Median Income
$48,654
35% lower than US avg
Home Value
$111,800
60% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
202/100K
47% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
26.1%
23% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$815
30% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.9%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.1%
14% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
19.8%
60% higher than US avg
How Calais Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,087
Median Age43.8 yrs
Density90/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans12.0%
Economy
C+
Median Income$48,654
Per Capita$31,240
Unemployment4.1%
Poverty19.8%
County GDP$1,474M
Commute13 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$111,800
Rent$815
Ownership67.8%
Zillow$148,838
Housing Units1,813
Rent Burden29.7%
Crime
F
Violent202/100K
Property2,052/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault135/100K
Burglary303/100K
Health
Obesity39.9%
Uninsured10.7%
Smoking19.5%
Depression29.7%
Heart Disease6.6%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI34 (Good)
Rain54.7 in/yr
Sunny Days234/yr
Elevation209 ft (64 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+26.1%
High School+87.2%
Graduate+9.5%
School Score5.36
Community
2024 VoteR 61% / D 37%
Commute13 min
Broadband85.1%
EV Stations2
Libraries18
Is Calais a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Calais receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Calais offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Calais is $48,654, 35% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.1%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 19.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 13 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Calais is $111,800, 60% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $815 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Calais is below the national average at 202 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,052 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
26.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Calais has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. The area gets 234 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 54.7 inches, including 95.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 34.
Calais has a population of 3,087 with a density of 90 people per square mile, spread across 40.1 square miles. The median age is 43.8 years, 13% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.6% female and 48.4% male. The city is predominantly White (94.5%), with 1.5% Hispanic, 2.9% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96% of residents. 12.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 28.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
43.8yrs
Median Age
13% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.0%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.0%
70% below US avg
The median household income in Calais is $48,654, which is 35% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,240 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $966, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 19.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,194 business establishments, including 76 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 13 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $48,654 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,240 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $966 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $50,781 |
| Gini Index | 0.459 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.1% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 19.8% |
| 60% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,194 |
| County GDP | $1,474M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 76 |
| Healthcare | 107 |
| Retail | 132 |
| Manufacturing | 38 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,373 |
| 54% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.81% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 13.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.2% |
The median home value in Calais is $111,800, 60% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $148,838, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $815 (30% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,186 for a one-bedroom to $1,497 for a two-bedroom apartment. 67.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,813 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1954. The average annual property tax is $5,373 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 29.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $111,800 |
| 60% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $148,838 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $815 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 29.7% |
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 | 67.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 67.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 32.2% |
| Housing Units | 1,813 |
| Median Year Built | 1954 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,373 |
| 54% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.81% |
In Calais, 39.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.6% of residents. 34.2% have high blood pressure. 19.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.3% report binge drinking. 29.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 29.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 22.3% experience frequent mental distress. 10.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,394. The dentist ratio is 1:1,965. 35.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Calais vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.9% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.8% |
| Heart Disease | 6.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.2% |
| Asthma | 13.6% |
| COPD | 8.9% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.5% |
| 39% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.9% |
| Depression | 29.7% |
| Mental Distress | 22.3% |
| Physical Distress | 16.5% |
| Short Sleep | 40.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.7% |
| Uninsured | 10.7% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,394 |
| Dentists | 1:1,965 |
| Mental Health | 1:143 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.0% |
| Dental Visits | 55.1% |
| Premature Death | 13,437/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 35.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 107 |
Calais has a violent crime rate of 202 per 100,000 residents, 47% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 134.5 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 67.3. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 2,052 per 100,000, 5% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,682, burglary at 303, vehicle theft at 67 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Calais receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Calais vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 201.8/100K |
| 47% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 67.3/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 134.5/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,051.8/100K |
| 5% above US avg |
| Burglary | 302.7/100K |
| Theft | 1,681.8/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 67.3/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Calais has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. The area gets 234 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 54.7 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 95.0 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 209 feet.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-7°C)
67°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 44.2°F |
| 18% below US avg |
| January Average | 20°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (19°C) |
| Sunny Days | 234 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 209 ft (64 m) |
| Area | 40.1 sq mi (103.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 90/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.1430°N, 67.2175°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Washington County County |
| Nearest Airport | Houlton International (HUL)
73 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
54.7"
44% above US avg
Wettest Month (Nov)
4.53"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 34.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0354 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 4.1 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 47.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 86.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 80.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
40 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M3.3 on Jan 14, 2023.
