Median Income
$51,667
31% lower than US avg
Home Value
$153,200
46% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
27/100K
93% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.0%
38% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$883
24% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.4%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.8%
78% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
15.3%
23% higher than US avg
How Dexter Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,840
Median Age51.8 yrs
Density390/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans8.8%
Economy
B+
Median Income$51,667
Per Capita$34,403
Unemployment0.8%
Poverty15.3%
County GDP$2,439M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$153,200
Rent$883
Ownership53.2%
Zillow$195,455
Housing Units1,140
Rent Burden34.4%
Crime
F
Violent27/100K
Property1,199/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary272/100K
Health
Obesity40.4%
Uninsured10.6%
Smoking19.8%
Depression31.5%
Heart Disease6.8%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
AQI34 (Good)
Rain42.9 in/yr
Sunny Days251/yr
Elevation338 ft (103 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.0%
High School+87.5%
Graduate+6.9%
School Score5.10
Community
2024 VoteR 63% / D 36%
Commute22 min
Broadband81.6%
EV Stations2
Libraries13
Is Dexter a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Dexter 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, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Dexter offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Dexter is $51,667, 31% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.8%. The poverty rate of 15.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Dexter is $153,200, 46% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $883 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Dexter is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 27 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,199 per 100,000, 39% below the national average.
Education
21.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Dexter has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. With 251 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 42.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 34.
Dexter has a population of 1,840 with a density of 390 people per square mile, spread across 5.3 square miles. The median age is 51.8 years, 33% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.9% female and 49.1% male. The city is predominantly White (96.5%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 8.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 27.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
51.8yrs
Median Age
33% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Dexter is $51,667, which is 31% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,403 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,061, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 15.3% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,574 business establishments, including 115 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $51,667 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,403 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,061 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,434 |
| Gini Index | 0.461 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.8% |
| 78% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 15.3% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,574 |
| County GDP | $2,439M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 115 |
| Healthcare | 124 |
| Retail | 193 |
| Manufacturing | 71 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,357 |
| 24% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.84% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.1% |
The median home value in Dexter is $153,200, 46% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $195,455, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 99.3% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $883 (24% 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. 53.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,140 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1942. The average annual property tax is $4,357 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 34.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $153,200 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $195,455 |
| Median List Price | $257,400 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $257,400 |
| $/Sq Ft | $118 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.3% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 6 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $883 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 34.4% |
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 | 53.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 53.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 46.8% |
| Housing Units | 1,140 |
| Median Year Built | 1942 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,357 |
| 24% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.84% |
In Dexter, 40.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.8% of residents, above the national average. 34.5% have high blood pressure. 19.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.0% report binge drinking. 29.0% are physically inactive, above the national average. 31.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 23.0% experience frequent mental distress. 10.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,745. The dentist ratio is 1:4,258. 39.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Dexter vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.4% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.5% |
| Asthma | 14.2% |
| COPD | 9.0% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.8% |
| 41% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.0% |
| Depression | 31.5% |
| Mental Distress | 23.0% |
| Physical Distress | 16.6% |
| Short Sleep | 39.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.4% |
| Uninsured | 10.6% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,745 |
| Dentists | 1:4,258 |
| Mental Health | 1:479 |
| Checkup Rate | 79.3% |
| Dental Visits | 50.7% |
| Premature Death | 10,675/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 39.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 124 |
Dexter has a violent crime rate of 27 per 100,000 residents, 93% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 27.2, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,199 per 100,000, 39% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 899, burglary at 272, vehicle theft at 27 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 10 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Dexter receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Dexter vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 27.2/100K |
| 93% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 27.2/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,198.6/100K |
| 39% below US avg |
| Burglary | 272.4/100K |
| Theft | 898.9/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 27.2/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Dexter has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. The area gets 251 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 42.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 34. The city sits at an elevation of 338 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 43.3°F |
| 20% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 251 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 338 ft (103 m) |
| Area | 5.3 sq mi (13.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 390/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.0162°N, 69.2947°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Somerset County County |
| Nearest Airport | Bangor International (BGR)
27 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
42.9"
13% above US avg
Wettest Month (Nov)
4.41"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 34.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 67.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 41.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 53.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
40 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 26, 2025.
