Cost of Living in Piscataquis County, Maine
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Piscataquis County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Piscataquis County ranks #1,634 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 48%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Piscataquis County, Maine
Piscataquis Keeps Housing Affordable
Piscataquis County renters spend 17.5% of income on rent, holding close to Maine's state average of 17.4% and well below national stress levels. Median household income of $55,234 is lower than the U.S. average, but housing costs scale proportionally, keeping affordability manageable.
Piscataquis Ranks Among Maine's Most Affordable
With a rent-to-income ratio of 17.5%, Piscataquis sits right at the state median, making it one of Maine's more affordable counties overall. This balance reflects both low housing costs and a cost-of-living structure suited to rural Maine's economic reality.
Piscataquis Ties Oxford in Affordability
Piscataquis and Oxford County both charge $807 in median rent, making them the most affordable options in the state's interior. Home values are lowest here at $153,300—$40,000 below Oxford—giving this remote county an edge for buyers on tight budgets.
Rents and Mortgages Both Low
Renters spend $807 monthly on a median income of $55,234, while homeowners pay just $738 in mortgage costs—the lowest in the region. Combined, housing accounts for roughly 18% of household income, a sustainable level for this rural Maine county.
Piscataquis: Maine's Best-Kept Bargain
If affordability is your priority and you embrace rural living, Piscataquis delivers the lowest home values and rents tied with Oxford County. This is Maine's sweet spot for relocating families seeking maximum housing stability on modest incomes.
Cost of Living Advisory: Piscataquis County
Affordability Verdict
Piscataquis County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $807/month representing approximately 17.5% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 26.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $807/month rent versus $738/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $69/month cheaper — a 9% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $32,280/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $31,629/year. With a median household income of $55,234, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Piscataquis County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Maine, Piscataquis County is more affordable than Aroostook County by roughly 10% ($807/mo vs $736/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Piscataquis County
Rent Burden
17.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,289
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.0%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Piscataquis County
Median home value is $153,300. Estimated monthly cost: $1,224 vs. your max of $1,289.
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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