Median Income
$58,750
22% lower than US avg
Home Value
$137,000
51% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
33.5%
1% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$820
29% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.8%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.5%
86% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.2%
74% lower than US avg
How Fort Kent Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,453
Median Age49.0 yrs
Density458/mi²
Male / Female41% / 59%
Largest GroupWhite 85%
Veterans4.7%
Economy
A
Median Income$58,750
Per Capita$55,801
Unemployment0.5%
Poverty3.2%
County GDP$3,670M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$137,000
Rent$820
Ownership64.4%
Zillow$183,691
Housing Units1,250
Rent Burden35.1%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property524/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity37.8%
Uninsured8.6%
Smoking15.9%
Depression26.7%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp38°F (3°C)
AQI34 (Good)
Rain41.6 in/yr
Sunny Days240/yr
Elevation519 ft (158 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+33.5%
High School+89.4%
Graduate+11.8%
School Score5.53
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 36%
Commute18 min
Broadband79.7%
EV Stations2
Libraries15
Is Fort Kent a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Fort Kent receives an overall livability score of 3.8 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. Fort Kent offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Fort Kent is $58,750, 22% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.5%. Only 3.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Fort Kent is $137,000, 51% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $820 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
Fort Kent is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 524 per 100,000, 73% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 33.5% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 89.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Fort Kent has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 38°F. Winters average 8°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. The area gets 240 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 41.6 inches, including 99.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 34.
Fort Kent has a population of 2,453 with a density of 458 people per square mile, spread across 5.6 square miles. The median age is 49.0 years, 26% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 59.3% female and 40.7% male. The city is predominantly White (85.1%), with 2.5% Hispanic, 7.5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 66.7% of residents, while 33.3% speak Spanish. 4.7% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 18.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
49.0yrs
Median Age
26% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Fort Kent vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
66.7%
15% below US avg
Spanish
33.3%
149% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Fort Kent vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Fort Kent is $58,750, which is 22% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $55,801 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $984, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.2% 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 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 16.8% of workers work from home.
Income: Fort Kent vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $58,750 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $55,801 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $984 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,858 |
| Gini Index | 0.459 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.5% |
| 86% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.2% |
| 74% 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 | 2.79% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 71.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 16.8% |
The median home value in Fort Kent is $137,000, 51% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $183,691, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $820 (29% 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. 64.4% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,250 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1968. The average annual property tax is $3,828. 35.1% 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 | $137,000 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $183,691 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $820 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 35.1% |
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 | 64.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 64.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 35.6% |
| Housing Units | 1,250 |
| Median Year Built | 1968 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,828 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.79% |
In Fort Kent, 37.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 32.5% have high blood pressure. 15.9% are current smokers. 16.1% report binge drinking. 26.3% are physically inactive. 26.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.6% experience frequent mental distress. 8.6% of residents lack health insurance. 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: Fort Kent vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.8% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.5% |
| Asthma | 13.2% |
| COPD | 7.0% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.9% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.3% |
| Depression | 26.7% |
| Mental Distress | 19.6% |
| Physical Distress | 13.7% |
| Short Sleep | 37.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.2% |
| Uninsured | 8.6% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:891 |
| Dentists | 1:1,564 |
| Mental Health | 1:152 |
| Checkup Rate | 79.0% |
| Dental Visits | 58.8% |
| Premature Death | 10,576/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 56.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 228 |
Fort Kent has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 524 per 100,000, 73% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 524, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 10 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Fort Kent receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Fort Kent vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 524.1/100K |
| 73% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 524.1/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Fort Kent has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 38°F (3°C). Winters average 8°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. The area gets 240 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 41.6 inches. The area receives 99.3 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 519 feet.
Temperature
8°F Jan (-13°C)
65°F Jul (18°C)
| Annual Average | 37.8°F |
| 30% below US avg |
| January Average | 8°F (-13°C) |
| July Average | 65°F (18°C) |
| Sunny Days | 240 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 519 ft (158 m) |
| Area | 5.6 sq mi (14.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 458/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.2517°N, 68.5872°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Aroostook County County |
| Nearest Airport | Northern Aroostook Regional (WFK)
13 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
41.6"
10% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.29"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 34.0 |
| Rating | Good |
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
80 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.9. Most recent: M2.6 on Jul 25, 2025.
