Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Southwest Harbor, ME
Considering a move to Southwest Harbor, ME? This charming coastal town of 1,756 residents offers an affordable lifestyle with a median home price of $358,000 and average rent around $1,120. Crime rates are notably low, and the average commute is just 15 minutes, letting you enjoy more of Maine’s scenic beauty. With strong school ratings, friendly neighborhoods, and refreshing summers averaging 75°F, Southwest Harbor is an inviting destination for those seeking small-town comfort and easy access to outdoor adventures.
Demographics - Southwest Harbor, ME
Demographics - Southwest Harbor, ME
Southwest Harbor is a small coastal community with a population of 1,756 and a median age of 53, reflecting a mature and close-knit atmosphere. The town is predominantly White at nearly 97%, with a balanced gender ratio and a low percentage of non-English speakers, making it welcoming and easy to navigate for newcomers.
Population:
1,756
Density:
179 per sq mi
Median Age:
53.2
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
96.8%
Black:
0.6%
Asian:
0.4%
Others:
2.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Southwest Harbor, ME?
The cost of living in Southwest Harbor is slightly above the national average, with a median home value of $358,000 and average rent at $1,120 per month. Utilities and everyday expenses are also higher than average, but residents enjoy a comfortable standard of living in a scenic setting.
Median House Value:
$358,000
Gross Rent:
$1,120
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$970
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,480
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$510
State Taxes:
Low:
5.8%
|
High:
7.15%
Cost Of Living Index:
112.0
Grocery:
105.7
Housing:
122.3
Utilities:
110.2
Transportation:
109.8
Health Care:
107.1
Miscellaneous:
104.6
Crime
Is Southwest Harbor, ME a safe place to live?
Southwest Harbor boasts very low crime rates, with only 38 violent crimes per 100,000 people and a property crime rate that results in a 1 in 132 chance annually. This makes it one of the safer communities in Maine, offering peace of mind to families and retirees alike.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
38
Property Crimes Per 100k:
758
Crime Index:
796
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 2,600
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 132
Weather
What is the weather like in Southwest Harbor, ME year-round?
The town experiences classic New England seasons, with mild summers averaging highs of 75°F and chilly winters dipping to 12°F. Annual rainfall is just under 50 inches, and residents enjoy nearly half the year with sunny days, making outdoor activities appealing throughout the year.
Winter
Min:
12°F
Max:
32°F
Spring
Min:
32°F
Max:
58°F
Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
75°F
Fall
Min:
36°F
Max:
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
49.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
49%
Neighbors
Southwest Harbor residents have a median household income of $61,200 and a low unemployment rate of 3.7%. Most neighbors are well-educated, with over 94% holding a high school diploma or higher, and the average commute is a convenient 15 minutes.
Median Income:
$35,800
Household Income:
$61,200
Family Income:
$71,900
Per Capita Income:
$33,200
Income Male:
$38,000
Income Female:
$31,000
Poverty Rate:
10.8%
Non English Speakers:
2.5%
Rent:
$1,120
Unemployment Rate:
3.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
15.3 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
94.1%
Bachelors or More:
39.4%
Education
How are the schools in Southwest Harbor, ME?
Families in Southwest Harbor benefit from strong local schools such as Pemetic Elementary, which offers small class sizes and personalized attention. The area is also within easy reach of higher education at the College of the Atlantic in nearby Bar Harbor, supporting lifelong learning opportunities.
Public Schools
Name:
Pemetic Elementary School
Street:
207 Main Street
Phone:
207-244-5502
Students:
128
Student Teacher Ratio:
9.3
Colleges
Name:
College of the Atlantic
City:
Bar Harbor
State:
ME
Distance:
12 miles
Students:
360
Healthcare
Healthcare in Southwest Harbor is robust, with access to Mount Desert Island Hospital nearby and 2.3 physicians per 1,000 residents. Over 92% of the population has health insurance, ensuring that quality medical care is readily available.
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:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.2%
Health Care Index:
71.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Southwest Harbor, ME?
The housing market is stable, with a median home price of $358,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 69%. Rental options are available with moderate vacancy, and home values have appreciated by nearly 8% in the past year, making it attractive for buyers and investors.
Median Home Price:
$358,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,120
Owner Occupied Rate:
69.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.3%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.8%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents of Southwest Harbor are served by the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles, located in Augusta. The department provides all standard vehicle and licensing services, with information easily accessible via their official website.
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.