| Feb 26, 1999 |
0 km NW of China, Maine |
M3.8 |
62 km |
| Sep 16, 1994 |
7 km SE of Lee, Maine |
M3.6 |
90 km |
| Sep 16, 1994 |
9 km SE of Lee, Maine |
M3.6 |
91 km |
| Jan 17, 2000 |
4 km NNE of Dixfield, Maine |
M3.6 |
103 km |
| Jan 3, 2000 |
4 km W of Leeds, Maine |
M3.5 |
105 km |
| Oct 25, 2001 |
4 km S of Howland, Maine |
M3.3 |
53 km |
| Sep 16, 1994 |
9 km SE of Lee, Maine |
M3.3 |
91 km |
| Jan 14, 2023 |
7 km ESE of Dedham, Maine |
M3.3 |
69 km |
| Sep 16, 1994 |
9 km SE of Lee, Maine |
M3.3 |
91 km |
| Sep 7, 2000 |
7 km WSW of Liberty, Maine |
M3.2 |
74 km |
| Sep 5, 1994 |
13 km NNE of Monhegan, Maine |
M3.1 |
129 km |
| Aug 17, 2022 |
3 km SE of Centerville, Maine |
M3.0 |
135 km |
| Dec 25, 1999 |
4 km NE of Saint Albans, Maine |
M3.0 |
10 km |
| Mar 30, 2010 |
7 km WSW of Dedham, Maine |
M3.0 |
57 km |
| Nov 20, 1994 |
4 km WNW of Norway, Maine |
M3.0 |
135 km |
| Jan 17, 2021 |
4 km ESE of Centerville, Maine |
M2.9 |
136 km |
| Aug 11, 2022 |
Maine |
M2.8 |
137 km |
| Feb 12, 1995 |
1 km NNE of Turner, Maine |
M2.8 |
113 km |
| Jul 28, 2024 |
6 km W of Gardiner, Maine |
M2.8 |
98 km |
| Aug 11, 2022 |
4 km E of Centerville, Maine |
M2.8 |
136 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 |
281 km |
| 1991 |
Bob |
Category 1 |
286 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
41 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 5 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 9, 2000 |
EF2 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 1996 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Nov 7, 1971 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Nov 7, 1971 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1971 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1971 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1971 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Aug 20, 1962 |
EF2 |
24 km |
0 |
| Sep 4, 1961 |
EF2 |
40 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1959 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 2017 |
EF1 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 2014 |
EF1 |
15 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 2011 |
EF1 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1997 |
EF1 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1991 |
EF1 |
18 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1989 |
EF1 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1978 |
EF1 |
66 km |
0 |
| Aug 14, 1977 |
EF1 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jul 25, 1975 |
EF1 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1973 |
EF1 |
83 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 |
— |
139 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-8°C) |
3.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
17°F (-8°C) |
2.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
27°F (-3°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| April |
40°F (4°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
52°F (11°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| June |
62°F (16°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
65°F (18°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| December |
22°F (-6°C) |
4.0 in |
|
Dexter has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 17°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 43.1 inches, with November being the wettest month (4.4") and February the driest (2.8").
Average costs for common services in Dexter. 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 | $671 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $599 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Dexter
What is the population of Dexter?
Dexter has a population of 1,840 residents and is located in Maine. The population density is 390 people per square mile, spread across 5.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 51.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.9% female and 49.1% male.
Is Dexter expensive to live in?
Dexter 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 $51,667, 31% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $153,200 (46% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $883 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Dexter safe?
Dexter is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 27 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,199 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Dexter receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Dexter?
Dexter has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. The area receives 251 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 42.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 34.
How is the job market in Dexter?
The job market in Dexter is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,061. There are 1,574 business establishments in the area, including 115 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 5.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Dexter?
The median home value in Dexter is $153,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $195,455. For renters, the median monthly rent is $883. Fair market rent is $1,186 for a 1-bedroom and $1,497 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 53.2%. The average annual property tax is $4,357.
How are the schools in Dexter?
Schools in Dexter score 5.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 21.0% of adults in Dexter hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.5% have completed high school. 6.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Dexter?
The obesity rate in Dexter is 40.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.8% of adults are smokers. 29.0% are physically inactive. 31.5% of residents report depression. 10.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 39.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,745.
What is transportation like in Dexter?
The average commute in Dexter is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 84.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Dexter?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Dexter is 96.5% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 8.8% of the population are military veterans. 27.8% of residents have a disability. 95.4% have health insurance coverage.
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