Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Vinalhaven, ME
Considering a move to Vinalhaven, ME? This charming island town of 1,165 residents offers a peaceful coastal lifestyle with a median home price around $272,000 and average rents at $900. Vinalhaven boasts extremely low crime rates, short 8.5-minute commutes, and a close-knit community. The local school features small class sizes, and you'll enjoy mild summers and scenic surroundings. While amenities are limited due to its island setting, you'll find affordable living, abundant natural beauty, and a welcoming atmosphere perfect for those seeking a quieter pace of life.
Demographics - Vinalhaven, ME
Demographics - Vinalhaven, ME
Vinalhaven is a small island community of about 1,165 residents, with a median age of just over 50 and a population density of 41 people per square mile. The town is predominantly White, and most households speak English, contributing to a close-knit and familiar local culture.
Population:
1,165
Density:
41 per sq mi
Median Age:
50.7
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.1%

Ethnic Composition
White:
96.7%
Black:
0.6%
Asian:
0.3%
Others:
2.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Vinalhaven, ME?
The cost of living in Vinalhaven is slightly above the national average, with a median home value of $272,000 and average rents around $900 per month. Utilities and groceries are modestly priced, and state income taxes range from 5.8% to 7.15%, making Vinalhaven an affordable option for those seeking island life in Maine.
Median House Value:
$272,000
Gross Rent:
$900
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,350
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$480
State Taxes:
Low:
5.8%
|
High:
7.15%
Cost Of Living Index:
108.5
Grocery:
104.2
Housing:
93.8
Utilities:
110.4
Transportation:
103.5
Health Care:
106.7
Miscellaneous:
102.1
Crime
Is Vinalhaven, ME a safe place to live?
Vinalhaven enjoys a notably low crime rate, with violent crime almost negligible at just 28 incidents per 100,000 people and property crime also well below national averages. Residents experience a strong sense of safety in this peaceful coastal town.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
28
Property Crimes Per 100k:
420
Crime Index:
448
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 3,570
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 277
Weather
What is the weather like in Vinalhaven, ME year-round?
The island experiences long, cool winters with lows around 15°F and comfortable summers with highs near 74°F, receiving about 45.5 inches of rainfall annually. With nearly half the days being sunny, residents enjoy a balanced mix of Maine’s classic seasons and scenic coastal weather.

Winter
Min:
15°F
Max:
32°F

Spring
Min:
33°F
Max:
52°F

Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
74°F

Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
58°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
45.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
48%
Neighbors
Households in Vinalhaven typically earn a median income of $54,400, while the poverty rate is 13.6%. The community is well-educated, with over 90% having at least a high school diploma, and commutes are short, averaging just 8.5 minutes, reflecting the island’s easygoing lifestyle.
Median Income:
$32,500
Household Income:
$54,400
Family Income:
$62,000
Per Capita Income:
$29,200
Income Male:
$37,800
Income Female:
$28,700
Poverty Rate:
13.6%
Non English Speakers:
2.1%
Rent:
$900
Unemployment Rate:
5.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0%
Commute Time:
8.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
90.1%
Bachelors or More:
28.4%
Education
How are the schools in Vinalhaven, ME?
The local Vinalhaven School serves around 185 students with small class sizes and a low student-to-teacher ratio, providing personalized attention. For higher education, the nearest college is the University of Maine at Augusta’s Rockland center, about 14 miles away by ferry and land.

Public Schools
Name:
Vinalhaven School
Street:
22 Arcola Ln
Phone:
207-863-4800
Students:
185
Student Teacher Ratio:
9.5

Colleges
Name:
University of Maine at Augusta (Center for Adult & Community Education, Rockland)
City:
Rockland
State:
ME
Distance:
14 miles (by ferry + land)
Students:
1,600
Healthcare
Vinalhaven residents have access to regional medical care at Pen Bay Medical Center in nearby Rockport, with 2.1 physicians per 1,000 people and over 92% health insurance coverage. Healthcare services are comprehensive, though specialized care may require travel to the mainland.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Pen Bay Medical Center
Address:
6 Glen Cove Dr, Rockport, ME 04856
Phone:
(207) 301-8000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.5%
Health Care Index:
77.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Vinalhaven, ME?
The housing market features a median home price of $272,000 and an owner-occupied rate of 68%, with average rent for a two-bedroom home at $900. Home appreciation rates are steady, and the market offers stability with low foreclosure and vacancy rates.
Median Home Price:
$272,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$900
Owner Occupied Rate:
68.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.3%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Vinalhaven residents can access Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles services in Augusta or online, with information and support available through the state’s official DMV website. Routine vehicle registration and licensing are managed at the state level.
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.