Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Waterville, ME
Considering a move to Waterville, ME? This welcoming city of 15,828 offers affordable housing, with median home prices around $186,000 and average rents under $1,000. Residents enjoy short commute times (about 17 minutes), access to local colleges like Colby, and a close-knit community. While property crime rates are higher than average, Waterville boasts a strong healthcare presence and a scenic, four-season climate, making it a charming and practical choice for new arrivals.
Demographics - Waterville, ME
Demographics - Waterville, ME
Waterville is home to approximately 15,800 residents, with a median age of 38.6, and a population density of about 1,050 people per square mile. The city is predominantly White (89%), with small Black and Asian communities, and nearly 7% of residents speak a language other than English at home. This creates a diverse yet close-knit community ideal for families and individuals alike.
Population:
15,828
Density:
1,050 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.6
Gender Ratio:
89 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.7%
Ethnic Composition
White:
89.2%
Black:
4.1%
Asian:
1.6%
Others:
5.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Waterville, ME?
Waterville offers an affordable cost of living, with median home values around $186,000 and average rents near $930. The city’s cost of living index is well below the national average at 87.4, making everyday expenses, especially housing, more budget-friendly for new residents. Utilities and groceries remain reasonably priced, while state income taxes range from 5.8% to 7.15%.
Median House Value:
$186,000
Gross Rent:
$930
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$104
Auto Insurance:
$980
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,290
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$495
State Taxes:
Low:
5.8%
|
High:
7.15%
Cost Of Living Index:
87.4
Grocery:
96.0
Housing:
68.0
Utilities:
107.8
Transportation:
92.9
Health Care:
97.2
Miscellaneous:
94.1
Crime
Is Waterville, ME a safe place to live?
Waterville experiences a relatively low violent crime rate, with about 208 incidents per 100,000 people, but property crime is somewhat higher, with a 1 in 42 chance of being affected. While most residents feel safe, it’s wise to take standard precautions, especially regarding property security. The overall crime index suggests that while the city is generally safe, property crimes are a consideration.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
208
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,355
Crime Index:
2,563
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 480
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 42
Weather
What is the weather like in Waterville, ME year-round?
Residents in Waterville experience all four seasons, with cold winters averaging lows of 9°F and warm summers reaching up to 80°F. The city receives about 41.5 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine nearly half the year. This climate is perfect for those who appreciate distinct seasonal changes, from snowy winters to pleasant summers.
Winter
Min:
9°F
Max:
29°F
Spring
Min:
34°F
Max:
66°F
Summer
Min:
57°F
Max:
80°F
Fall
Min:
36°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
41.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
48%
Neighbors
Waterville’s median household income is about $45,500, with a poverty rate of 17.2% and an unemployment rate of just 3.8%. Most residents have at least a high school education, and the average commute time is a quick 17 minutes. The community is friendly and diverse, with a small percentage of non-English speakers and limited reliance on public transportation.
Median Income:
$26,400
Household Income:
$45,500
Family Income:
$62,900
Per Capita Income:
$25,800
Income Male:
$33,000
Income Female:
$29,700
Poverty Rate:
17.2%
Non English Speakers:
6.7%
Rent:
$930
Unemployment Rate:
3.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.9%
Commute Time:
17.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
89.8%
Bachelors or More:
27.4%
Education
How are the schools in Waterville, ME?
Waterville boasts quality educational opportunities, including public schools with favorable student-teacher ratios and access to both private schools and higher education. Colby College, situated within the city, enhances the local academic environment, while nearby Kennebec Valley Community College offers additional options. The city is well-suited for families seeking strong K–12 education and local college access.
Public Schools
Name:
Waterville Senior High School
Street:
1 Brooklyn Ave
Phone:
207-873-2751
Students:
585
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.9
Name:
George J. Mitchell School
Street:
58 Drummond Ave
Phone:
207-873-0695
Students:
410
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.8
Private Schools
Name:
Mount Merici Academy
Street:
18 Mount Merici Ave
Phone:
207-873-3773
Students:
190
Colleges
Name:
Colby College
City:
Waterville
State:
ME
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
2,300
Name:
Kennebec Valley Community College
City:
Fairfield
State:
ME
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
2,300
Healthcare
Waterville features strong healthcare access, including Northern Light Inland Hospital and MaineGeneral Medical Center’s Thayer Center for Health. With about 2.4 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 92% health insurance coverage, locals benefit from comprehensive medical services close to home. The city's healthcare index reflects reliable care and emergency services for families and individuals.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Northern Light Inland Hospital
Address:
200 Kennedy Memorial Dr, Waterville, ME 04901
Phone:
(207) 861-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
MaineGeneral Medical Center - Thayer Center for Health
Address:
149 North St, Waterville, ME 04901
Phone:
(207) 872-1000
Type:
Outpatient & Specialty
Emergency Services:
No
Physicians Per 1000:
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.5%
Health Care Index:
75.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Waterville, ME?
The housing market in Waterville is affordable, with a median home price of $186,000 and average two-bedroom rents around $995. Nearly half of the homes are owner-occupied, and the city has a healthy 4.9% home appreciation rate over the past year. Rental vacancy rates are moderate, offering options for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$186,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$995
Owner Occupied Rate:
48.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.9%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Waterville residents are served by the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles, located at 19 Anthony Ave in nearby Augusta. The office provides a full range of DMV services, and more information is available on the state website or by calling 207-624-9000. Accessibility to DMV resources ensures convenient vehicle registration and licensing.
State:
Maine
Department:
Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Address:
19 Anthony Ave, 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.