Median Income
$52,227
31% lower than US avg
Home Value
$121,700
57% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
350/100K
8% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
25.4%
25% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$719
38% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.1%
28% higher than US avg
Unemployment
9.6%
167% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.4%
24% lower than US avg
How Houlton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population4,958
Median Age44.5 yrs
Density943/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans6.5%
Economy
C+
Median Income$52,227
Per Capita$32,378
Unemployment9.6%
Poverty9.4%
County GDP$3,670M
Commute14 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$121,700
Rent$719
Ownership61.5%
Zillow$145,519
Housing Units2,338
Rent Burden34.8%
Crime
F
Violent350/100K
Property2,797/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault280/100K
Burglary315/100K
Health
Obesity41.1%
Uninsured10.7%
Smoking20.3%
Depression28.9%
Heart Disease6.6%
Climate
Avg Temp41°F (5°C)
AQI34 (Good)
Rain39.3 in/yr
Sunny Days249/yr
Elevation414 ft (126 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+25.4%
High School+88.6%
Graduate+9.6%
School Score5.53
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 36%
Commute14 min
Broadband90.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries15
Is Houlton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Houlton receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Houlton has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Houlton is $52,227, 31% below the national average of $75,149. At 9.6%, unemployment is notably high. 9.4% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Houlton is $121,700, 57% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $719 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 Houlton is below the national average at 350 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,797 per 100,000, 43% above the national average.
Education
25.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Houlton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F. Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. The area gets 249 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 39.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 34.
Houlton has a population of 4,958 with a density of 943 people per square mile, spread across 5.3 square miles. The median age is 44.5 years, 14% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51% female and 49% male. The city is predominantly White (95.5%), with 1.7% Hispanic, 1.7% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95% of residents. 6.5% of the population are veterans. 20.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
44.5yrs
Median Age
14% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.0%
21% above US avg
Spanish
5.0%
63% below US avg
The median household income in Houlton is $52,227, which is 31% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,378 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $984, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 9.6% (above the 3.6% US average). 9.4% 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 14 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $52,227 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,378 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $984 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,858 |
| Gini Index | 0.459 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 9.6% |
| 167% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.4% |
| 24% 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 | 3.15% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 13.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.0% |
The median home value in Houlton is $121,700, 57% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $145,519, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $719 (38% 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. 61.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 2,338 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1954. The average annual property tax is $3,828. 34.8% 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 | $121,700 |
| 57% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $145,519 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $719 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 34.8% |
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 | 61.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 61.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 38.5% |
| Housing Units | 2,338 |
| Median Year Built | 1954 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,828 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.15% |
In Houlton, 41.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.6% of residents. 35.3% have high blood pressure. 20.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.4% report binge drinking. 31.3% are physically inactive, above the national average. 28.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 22.0% experience frequent mental distress. 10.7% of residents lack health insurance (above 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: Houlton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.1% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.3% |
| Heart Disease | 6.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.3% |
| Asthma | 14.3% |
| COPD | 9.3% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.3% |
| 45% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.3% |
| Depression | 28.9% |
| Mental Distress | 22.0% |
| Physical Distress | 16.4% |
| Short Sleep | 39.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.7% |
| Uninsured | 10.7% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:891 |
| Dentists | 1:1,564 |
| Mental Health | 1:152 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.6% |
| Dental Visits | 52.0% |
| Premature Death | 10,576/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 56.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 228 |
Houlton has a violent crime rate of 350 per 100,000 residents, 8% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 279.7 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 69.9. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 2,797 per 100,000, 43% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,343, burglary at 315, vehicle theft at 140 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 10 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Houlton receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Houlton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 349.7/100K |
| 8% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 69.9/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 279.7/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,797.2/100K |
| 43% above US avg |
| Burglary | 314.7/100K |
| Theft | 2,342.7/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 139.9/100K |
| Arson | 17.5/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Traffic Accidents | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.2 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Houlton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. The area gets 249 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 39.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 34. The city sits at an elevation of 414 feet.
