Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Portage Lake, ME
Considering a quiet move to Portage Lake, ME? With just 359 residents and a median home price of $182,000, this lakeside community offers an affordable, rural lifestyle with a low violent crime rate (72 per 100k) and plenty of outdoor charm. Commute times are short at 22 minutes, while local schools and healthcare are accessible in nearby towns. Enjoy crisp Maine summers, snowy winters, and a close-knit atmosphere perfect for those seeking peace and nature.
Demographics - Portage Lake, ME
Demographics - Portage Lake, ME
Portage Lake is a small, close-knit community of 359 residents, characterized by a predominantly older population with a median age of 56.2 years. The town is mostly White (97.2%) and has a slightly higher number of males than females, making it a quiet rural destination suited for those seeking a peaceful lifestyle.
Population:
359
Density:
12 per sq mi
Median Age:
56.2
Gender Ratio:
104 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.1%
Ethnic Composition
White:
97.2%
Black:
0.0%
Asian:
0.6%
Others:
2.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Portage Lake, ME?
Portage Lake offers a cost of living below the national average, with a median home value of $182,000 and average rent around $890 per month. Lower housing costs and manageable utility expenses make it an attractive option for budget-conscious residents looking for rural charm.
Median House Value:
$182,000
Gross Rent:
$890
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$900
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,120
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$415
State Taxes:
Low:
5.8%
|
High:
7.15%
Cost Of Living Index:
90.5
Grocery:
96.2
Housing:
78.0
Utilities:
104.3
Transportation:
90.2
Health Care:
95.0
Miscellaneous:
93.4
Crime
Is Portage Lake, ME a safe place to live?
Residents of Portage Lake experience a low crime environment, with a violent crime rate of just 72 incidents per 100,000 people, making it one of the safer communities in Maine. Property crime is also relatively low, providing peace of mind for families and retirees alike.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
72
Property Crimes Per 100k:
860
Crime Index:
932
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,388
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 116
Weather
What is the weather like in Portage Lake, ME year-round?
The city experiences classic northern Maine weather, featuring snowy winters with lows around 2°F and mild summers that reach up to 76°F. Portage Lake sees about 36.7 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine nearly half the year—perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
Winter
Min:
2°F
Max:
22°F
Spring
Min:
28°F
Max:
58°F
Summer
Min:
51°F
Max:
76°F
Fall
Min:
31°F
Max:
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
36.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
48%
Neighbors
Portage Lake's neighbors enjoy modest incomes, with a median household income of $52,000 and a poverty rate of 12.4%. The community is well-educated, with 92% holding a high school diploma or higher, and most residents opt for private transportation due to the rural setting.
Median Income:
$28,500
Household Income:
$52,000
Family Income:
$62,400
Per Capita Income:
$24,800
Income Male:
$34,700
Income Female:
$28,100
Poverty Rate:
12.4%
Non English Speakers:
2.1%
Rent:
$890
Unemployment Rate:
4.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
22.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.0%
Bachelors or More:
18.3%
Education
How are the schools in Portage Lake, ME?
Local students attend Ashland District School, known for its small class sizes and supportive environment, while higher education is accessible at the University of Maine at Fort Kent, about 35 miles away. The area prioritizes educational attainment, ensuring both foundational and advanced learning opportunities.
Public Schools
Name:
Ashland District School
Street:
180 Presque Isle Rd
Phone:
207-435-6361
Students:
340
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.6
Colleges
Name:
University of Maine at Fort Kent
City:
Fort Kent
State:
ME
Distance:
35 miles
Students:
1,300
Healthcare
Healthcare needs are served by nearby general and surgical hospitals, such as Northern Maine Medical Center and Cary Medical Center, both offering emergency services. Most residents (93%) have health insurance, and the physician availability is typical for a rural area, supporting basic healthcare needs locally.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Northern Maine Medical Center
Address:
194 E Main St, Fort Kent, ME 04743
Phone:
(207) 834-3155
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Cary Medical Center
Address:
163 Van Buren Rd, Caribou, ME 04736
Phone:
(207) 498-3111
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.0%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Portage Lake, ME?
The housing market in Portage Lake is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $182,000 and owner occupancy at 91.2%. Home values have appreciated moderately in the past year, offering potential for long-term investment in a tranquil setting.
Median Home Price:
$182,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$890
Owner Occupied Rate:
91.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.6%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Portage Lake residents are served by the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles, located in Augusta, which provides essential vehicle and licensing services through its main office and online resources.
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.