Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Orono, ME
Considering a move to Orono, ME? This vibrant college town of 11,360 is home to the University of Maine and offers affordable living, with median home prices around $289,000 and average rents at $1,170. Residents enjoy a low violent crime rate (56 per 100K), quick 16-minute commutes, and excellent educational opportunities. Orono's four-season climate, strong community spirit, and easy access to major healthcare in nearby Bangor make it an appealing spot for students, families, and professionals alike.
Demographics - Orono, ME
Orono, ME is a youthful and diverse college town with a population of 11,360 and a median age of just 21.9, reflecting its vibrant student presence. The community is predominantly White, with 6.5% of residents speaking a language other than English at home, contributing to a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.
Population:
11,360
Density:
932 per sq mi
Median Age:
21.9
Gender Ratio:
103 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
90.7%
Black:
2.1%
Asian:
2.6%
Others:
4.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Orono, ME?
Orono offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $289,000 and average rents around $1,170, making it accessible for students and families. While utilities and groceries are slightly above the national average, housing remains notably budget-friendly, and state income taxes range from 5.8% to 7.15%.
Median House Value:
$289,000
Gross Rent:
$1,170
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$910
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,570
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$570
State Taxes:
Low:
5.8%
|
High:
7.15%
Cost Of Living Index:
96.3
Grocery:
102.5
Housing:
84.2
Utilities:
109.6
Transportation:
92.7
Health Care:
100.8
Miscellaneous:
97.4
Crime
Is Orono, ME a safe place to live?
Orono is a safe community, boasting a low violent crime rate of just 56 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime risk of 1 in 89. Residents can enjoy peace of mind living in this secure college town environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
56
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,120
Crime Index:
1,176
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,800
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 89
Weather
What is the weather like in Orono, ME year-round?
Orono experiences all four seasons, with cold winters averaging lows around 7°F and pleasant summers peaking near 79°F. The town receives about 40.7 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine about half the year, making it ideal for those who appreciate seasonal variety.

Winter
Min:
7°F
Max:
28°F

Spring
Min:
32°F
Max:
58°F

Summer
Min:
55°F
Max:
79°F

Fall
Min:
35°F
Max:
61°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
40.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
50%
Neighbors
Orono’s friendly neighborhoods are shaped by the university, resulting in a median household income of $44,500 and a high educational attainment, with over half of residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. Despite a higher poverty rate of 30.6%, the area features low unemployment and short average commute times of just over 16 minutes.
Median Income:
$24,000
Household Income:
$44,500
Family Income:
$79,900
Per Capita Income:
$21,100
Income Male:
$29,600
Income Female:
$27,300
Poverty Rate:
30.6%
Non English Speakers:
6.5%
Rent:
$1,170
Unemployment Rate:
3.1%
Public Transport Usage:
3.2%
Commute Time:
16.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
95.3%
Bachelors or More:
52.1%
Education
How are the schools in Orono, ME?
Orono is known for its excellent educational opportunities, including well-rated public schools and the University of Maine, which enrolls nearly 12,000 students right in town. Families benefit from small class sizes and access to both public and private school options, while proximity to higher education fosters a lively academic community.

Public Schools
Name:
Orono High School
Street:
14 Goodridge Dr
Phone:
207-866-4916
Students:
340
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.3
Name:
Orono Middle School
Street:
14 Goodridge Dr
Phone:
207-866-2350
Students:
225
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.8

Private Schools
Name:
Stillwater Academy
Street:
1954 Stillwater Ave
Phone:
207-827-4545
Students:
60

Colleges
Name:
University of Maine
City:
Orono
State:
ME
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
11,900
Name:
Husson University
City:
Bangor
State:
ME
Distance:
9 miles
Students:
3,600
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center just a short drive away in Bangor. The town enjoys a high health insurance coverage rate of 92.8% and a solid ratio of 2.5 physicians per 1,000 people.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center
Address:
489 State St, Bangor, ME 04401
Phone:
(207) 973-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
St. Joseph Hospital
Address:
360 Broadway, Bangor, ME 04401
Phone:
(207) 907-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.8%
Health Care Index:
69.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Orono, ME?
Orono’s housing market is attractive for buyers and renters alike, featuring a median home price of $289,000 and average rents at $1,170 for a two-bedroom unit. The city has a relatively low owner-occupancy rate of 35.8%, reflecting its strong rental market, and homes have appreciated by 6.7% in the past year.
Median Home Price:
$289,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,170
Owner Occupied Rate:
35.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.7%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Vehicle services for Orono residents are managed by the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles, located in Augusta, with convenient online resources and support available by phone or through their official website.
State:
Maine
Department:
Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Address:
101 Hospital St, 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.