Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Squirrel Island, ME
Considering Squirrel Island, ME for your seasonal retreat or year-round haven? With a tiny year-round population (under 50) and a vibrant summer community, Squirrel Island offers peaceful coastal living, a median home price around $525,000, and virtually no crime. While cost of living and housing are above the Maine average, the island’s tranquility, beautiful summers, and strong community appeal to those seeking a quiet, scenic lifestyle. Access to schools and healthcare is via the mainland, so plan for ferry commutes and a slower pace of life surrounded by nature.
Demographics - Squirrel Island, ME
Demographics - Squirrel Island, ME
Squirrel Island is a close-knit community with fewer than 50 residents year-round and about 100 in the summer, primarily older adults, as reflected by a median age of 60. The island is overwhelmingly White (97%) and has a nearly even gender balance, making it a quiet, homogenous retreat ideal for those seeking a peaceful setting.
Population:
100 (seasonal), <50 (year-round)
Density:
60 per sq mi (seasonal)
Median Age:
60
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
97.0%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
2.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Squirrel Island, ME?
The cost of living on Squirrel Island is higher than the state average, with a median home value of $525,000 and seasonal rent around $1,800, reflecting its status as a desirable coastal destination. Residents can expect moderate utility and insurance costs, while groceries and other essentials are also slightly above average due to the island’s remote nature.
Median House Value:
$525,000
Gross Rent:
$1,800 (seasonal, limited availability)
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$170
Auto Insurance:
$1,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,100
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$800
State Taxes:
Low:
5.8%
|
High:
7.15%
Cost Of Living Index:
120.0
Grocery:
112.0
Housing:
135.0
Utilities:
120.0
Transportation:
105.0
Health Care:
110.0
Miscellaneous:
108.0
Crime
Is Squirrel Island, ME a safe place to live?
Squirrel Island is exceptionally safe, with no reported violent crime and an extremely low property crime rate, making it one of the most secure places to live in Maine. The chance of experiencing any crime is minimal, offering peace of mind to both seasonal and year-round residents.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
0 (no reported incidents)
Property Crimes Per 100k:
50 (estimated, very low)
Crime Index:
50
Chance Of Violent Crime:
Extremely low
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 2,000
Weather
What is the weather like in Squirrel Island, ME year-round?
Squirrel Island experiences classic New England coastal weather, with cool winters (lows in the teens) and mild summers averaging in the mid-70s. The island receives about 46.5 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys just over half its days as sunny, making the summer months especially appealing.
Winter
Min:
12°F
Max:
32°F
Spring
Min:
34°F
Max:
58°F
Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
76°F
Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
52%
Neighbors
Neighbors on Squirrel Island tend to be well-educated and have moderate incomes, with a median household income of $62,000 and 94.5% holding at least a high school diploma. The island’s lifestyle is relaxed, with no public transportation and all access via ferry, fostering a strong sense of community among residents.
Median Income:
$38,000
Household Income:
$62,000
Family Income:
$70,000
Per Capita Income:
$32,000
Income Male:
$36,000
Income Female:
$33,000
Poverty Rate:
9.2%
Non English Speakers:
2.0%
Rent:
$1,800 (seasonal)
Unemployment Rate:
4.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0% (island access by ferry only)
Commute Time:
60 minutes (ferry to mainland)
Education
High School or Higher:
94.5%
Bachelors or More:
38.0%
Education
How are the schools in Squirrel Island, ME?
Education for Squirrel Island residents is provided off-island, with options like Boothbay Region Elementary School and private institutions on the mainland. Higher education is accessible within 30 miles, requiring ferry commutes but offering a solid range of public and private choices.
Public Schools
Name:
Boothbay Region Elementary School
Street:
238 Townsend Ave
Phone:
207-633-5097
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.5
Private Schools
Name:
Chewonki Elementary and Middle School
Street:
485 Chewonki Neck Rd
Phone:
207-882-7323
Students:
40
Colleges
Name:
University of Maine at Augusta - Rockland Center
City:
Rockland
State:
ME
Distance:
29 miles
Students:
600
Healthcare
While there are no medical facilities on Squirrel Island itself, residents have access to major hospitals like LincolnHealth – Miles Campus on the mainland, ensuring quality care within reach. Most residents carry health insurance, and physician availability is on par with state averages.
Major Hospitals
Name:
LincolnHealth – Miles Campus
Address:
35 Miles St, Damariscotta, ME 04543
Phone:
(207) 563-1234
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.0%
Health Care Index:
78.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Squirrel Island, ME?
The housing market is dominated by vacation homes, with a 90% owner-occupancy rate and a median home price of $525,000. Seasonal rentals are limited and in high demand during summer, while vacancy rates rise off-season, making home ownership the primary option for most.
Median Home Price:
$525,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,800 (seasonal, limited)
Owner Occupied Rate:
90% (mostly vacation homes)
Rental Vacancy Rate:
25% (off-season)
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Squirrel Island residents are served by the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office in Augusta providing standard licensing and registration services. Vehicle ownership is less common due to the island’s size and ferry-only access, but DMV support is readily available on the mainland.
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.