming of a move to Mount Desert, ME? With a close-knit population of just over 2,100, this scenic community boasts stunning coastal beauty and a tranquil lifestyle. Expect a higher median home price of $545,000, reasonable rents around $1,250, and a cost of living just above the national average. Residents enjoy short 17-minute commutes, very low crime rates, and excellent educational attainment—over 57% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. With mild summers, snowy winters, and easy access to healthcare and outdoor activities, Mount Desert is ideal for those seeking small-town charm with natural splendor.
Demographics - Mount Desert, ME
Demographics - Mount Desert, ME
Mount Desert, home to just over 2,100 residents, features a predominantly White population with a median age of 54, reflecting a mature and close-knit community. The area has a balanced gender ratio and a small percentage of non-English speakers, making it welcoming yet rooted in its New England heritage.
Population:
2,109
Density:
67 per sq mi
Median Age:
54.1
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.3%
Ethnic Composition
White:
96.5%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
1.1%
Others:
1.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Mount Desert, ME?
Mount Desert has a cost of living index slightly above the national average, largely due to higher median home values around $545,000. Rent and utilities are moderate, and state income taxes are in the mid to high range, making it important for newcomers to budget carefully.
Median House Value:
$545,000
Gross Rent:
$1,250
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$700
State Taxes:
Low:
5.8%
|
High:
7.15%
Cost Of Living Index:
112.0
Grocery:
107.2
Housing:
128.5
Utilities:
110.0
Transportation:
102.5
Health Care:
108.5
Miscellaneous:
102.0
Crime
Is Mount Desert, ME a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Mount Desert are notably low, with only 43 violent crimes and 520 property crimes per 100,000 residents, providing a strong sense of safety for locals. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is just 1 in 2,325, which is significantly better than most areas.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
43
Property Crimes Per 100k:
520
Crime Index:
563
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 2,325
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 192
Weather
What is the weather like in Mount Desert, ME year-round?
Residents experience classic coastal Maine weather, including mild summers with highs reaching 77°F and cold winters dipping to 12°F. The area receives about 51 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine about 48% of the year, offering a true four-season climate.
Winter
Min:
12°F
Max:
32°F
Spring
Min:
32°F
Max:
54°F
Summer
Min:
55°F
Max:
77°F
Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
60°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
51 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
48%
Neighbors
Mount Desert's households earn a median income of $72,800, with a low poverty rate of 8.3% and an unemployment rate below 4%. The community is highly educated, with nearly 58% holding at least a bachelor's degree, and commutes are short, averaging just over 17 minutes.
Median Income:
$42,000
Household Income:
$72,800
Family Income:
$93,100
Per Capita Income:
$41,500
Income Male:
$47,000
Income Female:
$39,000
Poverty Rate:
8.3%
Non English Speakers:
4.3%
Rent:
$1,250
Unemployment Rate:
3.9%
Public Transport Usage:
1.1%
Commute Time:
17.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
97.5%
Bachelors or More:
57.3%
Education
How are the schools in Mount Desert, ME?
Families in Mount Desert enjoy access to well-rated public schools with low student-teacher ratios, as well as local private school options. The town is also close to higher education institutions like the College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor and Husson University in Bangor, supporting lifelong learning.
Public Schools
Name:
Mount Desert Elementary School
Street:
8 Joy Rd
Phone:
207-276-3348
Students:
175
Student Teacher Ratio:
9.5
Name:
Pemetic Elementary School
Street:
821 Main St, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679
Phone:
207-244-5502
Students:
140
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.2
Private Schools
Name:
The Bay School
Street:
17 Bay School Dr, Blue Hill, ME 04614
Phone:
207-374-2187
Students:
210
Colleges
Name:
College of the Atlantic
City:
Bar Harbor
State:
ME
Distance:
9 miles
Students:
350
Name:
Husson University
City:
Bangor
State:
ME
Distance:
45 miles
Students:
3,600
Healthcare
Healthcare access is strong, anchored by Mount Desert Island Hospital offering emergency services nearby. With 2.1 physicians per 1,000 residents and health insurance coverage above 95%, residents benefit from comprehensive local care and resources.
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:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.4%
Health Care Index:
81.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Mount Desert, ME?
The housing market in Mount Desert is competitive, with a median home price of $545,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $1,250. Most homes are owner-occupied, and the area has seen healthy appreciation rates, making it attractive for both buyers and investors.
Median Home Price:
$545,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,250
Owner Occupied Rate:
68.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.3%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents handle vehicle registrations and licensing through the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles, located in Augusta, with online resources and support available for convenience. The process is straightforward and typical for the state of Maine.
State:
Maine
Department:
Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Address:
19 Anthony Avenue, 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.