Home Value
$352,900
25% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
35/100K
91% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
51.5%
53% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
30.0%
7% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.9%
75% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
31.8%
156% higher than US avg
How Bowdoinham Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population768
Median Age28.6 yrs
Density216/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 77%
Veterans4.5%
Economy
Per Capita$27,354
Unemployment0.9%
Poverty31.8%
County GDP$8,569M
Commute28 min
Housing
Home Value$352,900
Ownership70.7%
Zillow$374,139
Housing Units327
Rent Burden28.8%
Crime
F
Violent35/100K
Property1,565/100K
Health
Obesity30.0%
Uninsured9.0%
Smoking15.5%
Depression29.0%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI34 (Good)
Rain47.7 in/yr
Sunny Days251/yr
Elevation120 ft (37 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+51.5%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+32.8%
School Score5.61
Community
2024 VoteR 50% / D 47%
Commute28 min
Broadband100.0%
EV Stations10
Libraries18
Is Bowdoinham a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bowdoinham receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate. Bowdoinham offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.9%. The poverty rate of 31.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bowdoinham is $352,900, 25% above the national median.
Safety & Crime
Bowdoinham is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 35 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,565 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
Bowdoinham is a highly educated community / 51.5% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Bowdoinham experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 251 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 47.7 inches, including 68.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 34.
Bowdoinham has a population of 768 with a density of 216 people per square mile, spread across 3.6 square miles. The median age is 28.6 years, 26% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.6% female and 50.4% male. The city is predominantly White (76.6%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.1% of residents. 4.5% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 4.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 96.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
28.6yrs
Median Age
26% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Bowdoinham vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.1%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.9%
93% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Bowdoinham vs U.S. Average
Per capita income is $27,354 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,170, 18% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 31.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 4,431 business establishments, including 314 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes. 7.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Bowdoinham vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $27,354 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,170 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,050 |
| Gini Index | 0.441 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.9% |
| 75% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 31.8% |
| 156% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 4,431 |
| County GDP | $8,569M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 314 |
| Healthcare | 472 |
| Retail | 519 |
| Manufacturing | 92 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,195 |
| 48% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.47% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 28.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.4% |
The median home value in Bowdoinham is $352,900, 25% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $374,139. Fair market rent ranges from $1,186 for a one-bedroom to $1,497 for a two-bedroom apartment. 70.7% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 327 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1963. The average annual property tax is $5,195 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $352,900 |
| 25% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $374,139 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,108 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,186 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,951 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,190 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 70.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 70.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 29.3% |
| Housing Units | 327 |
| Median Year Built | 1963 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,195 |
| 48% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.47% |
In Bowdoinham, 30.0% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 8.4% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 28.4% have high blood pressure. 15.5% are current smokers. 18.6% report binge drinking. 21.5% are physically inactive. 29.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.8% experience frequent mental distress. 9.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:902. The dentist ratio is 1:1,173. 59.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Bowdoinham vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 30.0% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.4% |
| Asthma | 12.6% |
| COPD | 6.7% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.5% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.5% |
| Depression | 29.0% |
| Mental Distress | 18.8% |
| Physical Distress | 12.9% |
| Short Sleep | 30.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.7% |
| Uninsured | 9.0% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:902 |
| Dentists | 1:1,173 |
| Mental Health | 1:172 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.2% |
| Dental Visits | 65.8% |
| Premature Death | 9,353/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 59.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 472 |
Bowdoinham has a violent crime rate of 35 per 100,000 residents, 91% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,565 per 100,000, 20% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 19 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Bowdoinham receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Bowdoinham vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 34.5/100K |
| 91% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,565.0/100K |
| 20% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 19 |
| Traffic Accidents | 33 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.2 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Bowdoinham experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. The area gets 251 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 47.7 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 68.9 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 34. The city sits at an elevation of 120 feet.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-7°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 45.8°F |
| 15% below US avg |
| January Average | 20°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 251 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 120 ft (37 m) |
| Area | 3.6 sq mi (9.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 216/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.0212°N, 69.9013°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Kennebec County County |
| Nearest Airport | Portland International Jetport (PWM) 33 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
47.7"
26% above US avg
Wettest Month (Nov)
4.49"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 34.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0368 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 6.3 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 75.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 29.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 90.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Very High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
37 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.7. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 26, 2025.
