Median Income
$54,271
28% lower than US avg
Home Value
$120,300
57% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
28.6%
15% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$696
40% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.6%
20% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.1%
14% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.5%
56% lower than US avg
How Caribou Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population7,427
Median Age52.3 yrs
Density94/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans12.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$54,271
Per Capita$36,303
Unemployment3.1%
Poverty5.5%
County GDP$3,670M
Commute16 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$120,300
Rent$696
Ownership74.1%
Zillow$167,622
Housing Units3,902
Rent Burden27.8%
Health
Obesity38.6%
Uninsured5.9%
Smoking16.8%
Depression27.5%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp41°F (5°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain40.7 in/yr
Elevation375 ft (114 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+28.6%
High School+93.0%
Graduate+8.2%
School Score5.53
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 36%
Commute16 min
Broadband78.3%
EV Stations2
Libraries15
Is Caribou a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Caribou receives an overall livability score of 4.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Caribou stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Caribou is $54,271, 28% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.1%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 5.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Caribou is $120,300, 57% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $696 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
28.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Caribou has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F. Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 40.7 inches, including 118.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Caribou has a population of 7,427 with a density of 94 people per square mile, spread across 80.1 square miles. The median age is 52.3 years, 34% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.8% female and 53.2% male. The city is predominantly White (92.5%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 90.8% of residents, while 9.4% speak Spanish. 12.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 19.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
7,427
Total Population
2023 Census
52.3yrs
Median Age
34% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
90.8%
16% above US avg
Spanish
9.4%
30% below US avg
The median household income in Caribou is $54,271, which is 28% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $36,303. The average weekly wage is $984, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,396 business establishments, including 145 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 9.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $54,271 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $36,303 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $984 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,858 |
| Gini Index | 0.459 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.1% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.5% |
| 56% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,396 |
| County GDP | $3,670M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 145 |
| Healthcare | 228 |
| Retail | 314 |
| Manufacturing | 75 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,828 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.18% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 15.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.0% |
The median home value in Caribou is $120,300, 57% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $167,622, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $696 (40% 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. 74.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 3,902 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1961. The average annual property tax is $3,828. 27.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $120,300 |
| 57% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $167,622 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $696 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.8% |
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 | 74.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 74.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 25.9% |
| Housing Units | 3,902 |
| Median Year Built | 1961 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,828 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.18% |
In Caribou, 38.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 33.2% have high blood pressure. 16.8% are current smokers. 16.4% report binge drinking. 26.9% are physically inactive. 27.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.3% experience frequent mental distress. 5.9% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:891. The dentist ratio is 1:1,564. 56.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Caribou vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.6% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.2% |
| Asthma | 13.5% |
| COPD | 7.5% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.8% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.9% |
| Depression | 27.5% |
| Mental Distress | 20.3% |
| Physical Distress | 14.3% |
| Short Sleep | 38.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.1% |
| Uninsured | 5.9% |
| 31% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:891 |
| Dentists | 1:1,564 |
| Mental Health | 1:152 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.7% |
| Dental Visits | 55.4% |
| Premature Death | 10,576/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 56.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 228 |
Caribou has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 40.7 inches. The area receives 118.2 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. 82% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 375 feet.
Temperature
12°F Jan (-11°C)
67°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 40.7°F |
| 25% below US avg |
| January Average | 12°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (19°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 375 ft (114 m) |
| Area | 80.1 sq mi (207.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 94/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.8365°N, 67.9361°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Aroostook County County |
| Nearest Airport | Loring International (LIZ)
8 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.7"
7% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.23"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 81.7% |
| Unhealthy Days | 0 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0325 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 3.0 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.05 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.19 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 5.7 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 80.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 67.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 51.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
44 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.0. Most recent: M2.5 on Feb 17, 2025.
