Cost of Living in Kennebec County, Maine
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Kennebec County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Kennebec County ranks #2,531 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 19%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Kennebec County, Maine
Kennebec's rent costs slightly above national norm
Kennebec renters spend 17.6% of income on rent, slightly above both Maine's state average (17.4%) and the national average. The county's median household income of $65,062 falls below the national median, creating modest housing pressure.
Kennebec ranks below Maine's average affordability
Kennebec places eighth among Maine's 16 counties for housing affordability, with a rent-to-income ratio marginally above the state median. The county sits in the upper half of Maine's affordability scale, closer to the pricier coastal markets than the inland bargains.
Central Maine's moderate pricing holds steady
Kennebec's $952 rent falls between Franklin ($759) to the north and Hancock ($1,000) to the east, reflecting its central Maine positioning. Home values at $219,900 align closely with Androscoggin County ($232,000), marking both as mid-tier markets.
Mortgage slightly exceeds rent burden
Renters pay $952 monthly while homeowners invest $1,073, with the county's $65,062 median income supporting both paths. At 17.6% of income to rent, Kennebec households experience slightly tighter budgets than Maine's average.
Kennebec offers central Maine stability
If you're relocating to central Maine for proximity to Augusta and mixed urban-rural access, Kennebec provides balanced affordability. The county's position between coastal and inland markets makes it worth comparing against both Franklin's bargains and coastal premium.
Cost of Living Advisory: Kennebec County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Kennebec County is affordable. The median rent is $952/month against a median household income of $65,062, putting rent at 17.6% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Kennebec County is $952/month, while owner costs run $1,073/month. Renting saves approximately $121/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $38,080/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $45,986/year. With a median household income of $65,062, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Kennebec County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Kennebec County sits 5% less expensive than Lincoln County ($1,003/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Kennebec County
Rent Burden
17.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,518
per month
Owner Cost Burden
19.8%
of gross income
The median home in Kennebec County may be a stretch
Median home value is $219,900. Estimated monthly cost: $1,756 vs. your max of $1,518.
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
What is the cost of living in Kennebec County, Maine?
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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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