Cost of Living in Somerset County, Maine
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Somerset County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Somerset County ranks #2,450 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 22%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Somerset County, Maine
Somerset Renters Stretch to Afford Housing
Somerset County renters spend 18.9% of income on rent—exceeding Maine's state average of 17.4% and approaching national stress levels. With median household income at $56,199 (nearly 25% below the U.S. average), housing cost pressure here rivals some of the nation's least affordable rural markets.
Somerset Struggles With Affordability
At 18.9%, Somerset's rent-to-income ratio ties Penobscot County for the worst affordability in Maine. This western county faces a wage-versus-housing-cost mismatch that leaves renters with limited breathing room in tight household budgets.
Somerset Rents Underscore Rural Challenges
Somerset's median rent of $887 falls between Oxford ($807) and Penobscot ($997), but the lower household income of $56,199 makes this moderate rent consume nearly 19% of earnings. Home values at $155,200 match Piscataquis, but wage levels are notably lower.
Tight Budgets, Limited Flexibility
Renters spend $887 monthly on a median income of $56,199, consuming 18.9% of household earnings—pushing against affordability limits. Homeowners pay $782 in mortgage costs, but combined housing costs near 20% of income leave little margin for other necessities.
Somerset Requires Careful Financial Planning
Somerset offers lower absolute housing costs than coastal Maine, but tight affordability ratios mean you'll want a strong emergency fund and stable income. If relocating here, prioritize remote work or jobs in regionallead employers to ensure housing costs don't overwhelm your budget.
Cost of Living Advisory: Somerset County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Somerset County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $887/month in gross rent, with 26.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Somerset County is $887/month, while owner costs run $782/month. Owning saves approximately $105/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $35,480/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $33,514/year. With a median household income of $56,199, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Somerset County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Somerset County sits 7% less expensive than Kennebec County ($952/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Somerset County
Rent Burden
18.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,311
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.7%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Somerset County
Median home value is $155,200. Estimated monthly cost: $1,239 vs. your max of $1,311.
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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