Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Swans Island, ME
Considering a move to Swans Island, ME? This peaceful island community of 355 offers a tranquil lifestyle, with affordable median home prices around $272,000 and low average rents of $950. Crime rates are very low, and the island boasts short commutes averaging 12.5 minutes. While education and healthcare options are small but accessible, residents enjoy mild summers, scenic coastlines, and a welcoming, close-knit atmosphere—perfect for those seeking quiet coastal living.
Demographics - Swans Island, ME
Demographics - Swans Island, ME
Swans Island is a small, close-knit community of 355 residents with a median age of 54.3, reflecting a mature population. The area is predominantly White (97.5%), and the gender ratio is nearly balanced. Low population density and a small percentage of non-English speakers contribute to its quiet, cohesive atmosphere.
Population:
355
Density:
22 per sq mi
Median Age:
54.3
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
97.5%
Black:
0.0%
Asian:
0.3%
Others:
2.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Swans Island, ME?
Living on Swans Island is moderately affordable, with median home values at $272,000 and average rents around $950 per month. The overall cost of living index is slightly above the national average, driven by utilities and transportation costs, while state income taxes range from 5.8% to 7.15%. Residents benefit from relatively low housing costs compared to regional averages.
Median House Value:
$272,000
Gross Rent:
$950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$980
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,150
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
5.8%
|
High:
7.15%
Cost Of Living Index:
108.0
Grocery:
106.5
Housing:
102.0
Utilities:
110.2
Transportation:
108.5
Health Care:
105.0
Miscellaneous:
103.0
Crime
Is Swans Island, ME a safe place to live?
Swans Island enjoys very low crime rates, with just 87 violent crimes and 710 property crimes per 100,000 people annually. The chance of experiencing violent crime is just 1 in 1,150, making it a safe choice for families and retirees. The island’s small size and tight community contribute to its overall sense of security.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
87
Property Crimes Per 100k:
710
Crime Index:
797
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,150
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 140
Weather
What is the weather like in Swans Island, ME year-round?
The island experiences cold winters with lows around 11°F, pleasant summers peaking at 75°F, and moderate rainfall averaging 48 inches yearly. With 51% sunny days, residents enjoy a mix of sun and coastal fog. The climate is ideal for those who appreciate distinct seasons and fresh sea air.
Winter
Min:
11°F
Max:
30°F
Spring
Min:
32°F
Max:
57°F
Summer
Min:
55°F
Max:
75°F
Fall
Min:
36°F
Max:
60°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
48 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
51%
Neighbors
Households on Swans Island have a median income of $54,300, with a poverty rate of 11.8% and low unemployment at 3.4%. Most residents have high school diplomas, and almost a third hold bachelor's degrees or higher. The average commute is short at just 12.5 minutes, reflecting the island's small, accessible layout.
Median Income:
$30,000
Household Income:
$54,300
Family Income:
$66,500
Per Capita Income:
$30,200
Income Male:
$36,000
Income Female:
$28,000
Poverty Rate:
11.8%
Non English Speakers:
2.0%
Rent:
$950
Unemployment Rate:
3.4%
Public Transport Usage:
0%
Commute Time:
12.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91.6%
Bachelors or More:
29.2%
Education
How are the schools in Swans Island, ME?
Swans Island is home to a small public elementary school with a low student-teacher ratio of 6.6, providing personalized attention for its 33 students. High school and college opportunities are accessible off-island, with the College of the Atlantic located 24 miles away in Bar Harbor. The community values education, with a majority of adults holding high school diplomas or higher.
Public Schools
Name:
Swans Island Elementary School
Street:
116 Minturn Rd
Phone:
207-526-4000
Students:
33
Student Teacher Ratio:
6.6
Colleges
Name:
College of the Atlantic
City:
Bar Harbor
State:
ME
Distance:
24 miles (plus ferry)
Students:
350
Healthcare
Healthcare is accessible through nearby mainland hospitals such as Mount Desert Island Hospital and Northern Light Maine Coast Hospital, both offering emergency services. With 1.9 physicians per 1,000 residents and 92.7% health insurance coverage, basic medical needs are met efficiently. Residents should expect to travel off-island for specialized care.
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
Name:
Northern Light Maine Coast Hospital
Address:
50 Union St, Ellsworth, ME 04605
Phone:
(207) 664-5311
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.7%
Health Care Index:
70.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Swans Island, ME?
Swans Island’s housing market is stable, with a median home price of $272,000 and an owner-occupancy rate of 87.1%. Rental options are limited but affordable, with average two-bedroom rents at $950 and a low foreclosure rate of just 0.2%. Home values have appreciated by 4.5% over the past year, reflecting steady demand.
Median Home Price:
$272,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$950
Owner Occupied Rate:
87.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.3%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.5%
New Construction Rate:
0.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles serves Swans Island residents, with the nearest main office located in Augusta. Residents can access driver and vehicle services online or by contacting the BMV at 207-624-9000. The state's DMV website offers convenient resources for registrations and licensing.
State:
Maine
Department:
Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Address:
101 Hospital Street, 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.