Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Scarborough, ME
Thinking of moving to Scarborough, ME? With a population of 22,135, this coastal community offers a relaxed pace, a median home price of $520,000, and average rents around $2,150. Residents enjoy low crime rates, highly rated schools, and a short average commute of 22 minutes. Scarborough features a mild summer climate, plentiful healthcare options nearby, and a well-educated population—making it a great choice for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Scarborough, ME
Demographics - Scarborough, ME
Scarborough, Maine is home to just over 22,000 residents, with a predominantly White population and a median age of 48, reflecting a mature, family-oriented community. The area has a balanced gender ratio and a small but present diversity, with about 5.5% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density offers a suburban feel with space and comfort.
Population:
22,135
Density:
390 per sq mi
Median Age:
48.1
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
95.1%
Black:
0.9%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
2.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Scarborough, ME?
Scarborough's cost of living is higher than the national average, driven by a median home value of $520,000 and average rents of $2,150. Utility and transportation costs are also somewhat above average, but residents benefit from competitive state income tax rates between 5.8% and 7.15%. The overall cost reflects the desirable coastal location and high quality of life.
Median House Value:
$520,000
Gross Rent:
$2,150
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,300
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$800
State Taxes:
Low:
5.8%
|
High:
7.15%
Cost Of Living Index:
118.0
Grocery:
110.2
Housing:
128.4
Utilities:
105.5
Transportation:
112.3
Health Care:
108.6
Miscellaneous:
104.0
Crime
Is Scarborough, ME a safe place to live?
Scarborough boasts a very low crime rate, with violent crimes being rare—about 52 incidents per 100,000 people—making it one of the safer communities in Maine. Property crime is also low, with a chance of 1 in 115, so residents enjoy a strong sense of security. This safe environment is a major draw for families and retirees.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
52
Property Crimes Per 100k:
870
Crime Index:
922
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,923
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 115
Weather
What is the weather like in Scarborough, ME year-round?
The city experiences four distinct seasons, with warm, mild summers averaging highs of 80°F, and cold winters with lows around 15°F. Scarborough receives nearly 48 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine about 54% of the year. The seasonal variety supports outdoor recreation and a vibrant coastal lifestyle.
Winter
Min:
15°F
Max:
34°F
Spring
Min:
37°F
Max:
61°F
Summer
Min:
58°F
Max:
80°F
Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
64°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
47.9 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Scarborough residents are well-educated, with over 97% holding a high school diploma and more than half possessing a bachelor's degree or higher. The median household income is $102,800, and unemployment is low at 2.7%, indicating a stable and prosperous local economy. Most people commute about 22 minutes to work, reflecting the town's convenient location.
Median Income:
$53,000
Household Income:
$102,800
Family Income:
$117,500
Per Capita Income:
$54,200
Income Male:
$60,000
Income Female:
$48,000
Poverty Rate:
4.7%
Non English Speakers:
5.5%
Rent:
$2,150
Unemployment Rate:
2.7%
Public Transport Usage:
1.6%
Commute Time:
22.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
97.5%
Bachelors or More:
53.2%
Education
How are the schools in Scarborough, ME?
Scarborough offers highly rated public schools with favorable student-teacher ratios, including Scarborough High School and Wentworth School, supporting nearly 1,000 students each. Private and parochial school options are nearby, and higher education is easily accessible with the University of Southern Maine and Southern Maine Community College just a short drive away. This strong educational infrastructure makes the city attractive to families.
Public Schools
Name:
Scarborough High School
Street:
11 Municipal Dr
Phone:
207-730-5000
Students:
950
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.5
Name:
Wentworth School
Street:
20 Quentin Dr
Phone:
207-730-4600
Students:
800
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.9
Private Schools
Name:
St. Brigid School
Street:
695 Stevens Ave, Portland
Phone:
207-797-7073
Students:
320
Colleges
Name:
University of Southern Maine
City:
Portland
State:
ME
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
7,500
Name:
Southern Maine Community College
City:
South Portland
State:
ME
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
6,000
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is excellent, with 95.8% of residents insured and major hospitals like Maine Medical Center and Northern Light Mercy Hospital nearby. The area has a strong physician presence, with 2.7 doctors per 1,000 residents, supporting a high standard of care. Scarborough’s healthcare index reflects quality services for families and seniors alike.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Maine Medical Center
Address:
22 Bramhall St, Portland, ME 04102
Phone:
(207) 662-0111
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Northern Light Mercy Hospital
Address:
175 Fore River Pkwy, Portland, ME 04102
Phone:
(207) 879-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.8%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Scarborough, ME?
The housing market in Scarborough is robust, with a median home price of $520,000 and an owner-occupied rate of 80%. Home values have appreciated by 6.4% over the past year, showing ongoing demand. Rental options are available but limited, as indicated by a low vacancy rate of 4.1%.
Median Home Price:
$520,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,150
Owner Occupied Rate:
80.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.4%
New Construction Rate:
1.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents can access full motor vehicle services through the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Augusta. The office provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and title services, and more information is available on the state website. Helpful staff and online resources simplify DMV tasks for Scarborough residents.
State:
Maine
Department:
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.