| Jul 15, 1998 |
84 km W of Miramichi, Canada |
M4.0 |
103 km |
| May 6, 1995 |
83 km W of Miramichi, Canada |
M3.9 |
103 km |
| Jul 14, 2006 |
13 km SW of Winterville, Maine |
M3.9 |
57 km |
| Jul 14, 1994 |
83 km W of Miramichi, Canada |
M3.8 |
103 km |
| Jan 5, 2005 |
81 km W of Miramichi, Canada |
M3.7 |
106 km |
| Aug 27, 2015 |
27 km N of Noonan, Canada |
M3.6 |
124 km |
| Jun 1, 2006 |
19 km NE of Florenceville-Bristol, Canada |
M3.6 |
47 km |
| Mar 8, 2009 |
72 km NNE of Noonan, Canada |
M3.6 |
127 km |
| Dec 12, 1990 |
83 km W of Miramichi, Canada |
M3.5 |
103 km |
| Mar 30, 1990 |
6 km WSW of Grand Isle, Maine |
M3.5 |
54 km |
| Oct 18, 2003 |
48 km ESE of Hamlin, Maine |
M3.5 |
58 km |
| Apr 28, 2014 |
81 km W of Miramichi, Canada |
M3.4 |
105 km |
| Feb 9, 2016 |
7 km NE of Vanceboro, Maine |
M3.3 |
144 km |
| Apr 23, 1991 |
83 km W of Miramichi, Canada |
M3.3 |
103 km |
| Mar 8, 2009 |
71 km NNE of Noonan, Canada |
M3.3 |
132 km |
| Aug 28, 2013 |
84 km W of Miramichi, Canada |
M3.2 |
103 km |
| Mar 21, 2013 |
60 km NNE of Noonan, Canada |
M3.2 |
146 km |
| Jul 3, 2024 |
67 km SW of Miramichi, Canada |
M3.1 |
145 km |
| Jan 2, 2013 |
75 km W of Miramichi, Canada |
M3.0 |
111 km |
| Aug 21, 2015 |
63 km SW of Bathurst, Canada |
M3.0 |
133 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
31 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 1 fatality, 5 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 15, 1958 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| Aug 11, 1954 |
EF2 |
21 km |
1 |
| May 31, 2009 |
EF1 |
34 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2009 |
EF1 |
26 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2009 |
EF1 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 2002 |
EF1 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 2001 |
EF1 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1994 |
EF1 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1994 |
EF1 |
7 km |
0 |
| Oct 12, 1971 |
EF1 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1971 |
EF1 |
18 km |
0 |
| Sep 21, 1965 |
EF1 |
13 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1963 |
EF1 |
9 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1961 |
EF1 |
8 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1961 |
EF1 |
46 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1960 |
EF1 |
7 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1959 |
EF1 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2016 |
EF0 |
24 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2014 |
EF0 |
77 km |
0 |
| Sep 11, 2013 |
EF0 |
89 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
12°F (-11°C) |
3.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
14°F (-10°C) |
2.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
25°F (-4°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| April |
39°F (4°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
52°F (11°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
61°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
67°F (19°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
65°F (18°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| November |
33°F (0°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-7°C) |
3.6 in |
|
Caribou has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 12°F in January to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 40.7 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (2.4").
Average costs for common services in Caribou. 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 | $837 |
| Toddler | $682 |
| Preschool | $613 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $577 |
| Toddler | $577 |
| Preschool | $491 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Caribou
What is the population of Caribou?
Caribou has a population of 7,427 residents and is located in Maine. The population density is 94 people per square mile, spread across 80.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 52.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.8% female and 53.2% male.
Is Caribou expensive to live in?
Caribou 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 $54,271, 28% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $120,300 (57% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $696 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Caribou?
Caribou has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 12°F in January, while summers reach an average of 67°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 40.7 inches, with 118.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Caribou?
Caribou has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.1%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $984. There are 2,396 business establishments in the area, including 145 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 9.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Caribou?
The median home value in Caribou is $120,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $167,622. For renters, the median monthly rent is $696. Fair market rent is $1,186 for a 1-bedroom and $1,497 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 74.1%. The average annual property tax is $3,828.
How are the schools in Caribou?
Schools in Caribou score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 28.6% of adults in Caribou hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.0% have completed high school. 8.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Caribou?
The obesity rate in Caribou is 38.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.8% of adults are smokers. 26.9% are physically inactive. 27.5% of residents report depression. 5.9% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 56.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:891.
What is transportation like in Caribou?
The average commute in Caribou is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 75.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Caribou?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Caribou is 92.5% White. 90.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 9.4% speak Spanish. 12.0% of the population are military veterans. 19.4% of residents have a disability. 94.1% have health insurance coverage.