| Oct 16, 2012 |
5 km W of Hollis Center, Maine |
M4.7 |
77 km |
| Aug 21, 1996 |
12 km N of Livermore, New Hampshire |
M3.8 |
117 km |
| Jan 27, 2025 |
9 km SE of York Harbor, Maine |
M3.8 |
119 km |
| Feb 26, 1999 |
0 km NW of China, Maine |
M3.8 |
59 km |
| Jan 17, 2000 |
4 km NNE of Dixfield, Maine |
M3.6 |
75 km |
| Jan 3, 2000 |
4 km W of Leeds, Maine |
M3.5 |
39 km |
| Jan 14, 2023 |
7 km ESE of Dedham, Maine |
M3.3 |
127 km |
| Sep 7, 2000 |
7 km WSW of Liberty, Maine |
M3.2 |
56 km |
| Sep 5, 1994 |
13 km NNE of Monhegan, Maine |
M3.1 |
57 km |
| Nov 20, 1994 |
4 km WNW of Norway, Maine |
M3.0 |
61 km |
| Dec 25, 1999 |
4 km NE of Saint Albans, Maine |
M3.0 |
111 km |
| Mar 30, 2010 |
7 km WSW of Dedham, Maine |
M3.0 |
117 km |
| Jun 7, 2010 |
29 km SE of York Beach, Maine |
M2.9 |
116 km |
| Apr 25, 2023 |
4 km SW of Center Sandwich, New Hampshire |
M2.9 |
129 km |
| Feb 4, 2022 |
0 km SSW of Gorham, New Hampshire |
M2.9 |
109 km |
| Jan 8, 1998 |
52 km ENE of Rockport, Massachusetts |
M2.9 |
130 km |
| Feb 12, 1995 |
1 km NNE of Turner, Maine |
M2.8 |
39 km |
| Mar 9, 2008 |
25 km SE of York Beach, Maine |
M2.8 |
117 km |
| Jul 28, 2024 |
6 km W of Gardiner, Maine |
M2.8 |
24 km |
| Mar 9, 2020 |
50 km ESE of Old Orchard Beach, Maine |
M2.7 |
82 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
2 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 1. Most recent: Kyle (2008, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2008 |
Kyle |
Category 1 |
298 km |
| 1991 |
Bob |
Category 2 |
165 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
70 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 8 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 9, 2000 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 1996 |
EF2 |
29 km |
0 |
| Nov 7, 1971 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1971 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1971 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1971 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
| Oct 10, 1966 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Sep 4, 1961 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 2017 |
EF1 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 2017 |
EF1 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 2017 |
EF1 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jul 28, 2014 |
EF1 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 2011 |
EF1 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 2011 |
EF1 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 2010 |
EF1 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 2010 |
EF1 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF1 |
49 km |
0 |
| Aug 21, 2009 |
EF1 |
60 km |
0 |
| Nov 24, 2005 |
EF1 |
23 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2002 |
EF1 |
63 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 3.6 m (12 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 2008 |
MAINE |
Avalanche |
3.6 m |
— |
29 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
20°F (-7°C) |
3.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
22°F (-5°C) |
3.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
32°F (-0°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (20°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| September |
58°F (15°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| December |
26°F (-4°C) |
4.2 in |
|
Bowdoinham has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 20°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 44.8 inches, with November being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (3.1").
Average costs for common services in Bowdoinham. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$243 ($146–$388) |
| Specialist Visit |
$340 ($194–$534) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$194 ($97–$340) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,136 ($777–$4,855) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$126 ($73–$194) |
| Dental Filling |
$243 ($146–$388) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($24–$73) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$73 ($49–$117) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$291 ($146–$486) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($19–$73) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$583 ($388–$971) |
| Battery Replacement |
$194 ($97–$340) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$97 ($58–$146) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($49–$136) |
| HVAC Repair |
$388 ($146–$777) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,797 ($3,884–$11,652) |
| Roof Repair |
$971 ($388–$1,942) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,739 ($5,341–$14,565) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,457 ($486–$3,399) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,565 ($4,855–$29,130) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,855 ($1,942–$9,710) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,457 ($777–$2,913) |
| Will Preparation |
$486 ($194–$971) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,428 ($971–$4,855) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29–$97) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$146 ($73–$243) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$78 ($49–$126) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.98 ($2.91–$5.34) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.40 ($2.43–$4.86) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.69 ($2.43–$5.34) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.37 ($2.91–$6.31) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.34 ($3.88–$7.28) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.97 ($0.58–$1.75) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$136 ($78–$243) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$146) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$117) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$97) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$97) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$83 ($49–$146) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$194 ($73–$486) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,942 ($1,165–$3,399) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$126) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.77–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$97 ($29–$243) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($15–$73) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,165 ($583–$2,428) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$971 ($486–$1,942) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$388 ($194–$680) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($24–$97) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$971 ($388–$2,428) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,138 ($4,855–$29,130) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29–$97) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$97 ($49–$194) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29–$97) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($19–$73) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$291 ($146–$486) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$194 ($97–$388) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $996 |
| Toddler | $873 |
| Preschool | $920 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $714 |
| Toddler | $671 |
| Preschool | $625 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Bowdoinham
What is the population of Bowdoinham?
Bowdoinham has a population of 768 residents and is located in Maine. The population density is 216 people per square mile, spread across 3.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 28.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.6% female and 50.4% male.
Is Bowdoinham expensive to live in?
Bowdoinham has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 97.1 (baseline: 100). The median home value is $352,900 (25% above the U.S. median).
Is Bowdoinham safe?
Bowdoinham is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 35 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,565 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Bowdoinham receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Bowdoinham?
Bowdoinham has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 20°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 251 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 47.7 inches, with 68.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 34.
How is the job market in Bowdoinham?
The job market in Bowdoinham is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,170. There are 4,431 business establishments in the area, including 314 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and 7.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bowdoinham?
The median home value in Bowdoinham is $352,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $374,139. The homeownership rate is 70.7%. The average annual property tax is $5,195.
How are the schools in Bowdoinham?
Schools in Bowdoinham score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 51.5% of adults in Bowdoinham hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 32.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bowdoinham?
The obesity rate in Bowdoinham is 30.0% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 15.5% of adults are smokers. 21.5% are physically inactive. 29.0% of residents report depression. 9.0% lack health insurance. 59.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:902.
What is transportation like in Bowdoinham?
The average commute in Bowdoinham is 28 minutes. 84.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bowdoinham?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bowdoinham is 76.6% White. 99.1% of residents speak only English at home. 4.5% of the population are military veterans. 4.0% of residents have a disability. 96.7% have health insurance coverage.