Cost of Living in Franklin County, Maine
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Franklin County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Franklin County ranks #1,115 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 35%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Franklin County, Maine
Franklin offers Maine's tightest rent-to-income ratio
Franklin County renters spend just 15.6% of income on rent—the lowest ratio among all Maine counties and below both the state average (17.4%) and national average. This western county achieves remarkable affordability through low rents ($759) matched with reasonable median household income of $58,522.
Second-most affordable county in Maine
Franklin ranks second statewide for housing affordability, trailing only Aroostook with the second-lowest rent-to-income ratio and second-lowest median rent. The county offers genuine breathing room in housing budgets across Maine's affordability spectrum.
Mountain county beats coastal and rural rivals
Franklin's $759 rent edges slightly below Aroostook ($736) and sits notably below Hancock ($1,000), Kennebec ($952), and all coastal counties. Home values at $176,700 position Franklin between Aroostook's bargains and the pricier coastal markets.
Housing costs leave room for other priorities
Renters invest $759 monthly while homeowners pay $811, with a median income of $58,522 supporting both paths comfortably. At just 15.6% of income to rent, Franklin households retain the strongest discretionary purchasing power of any Maine county.
Franklin rewards those seeking real value
If you're relocating to Maine and want genuine affordability with access to hiking, lakes, and small-town charm, Franklin delivers. The county's western mountain setting and low housing costs make it worth serious consideration against coastal alternatives.
Cost of Living Advisory: Franklin County
Affordability Verdict
Franklin County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $759/month — about 15.6% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Franklin County pay $759/month on average, compared to $811/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 6%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,360/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $34,757/year. With a median household income of $58,522, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Franklin County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Franklin County sits 14% less expensive than Somerset County ($887/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Franklin County
Rent Burden
15.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,366
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.6%
of gross income
The median home in Franklin County may be a stretch
Median home value is $176,700. Estimated monthly cost: $1,411 vs. your max of $1,366.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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