Everything You Should Know Before Moving to South Paris, ME
Thinking of moving to South Paris, ME? This small town of 2,237 residents offers affordable living, with a median home price around $184,000 and average rents near $900. Residents enjoy a peaceful lifestyle, low violent crime rates (110 per 100K), and short commutes averaging 24 minutes. With solid public schools, scenic Maine seasons, and close proximity to healthcare at Stephens Memorial Hospital, South Paris is ideal for those seeking a quiet, friendly community in a classic New England setting.
Demographics - South Paris, ME
Demographics - South Paris, ME
South Paris is a close-knit community of 2,237 people, with a median age of 46, reflecting a mature and settled population. The town is predominantly White, and most residents are English speakers, making it a welcoming and familiar environment for newcomers. The area’s moderate population density offers a balance between small-town charm and room to breathe.
Population:
2,237
Density:
480 per sq mi
Median Age:
46.1
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.1%
Ethnic Composition
White:
96.3%
Black:
0.8%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
2.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in South Paris, ME?
Living in South Paris is notably affordable, with a median home value of $184,000 and average monthly rent around $900. Everyday expenses like groceries and transportation are below the national average, while utilities are slightly higher, making it a budget-friendly option for families and retirees alike. State income taxes range from 5.8% to 7.15%, contributing to a reasonable overall cost of living.
Median House Value:
$184,000
Gross Rent:
$900
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,250
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$495
State Taxes:
Low:
5.8%
|
High:
7.15%
Cost Of Living Index:
93.1
Grocery:
97.0
Housing:
81.5
Utilities:
107.4
Transportation:
91.2
Health Care:
98.9
Miscellaneous:
94.7
Crime
Is South Paris, ME a safe place to live?
South Paris enjoys low violent crime rates, with just 110 incidents per 100,000 residents, providing peace of mind for families and individuals. Property crime is more common, but still manageable, giving the town a reputation for being a safe and secure place to live. The chance of being affected by violent crime remains very low compared to national figures.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
110
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,590
Crime Index:
1,700
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 910
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 63
Weather
What is the weather like in South Paris, ME year-round?
Residents experience all four seasons, from cold, snowy winters with lows near 9°F to pleasant summers reaching highs around 79°F. The area receives about 44 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine just over half the year, making it ideal for those who appreciate classic New England weather. Seasonal changes offer picturesque landscapes and plenty of outdoor activities year-round.
Winter
Min:
9°F
Max:
28°F
Spring
Min:
33°F
Max:
58°F
Summer
Min:
56°F
Max:
79°F
Fall
Min:
37°F
Max:
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
44.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
51%
Neighbors
The community is characterized by modest incomes, with a median household income of $47,100 and a poverty rate of 12.8%. Most adults have completed high school and about one in five hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Residents benefit from low unemployment and short commute times, fostering a stable and neighborly atmosphere.
Median Income:
$29,900
Household Income:
$47,100
Family Income:
$59,200
Per Capita Income:
$26,850
Income Male:
$35,800
Income Female:
$29,100
Poverty Rate:
12.8%
Non English Speakers:
3.1%
Rent:
$900
Unemployment Rate:
3.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
24.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
89.1%
Bachelors or More:
21.3%
Education
How are the schools in South Paris, ME?
South Paris offers access to quality public education, with well-rated schools such as Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School and Paris Elementary serving local families. Class sizes are favorable, supporting strong student-teacher engagement, and higher education is within reach at Central Maine Community College, just 24 miles away. The town's educational options make it attractive for families seeking a supportive learning environment.
Public Schools
Name:
Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School
Street:
256 Main St
Phone:
207-743-8914
Students:
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.9
Name:
Paris Elementary School
Street:
4 Hathaway Rd
Phone:
207-743-7803
Students:
355
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Colleges
Name:
Central Maine Community College
City:
Auburn
State:
ME
Distance:
24 miles
Students:
3,000
Healthcare
Healthcare needs are well-served locally, with Stephens Memorial Hospital providing comprehensive emergency and surgical care. The area boasts a high rate of health insurance coverage at 91.8% and 2.2 physicians per 1,000 residents, ensuring accessible medical services. South Paris offers reliable healthcare resources for families and seniors alike.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Stephens Memorial Hospital
Address:
181 Main St, Norway, ME 04268
Phone:
(207) 743-5933
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.8%
Health Care Index:
77.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in South Paris, ME?
The housing market in South Paris is accessible, with a median home price of $184,000 and an average two-bedroom rent of $950. Homeownership is common, with about 62% of residents owning their homes, and the area has seen a healthy appreciation rate of 5.1% in the past year. Rental vacancies are moderate, providing options for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$184,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$950
Owner Occupied Rate:
62.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
DMV services for South Paris residents are managed by the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles, located in Augusta and accessible online or by phone. The bureau offers a full range of licensing, registration, and vehicle services for local drivers. Residents can easily handle their motor vehicle needs through convenient state resources.
State:
Maine
Department:
Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Address:
125 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333
Phone:
1-207-624-9000
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.