Temperature
13°F Jan (-11°C)
66°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 40.7°F |
| 25% below US avg |
| January Average | 13°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 66°F (19°C) |
| Sunny Days | 249 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 414 ft (126 m) |
| Area | 5.3 sq mi (13.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 943/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.1214°N, 67.8322°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Aroostook County County |
| Nearest Airport | Houlton International (HUL)
2 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.3"
3% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
3.90"
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
61 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 |
137 km |
| May 6, 1995 |
83 km W of Miramichi, Canada |
M3.9 |
136 km |
| Jul 14, 2006 |
13 km SW of Winterville, Maine |
M3.9 |
106 km |
| Jul 14, 1994 |
83 km W of Miramichi, Canada |
M3.8 |
136 km |
| Jan 5, 2005 |
81 km W of Miramichi, Canada |
M3.7 |
138 km |
| Mar 8, 2009 |
72 km NNE of Noonan, Canada |
M3.6 |
128 km |
| Sep 16, 1994 |
7 km SE of Lee, Maine |
M3.6 |
96 km |
| Sep 16, 1994 |
9 km SE of Lee, Maine |
M3.6 |
96 km |
| Aug 27, 2015 |
27 km N of Noonan, Canada |
M3.6 |
96 km |
| Jun 1, 2006 |
19 km NE of Florenceville-Bristol, Canada |
M3.6 |
59 km |
| Mar 30, 1990 |
6 km WSW of Grand Isle, Maine |
M3.5 |
132 km |
| Dec 12, 1990 |
83 km W of Miramichi, Canada |
M3.5 |
136 km |
| Oct 18, 2003 |
48 km ESE of Hamlin, Maine |
M3.5 |
103 km |
| Apr 28, 2014 |
81 km W of Miramichi, Canada |
M3.4 |
137 km |
| Jan 10, 2019 |
22 km NW of Saint John, Canada |
M3.4 |
145 km |
| Oct 25, 2001 |
4 km S of Howland, Maine |
M3.3 |
121 km |
| Apr 23, 1991 |
83 km W of Miramichi, Canada |
M3.3 |
136 km |
| Sep 16, 1994 |
9 km SE of Lee, Maine |
M3.3 |
96 km |
| Sep 16, 1994 |
9 km SE of Lee, Maine |
M3.3 |
96 km |
| Mar 8, 2009 |
71 km NNE of Noonan, Canada |
M3.3 |
132 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Hurricane History
1 hurricane (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 1. Most recent: Kyle (2008, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2008 |
Kyle |
Category 1 |
288 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
31 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 2 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 7, 1971 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Nov 7, 1971 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1971 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1957 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 2019 |
EF1 |
79 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 2017 |
EF1 |
82 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 2017 |
EF1 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2013 |
EF1 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2009 |
EF1 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2009 |
EF1 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 2002 |
EF1 |
18 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 2001 |
EF1 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1994 |
EF1 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jul 25, 1975 |
EF1 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1971 |
EF1 |
87 km |
0 |
| Sep 21, 1965 |
EF1 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1963 |
EF1 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1961 |
EF1 |
72 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1960 |
EF1 |
85 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1959 |
EF1 |
46 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
13°F (-11°C) |
3.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
14°F (-10°C) |
2.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
25°F (-4°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| April |
38°F (3°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
51°F (10°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| June |
60°F (16°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| July |
66°F (19°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
64°F (18°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
55°F (13°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
44°F (7°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| November |
33°F (0°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| December |
18°F (-8°C) |
3.7 in |
|
Houlton has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 13°F in January to 66°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 41.7 inches, with July being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (2.5").
Average costs for common services in Houlton. 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 Houlton
What is the population of Houlton?
Houlton has a population of 4,958 residents and is located in Maine. The population density is 943 people per square mile, spread across 5.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51% female and 49% male.
Is Houlton expensive to live in?
Houlton 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 $52,227, 31% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $121,700 (57% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $719 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 Houlton safe?
Houlton is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 350 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,797 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Houlton receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Houlton?
Houlton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 13°F in January, while summers reach an average of 66°F in July. The area receives 249 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 39.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 34.
How is the job market in Houlton?
The job market in Houlton faces challenges, with unemployment at 9.6% / significantly above 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 14 minutes, and 5.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Houlton?
The median home value in Houlton is $121,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $145,519. For renters, the median monthly rent is $719. Fair market rent is $1,186 for a 1-bedroom and $1,497 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 61.5%. The average annual property tax is $3,828.
How are the schools in Houlton?
Schools in Houlton score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 25.4% of adults in Houlton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.6% have completed high school. 9.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Houlton?
The obesity rate in Houlton is 41.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.3% of adults are smokers. 31.3% are physically inactive. 28.9% of residents report depression. 10.7% lack health insurance (above 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 Houlton?
The average commute in Houlton is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 79.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Houlton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Houlton is 95.5% White, 1.7% Black or African American, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino. 95% of residents speak only English at home, while 5% speak Spanish. 6.5% of the population are military veterans. 20.9% of residents have a disability. 94.7% have health insurance coverage.
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