Cost of Living in Waldo County, Maine
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Waldo County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Waldo County ranks #1,196 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 38%)
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Waldo County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Waldo County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $969/month in gross rent, with 28.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
At $969/month rent versus $1,022/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $53/month cheaper — a 5% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $38,760/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $43,800/year. With a median household income of $68,441, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Waldo County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Sagadahoc County where rent averages $1,050/month, Waldo County is approximately 8% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Waldo County
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
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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