Cost of Living in Waldo County, Maine

$969/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$239,100

Median Home Value

At state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$969/mo

At state average

Median Home Value

$239,100

15% below national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

28.0%

% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating

Unaffordable

Rent over 50% of income

How Waldo County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Waldo County$969/mo

Maine Average$969/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$969/mo

Median Gross Rent

$239,100

Median Home Value

$1,022/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

28.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Waldo County, Maine

Waldo Balances Income and Housing Costs

Waldo County renters spend 17.0% of income on rent, slightly below Maine's state average of 17.4% and well below national stress thresholds. With median household income at $68,441—about 8% below the U.S. average—this county maintains solid affordability through moderate rent levels.

Waldo Sits Comfortably Mid-Tier

At 17.0%, Waldo's rent-to-income ratio beats the state average, placing it in the upper half of Maine counties for affordability. This position reflects balanced housing costs and reasonable wage levels that haven't yet shifted dramatically upward.

Waldo Matches State Rent Benchmarks

Waldo's median rent of $969 mirrors Maine's state average, making it neither expensive nor bargain-priced relative to neighbors. Home values at $239,100 position it between affordable interior counties like Piscataquis and the premium coastal markets of York and Sagadahoc.

Balanced Housing Against Income

Renters here spend $969 monthly on a median income of $68,441, consuming 17.0% of household earnings—a comfortable ratio. Homeowners face $1,022 monthly mortgage costs, meaning combined housing costs for both renters and owners hover just under 18%.

Waldo Offers Steady Middle Ground

If you're seeking a middle path between Maine's most and least affordable counties, Waldo delivers consistency and moderate costs. This county offers reasonable access to jobs and housing without the premium prices of York or the wage pressures of Somerset.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Waldo County

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Burden

17.0%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,597

per month

Owner Cost Burden

17.9%

of gross income

The median home in Waldo County may be a stretch

Median home value is $239,100. Estimated monthly cost: $1,909 vs. your max of $1,597.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio17.0%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Waldo County, Maine?

Waldo County, Maine has a median monthly rent of $969/mo and a median home value of $239,100. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 28.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Waldo County?

The median gross rent in Waldo County is $969/mo. This is At state average for Maine.

Is Waldo County affordable?

Waldo County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 28.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does Waldo County's rent compare to the state average?

Waldo County's median rent of $969/mo is At state average of $969/mo for Maine.

What is the median home value in Waldo County?

The median home value in Waldo County, Maine is $239,100. This is 15% below the national median home value of $281,900.