Moving to Maine statistics (2024 data)

How many people move to Maine?

An estimated 38,089 people moved to Maine in 2023, while 27,227 moved out. This represents a net gain of 10,862 residents. Compared to the rest of New England, Maine has experienced the largest net migration in recent years, higher than both New Hampshire and Connecticut.

The number of people moving to Maine is growing, and it’s currently the most popular state in New England to move to. According to a recent ConsumerAffairs study based on a sample of 143,506 ConsumerAffairs.com users who expressed an interest in moving between January 2023 and March 2024, Maine ranked as the 13th most desired state to move to.

Top 5 cities that people moved to in Maine

Despite being the sixth best U.S. state to move to in 2024 based on weighted factors like education and health, Maine has attracted a relatively small number of movers when compared to states like Florida or Texas. In part, the state’s remote location and severe winter weather have limited population growth, with the largest city, Portland, having a population of only 68,405 people.

Of those moving to the Pine Tree State, the majority are relocating to small southern towns and cities near the coast. Lewiston attracted the most new residents between 2020 and 2023, adding 1,280 to its population (3.4% growth). Over the same period, Auburn and Portland also added 738 and 699 new residents, respectively.

The top five towns and cities people moved to in Maine between 2020 and 2023 were as follows:

Why do people move to Maine?

Maine’s popularity among movers has grown significantly in recent years. For example, in the decade between 2010 and 2019, the state’s population grew by only 15,800 people, while in the single year between 2022 and 2023, the population grew by 23,550. As of 2021, 56% of new Mainers came from outside states, seeking job opportunities, affordable housing and opportunities for outdoor recreation.

While remote work is popular, non-remote movers are still attracted to the job opportunities available in the state. The largest industries in the state are education and health services, trade, transportation, and utilities, and government. Collectively, these three industries employ 54.6% of nonfarm workers. The fastest-growing industry in the state is also the government sector, growing by 3% between July 2023 and July 2024.

Maine housing statistics

With a median rent price of $1,650 and a median home sale price of $389,100, Maine renters and homeowners can expect to pay at least 7.4% less than the national median for housing.

However, at 1.24%, Maine has the 16th highest property taxes in the nation. The tax rate here is roughly double that of Delaware or Arizona. No other state has the same property tax rate as Maine, with South Dakota having the closest comparison at 1.17%.

In 2021, the average property owner in Cumberland County, where Portland is located, paid $4,060 in annual property taxes. In general, the average property tax paid in Maine is higher than in other states but varies greatly by county. For instance, residents of Piscataquis County paid as little as $1,410 in the same year.

Cost-of-living statistics in Maine

Maine’s cost-of-living index is 111.5, making it the 13th most expensive state in the nation. Gas prices in the state are also 5.5% higher ($3.44 per gallon) than the national average of $3.26. In part, these high prices are due to a general lack of oil production and conscious investment in green energy. With an impressive amount of waste recycled and a low carbon footprint, Maine ranks as the third most green state in the country.

Despite the higher-than-average cost-of-living index, Maine’s median household income of $70,008 is roughly 7% less than the U.S. median of $75,358. While this disparity can lead to affordability issues, the state’s unemployment rate of 2.8% is healthier than the national unemployment rate of 4.2%.

Overall, Maine’s housing costs are more affordable than the U.S. median, but the high cost of living combined with a lower-than-average salary can pose challenges for new movers.

Who lives in Maine?

An estimated 1,395,722 people live in Maine as of 2023, making it the 42nd largest state in terms of population. This represents a population increase of 6,384 compared to 2022.

Maine’s population skews female (50.7%) over male (49.3%), and in 2023, 708,167 Maine residents were female, and 687,555 were male.

The Pine Tree State also has the oldest population in the U.S., with a median age of 44.8 years — just over 15% older than the U.S. median of 38.9 years old. The largest age demographic in the state is those between 45 to 64 years, accounting for 27.9% of the population, or 390,068 residents.

The vast majority of Maine residents are white, with this demographic accounting for 93.7% of the population or about 1.31 million people. This is followed by Hispanic, Black and Asian residents, who account for 2.3%, 2.1% and 1.4% of the population, respectively.

Tips for moving to Maine

Not sure how to start your move to Maine? Consider these step-by-step moving tips:

1. Understand the cost of living

While Maine is one of the most affordable states in New England, with housing costs 5.6% below the national average, the overall cost of living will depend on where you ultimately settle. Coastal towns and cities like Portland tend to be pricier, while rural inland areas can be highly affordable. We recommend researching the cost of housing, utilities and taxes in your desired region. Utilize resources like Maine.gov to plan your budget and understand local expenses.

2. Explore the job market

When moving to Maine, it’s important to understand what job opportunities will be available to you. Cities like Portland and Bangor have thriving health care and education industries, while more rural areas may offer opportunities in tourism and forestry. Given the state’s remote nature, remote work opportunities are also one of the best options available for movers. Before moving, explore job listings through the Maine Department of Labor to find openings in your field.

3. Prepare for Maine winters

Being the most northern state in New England, Maine is known to have harsh, dark winters with heavy snowfall. Freezing temperatures are the norm during winter months, making it crucial to invest in gear like insulated clothing and snow removal tools. Further, when buying or renting a home, look for properties with well-maintained heating systems. As with any location, it’s wise to stay up to date with local weather and winter preparedness tips.

4. Research transportation options

While urban areas like Portland may offer public transportation options in the form of buses and ferries, Maine’s rural and rugged landscape makes owning a personal vehicle essential. On top of having a reliable vehicle, we also recommend purchasing snow tires for winter driving. Visit the MaineDOT website for details on road conditions and public transit options.

5. Be aware of natural hazards

While Maine residents are typically insulated from hurricanes and tornadoes, nor'easters and occasional flooding can pose hazards. This is especially true in mountainous regions where roads can be affected by severe weather. To prepare before your move, sign up for emergency alerts through the Maine Emergency Management Agency and remember to keep a winter preparedness kit on hand.

6. Enjoy Maine’s natural beauty

Boasting stunning coastal views, rugged mountains and expansive forests, Maine is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. Whether you’re visiting Acadia National Park or hiking the Appalachian Trail, there are countless places to hike, ski and explore. Check out what the state has to offer through the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands website.

7. Understand mover quotes and tipping

When moving to Maine, carefully review and compare moving company quotes. Be sure to account for potential additional fees depending on where you’re relocating to. Tipping movers is customary; a tip of 10% to 20% of the total cost is standard based on the quality of service.