Cost of Living in Washington County, Maine
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Washington County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Washington County ranks #1,305 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 42%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Washington County, Maine
Washington County: Remotely Affordable
Washington County renters spend 17.6% of income on rent, hovering just above Maine's state average of 17.4% and well below national levels. With the state's lowest median household income at $52,237, the county achieves affordability through proportionally low housing costs scaled to its rural economy.
Washington Offers Unbeatable Housing Prices
At 17.6%, Washington County's rent-to-income ratio is above the state average but barely—kept reasonable by the lowest median rents and home values in Maine. This easternmost county delivers the absolute lowest affordability barrier for price-sensitive relocators.
Washington Leads on Rock-Bottom Costs
Washington's median rent of $768 is the cheapest in the state—$39 below Piscataquis and $102 below Oxford. Home values at $147,100 are the lowest in Maine, making this remote region unbeatable for buyers with tight budgets.
Lowest Costs, Lowest Income Trade-off
Renters spend $768 monthly on a median income of $52,237, consuming 17.6% of household earnings. Homeowners pay just $724 in mortgage costs, but the county's low wage base means absolute affordability masks limited economic opportunity.
Washington: For Intentional Rural Living
Washington County offers Maine's lowest housing costs and rents—ideal if you have remote income, retirement savings, or portable work. This is the affordability frontier for relocators willing to embrace true rural Maine in exchange for maximum housing stability on any budget.
Cost of Living Advisory: Washington County
Affordability Verdict
Washington County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $768/month — about 17.6% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $768/month rent versus $724/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $44/month cheaper — a 6% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,720/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $31,029/year. With a median household income of $52,237, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 31.0% of renter households in Washington County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Somerset County where rent averages $887/month, Washington County is approximately 13% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Washington County
Rent Burden
17.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,219
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.6%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Washington County
Median home value is $147,100. Estimated monthly cost: $1,174 vs. your max of $1,219.
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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