| Aug 27, 2015 |
27 km N of Noonan, Canada |
M3.6 |
128 km |
| Sep 16, 1994 |
7 km SE of Lee, Maine |
M3.6 |
81 km |
| Sep 16, 1994 |
9 km SE of Lee, Maine |
M3.6 |
79 km |
| Feb 2, 2016 |
8 km E of Lubec, Maine |
M3.6 |
40 km |
| Jul 1, 2015 |
30 km NNW of Yarmouth, Canada |
M3.5 |
140 km |
| Jan 10, 2019 |
22 km NW of Saint John, Canada |
M3.4 |
77 km |
| Jan 14, 2023 |
7 km ESE of Dedham, Maine |
M3.3 |
120 km |
| Sep 16, 1994 |
9 km SE of Lee, Maine |
M3.3 |
79 km |
| Sep 16, 1994 |
9 km SE of Lee, Maine |
M3.3 |
79 km |
| Oct 25, 2001 |
4 km S of Howland, Maine |
M3.3 |
114 km |
| Feb 9, 2016 |
7 km NE of Vanceboro, Maine |
M3.3 |
52 km |
| Jul 25, 2010 |
35 km S of Fundy Bay, Canada |
M3.2 |
85 km |
| Oct 15, 2003 |
11 km E of Saint Andrews, Canada |
M3.1 |
25 km |
| Aug 17, 2022 |
3 km SE of Centerville, Maine |
M3.0 |
61 km |
| Mar 30, 2010 |
7 km WSW of Dedham, Maine |
M3.0 |
132 km |
| Jan 17, 2021 |
4 km ESE of Centerville, Maine |
M2.9 |
60 km |
| Mar 14, 2018 |
16 km WNW of Saint John, Canada |
M2.9 |
80 km |
| Aug 11, 2022 |
4 km E of Centerville, Maine |
M2.8 |
58 km |
| Aug 11, 2022 |
Maine |
M2.8 |
59 km |
| Jul 25, 2013 |
32 km N of Keswick Ridge, Canada |
M2.8 |
129 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Hurricane History
3 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 2. Most recent: Earl (2010, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2010 |
Earl |
Category 1 |
234 km |
| 2008 |
Kyle |
Category 1 |
170 km |
| 2003 |
Juan |
Category 2 |
282 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
9 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 6 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 7, 1971 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Sep 15, 1961 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1954 |
EF2 |
15 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 2019 |
EF1 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 1965 |
EF1 |
77 km |
0 |
| Aug 17, 1959 |
EF1 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1958 |
EF1 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jul 17, 2013 |
EF0 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 29, 1961 |
EF0 |
10 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SUNKEN STR (1,201 ac, 1985).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1985 |
SUNKEN STR |
1,201 |
33 km |
| 1984 |
UNNAMED |
901 |
70 km |
| 2006 |
CENTERVILLE FIRE |
705 |
63 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
627 |
73 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
20°F (-7°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| February |
20°F (-7°C) |
3.1 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
52°F (11°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
61°F (16°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| July |
67°F (19°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
65°F (19°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| December |
24°F (-5°C) |
4.3 in |
|
Calais has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 20°F in February to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 45.6 inches, with November being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (3.1").
Average costs for common services in Calais. 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 | $992 |
| Toddler | $992 |
| Preschool | $840 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $671 |
| Toddler | $613 |
| Preschool | $585 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Calais
What is the population of Calais?
Calais has a population of 3,087 residents and is located in Maine. The population density is 90 people per square mile, spread across 40.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.6% female and 48.4% male.
Is Calais expensive to live in?
Calais has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 97.1 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $48,654, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $111,800 (60% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $815 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Calais safe?
Calais is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 202 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,052 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Calais receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Calais?
Calais has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 20°F in January, while summers reach an average of 67°F in July. The area receives 234 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 54.7 inches, with 95.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 34.
How is the job market in Calais?
Calais has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.1%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $966. There are 1,194 business establishments in the area, including 76 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 13 minutes, and 3.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Calais?
The median home value in Calais is $111,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $148,838. For renters, the median monthly rent is $815. Fair market rent is $1,186 for a 1-bedroom and $1,497 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 67.8%. The average annual property tax is $5,373.
How are the schools in Calais?
Schools in Calais score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 26.1% of adults in Calais hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.2% have completed high school. 9.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Calais?
The obesity rate in Calais is 39.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.5% of adults are smokers. 29.9% are physically inactive. 29.7% of residents report depression. 10.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 35.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,394.
What is transportation like in Calais?
The average commute in Calais is 13 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 85.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Calais?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Calais is 94.5% White, 2.9% Black or African American, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino. 96% of residents speak only English at home, while 4% speak Spanish. 12.0% of the population are military veterans. 28.2% of residents have a disability. 93.7% have health insurance coverage.
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