| Mar 6, 2005 |
15 km SE of Saint-Siméon, Canada |
M4.9 |
102 km |
| Oct 28, 1997 |
18 km E of La Malbaie, Canada |
M4.8 |
110 km |
| Dec 12, 2012 |
14 km WSW of Saint-Siméon, Canada |
M4.4 |
125 km |
| Jul 11, 2013 |
13 km WSW of Saint-Siméon, Canada |
M4.4 |
126 km |
| Jun 13, 2003 |
6 km NE of La Malbaie, Canada |
M4.1 |
124 km |
| Sep 25, 1994 |
10 km SW of Saint-Siméon, Canada |
M4.1 |
118 km |
| Feb 24, 2012 |
6 km SW of La Malbaie, Canada |
M4.0 |
130 km |
| Jul 14, 2006 |
13 km SW of Winterville, Maine |
M3.9 |
42 km |
| Jun 16, 2011 |
11 km ENE of Sacré-Coeur, Canada |
M3.8 |
138 km |
| Aug 17, 2002 |
12 km S of Baie-Saint-Paul, Canada |
M3.8 |
145 km |
| Dec 30, 1993 |
10 km E of Baie-Saint-Paul, Canada |
M3.8 |
136 km |
| Jun 15, 2000 |
16 km N of Saint-Pascal, Canada |
M3.7 |
103 km |
| Apr 7, 2006 |
16 km S of Baie-Saint-Paul, Canada |
M3.7 |
142 km |
| Jan 21, 2015 |
13 km W of La Pocatière, Canada |
M3.7 |
124 km |
| Aug 20, 1997 |
17 km SW of La Malbaie, Canada |
M3.7 |
132 km |
| Dec 8, 1991 |
17 km SSE of Saint-Siméon, Canada |
M3.6 |
104 km |
| Jun 1, 2006 |
19 km NE of Florenceville-Bristol, Canada |
M3.6 |
114 km |
| Oct 18, 2003 |
48 km ESE of Hamlin, Maine |
M3.5 |
111 km |
| Dec 1, 1993 |
15 km SSE of La Malbaie, Canada |
M3.5 |
115 km |
| Mar 30, 1990 |
6 km WSW of Grand Isle, Maine |
M3.5 |
27 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
24 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 1 fatality, 3 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 15, 1958 |
EF2 |
28 km |
0 |
| Aug 11, 1954 |
EF2 |
50 km |
1 |
| May 31, 2009 |
EF1 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2009 |
EF1 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2009 |
EF1 |
23 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1994 |
EF1 |
27 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1994 |
EF1 |
60 km |
0 |
| Oct 12, 1971 |
EF1 |
6 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1971 |
EF1 |
53 km |
0 |
| Sep 21, 1965 |
EF1 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1963 |
EF1 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1961 |
EF1 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1961 |
EF1 |
24 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1960 |
EF1 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2016 |
EF0 |
46 km |
0 |
| Sep 11, 2013 |
EF0 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2011 |
EF0 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 2011 |
EF0 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 2011 |
EF0 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 2009 |
EF0 |
43 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
8°F (-13°C) |
3.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
10°F (-12°C) |
2.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
22°F (-6°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| April |
35°F (2°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
49°F (10°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
59°F (15°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| July |
65°F (18°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
62°F (17°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
53°F (12°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
42°F (5°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| December |
14°F (-10°C) |
3.6 in |
|
Fort Kent has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 8°F in January to 65°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 40.3 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (2.5").
Average costs for common services in Fort Kent. 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 Fort Kent
What is the population of Fort Kent?
Fort Kent has a population of 2,453 residents and is located in Maine. The population density is 458 people per square mile, spread across 5.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 49.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 59.3% female and 40.7% male.
Is Fort Kent expensive to live in?
Fort Kent 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 $58,750, 22% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $137,000 (51% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $820 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 Fort Kent safe?
Fort Kent is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 524 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Fort Kent receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Fort Kent?
Fort Kent has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 38°F (3°C). Winter temperatures average 8°F in January, while summers reach an average of 65°F in July. The area receives 240 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 41.6 inches, with 99.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 34.
How is the job market in Fort Kent?
The job market in Fort Kent is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.5% / well below the national rate 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 18 minutes, and 16.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Fort Kent?
The median home value in Fort Kent is $137,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $183,691. For renters, the median monthly rent is $820. Fair market rent is $1,186 for a 1-bedroom and $1,497 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 64.4%. The average annual property tax is $3,828.
How are the schools in Fort Kent?
Schools in Fort Kent score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 33.5% of adults in Fort Kent hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.4% have completed high school. 11.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Fort Kent?
The obesity rate in Fort Kent is 37.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.9% of adults are smokers. 26.3% are physically inactive. 26.7% of residents report depression. 8.6% lack health insurance. 56.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:891.
What is transportation like in Fort Kent?
The average commute in Fort Kent is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 71.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 16.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Fort Kent?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Fort Kent is 85.1% White, 7.5% Black or African American, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino. 66.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 33.3% speak Spanish. 4.7% of the population are military veterans. 18.7% of residents have a disability. 93.2% have health insurance coverage.
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