Median Income
$48,021
36% lower than US avg
Home Value
$101,900
64% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
20/100K
95% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.0%
64% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$941
19% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.8%
30% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.6%
56% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.7%
10% higher than US avg
How Howland Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,208
Median Age45.7 yrs
Density162/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans9.6%
Economy
B
Median Income$48,021
Per Capita$22,865
Unemployment5.6%
Poverty13.7%
County GDP$9,643M
Commute40 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$101,900
Rent$941
Ownership81.1%
Zillow$177,968
Housing Units483
Rent Burden28.6%
Crime
F
Violent20/100K
Property2,170/100K
Health
Obesity41.8%
Uninsured11.6%
Smoking22.1%
Depression31.7%
Heart Disease7.3%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
AQI34 (Good)
Rain44.3 in/yr
Sunny Days251/yr
Elevation183 ft (56 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+12.0%
High School+90.2%
Graduate+2.8%
School Score6.01
Community
2024 VoteR 54% / D 44%
Commute40 min
Broadband83.9%
EV Stations1
Libraries20
Is Howland a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Howland receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes, long commute times. Howland has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Howland is $48,021, 36% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.6% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 13.7% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 40 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Howland is $101,900, 64% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $941 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Howland is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 20 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,170 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
12.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Howland has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 251 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 44.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 34.
Howland has a population of 1,208 with a density of 162 people per square mile, spread across 7.7 square miles. The median age is 45.7 years, 17% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.3% female and 48.7% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.9% of residents. 9.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 27.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 90.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
45.7yrs
Median Age
17% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.9%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.1%
92% below US avg
The median household income in Howland is $48,021, which is 36% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $22,865 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,069, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.6% (above the 3.6% US average). 13.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 5,259 business establishments, including 341 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 40 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $48,021 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $22,865 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,069 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $66,997 |
| Gini Index | 0.456 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.6% |
| 56% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.7% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 5,259 |
| County GDP | $9,643M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 341 |
| Healthcare | 603 |
| Retail | 669 |
| Manufacturing | 149 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,146 |
| 47% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.05% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 40.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 89.6% |
| Public Transit | 1.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Howland is $101,900, 64% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $177,968, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $941 (19% 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. 81.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 483 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1954. The average annual property tax is $5,146 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $101,900 |
| 64% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $177,968 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $941 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.6% |
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 | 81.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 81.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 18.9% |
| Housing Units | 483 |
| Median Year Built | 1954 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,146 |
| 47% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.05% |
In Howland, 41.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 7.3% of residents, above the national average. 35.9% have high blood pressure. 22.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.3% report binge drinking. 31.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 31.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 23.6% experience frequent mental distress. 11.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:738. The dentist ratio is 1:1,139. 67.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Howland vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.8% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.3% |
| Heart Disease | 7.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.9% |
| Asthma | 14.1% |
| COPD | 10.0% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 22.1% |
| 58% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.1% |
| Depression | 31.7% |
| Mental Distress | 23.6% |
| Physical Distress | 17.6% |
| Short Sleep | 39.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.6% |
| Uninsured | 11.6% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:738 |
| Dentists | 1:1,139 |
| Mental Health | 1:150 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.7% |
| Dental Visits | 49.2% |
| Premature Death | 10,049/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 67.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 603 |
Howland has a violent crime rate of 20 per 100,000 residents, 95% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,170 per 100,000, 11% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 19 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Howland receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Howland vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 19.7/100K |
| 95% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,170.5/100K |
| 11% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 19 |
| Traffic Accidents | 12 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.2 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Howland has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. The area gets 251 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 44.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 34. The city sits at an elevation of 183 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-10°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 43.1°F |
| 20% below US avg |
| January Average | 15°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 251 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 183 ft (56 m) |
| Area | 7.7 sq mi (20.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 162/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.2696°N, 68.6581°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Penobscot County County |
| Nearest Airport | Bangor International (BGR)
33 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
44.3"
17% above US avg
Wettest Month (Nov)
4.37"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 34.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0375 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 5.3 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 78.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 31.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 93.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Very High |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
41 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 |
111 km |
| Feb 2, 2016 |
8 km E of Lubec, Maine |
M3.6 |
147 km |
| Sep 16, 1994 |
9 km SE of Lee, Maine |
M3.6 |
36 km |
| Sep 16, 1994 |
7 km SE of Lee, Maine |
M3.6 |
34 km |
| Sep 16, 1994 |
9 km SE of Lee, Maine |
M3.3 |
36 km |
| Feb 9, 2016 |
7 km NE of Vanceboro, Maine |
M3.3 |
109 km |
| Jan 14, 2023 |
7 km ESE of Dedham, Maine |
M3.3 |
68 km |
| Sep 16, 1994 |
9 km SE of Lee, Maine |
M3.3 |
36 km |
| Oct 25, 2001 |
4 km S of Howland, Maine |
M3.3 |
8 km |
| Sep 7, 2000 |
7 km WSW of Liberty, Maine |
M3.2 |
117 km |
| Oct 15, 2003 |
11 km E of Saint Andrews, Canada |
M3.1 |
139 km |
| Aug 17, 2022 |
3 km SE of Centerville, Maine |
M3.0 |
103 km |
| Dec 25, 1999 |
4 km NE of Saint Albans, Maine |
M3.0 |
67 km |
| Mar 30, 2010 |
7 km WSW of Dedham, Maine |
M3.0 |
67 km |
| Jan 17, 2021 |
4 km ESE of Centerville, Maine |
M2.9 |
104 km |
| Aug 11, 2022 |
4 km E of Centerville, Maine |
M2.8 |
103 km |
| Aug 11, 2022 |
Maine |
M2.8 |
104 km |
| Jul 28, 2024 |
6 km W of Gardiner, Maine |
M2.8 |
149 km |
| Jul 29, 2010 |
5 km WNW of Northfield, Maine |
M2.7 |
93 km |
| Mar 25, 2011 |
6 km NNE of Burlington, Maine |
M2.7 |
22 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 |
254 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
29 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 6 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 9, 2000 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Nov 7, 1971 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
| Nov 7, 1971 |
EF2 |
19 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1971 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Aug 20, 1962 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Sep 4, 1961 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1959 |
EF2 |
25 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1957 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 2019 |
EF1 |
57 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 2017 |
EF1 |
47 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 2017 |
EF1 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 2014 |
EF1 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 2001 |
EF1 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1991 |
EF1 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jul 25, 1975 |
EF1 |
55 km |
0 |
| Aug 11, 1971 |
EF1 |
100 km |
0 |
| Oct 3, 1970 |
EF1 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 1965 |
EF1 |
77 km |
0 |
| Aug 17, 1959 |
EF1 |
60 km |
0 |
| Aug 17, 1959 |
EF1 |
53 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: CENTERVILLE FIRE (705 ac, 2006).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2006 |
CENTERVILLE FIRE |
705 |
99 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
15°F (-10°C) |
3.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
2.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
28°F (-2°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
53°F (11°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
62°F (17°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| December |
22°F (-6°C) |
3.9 in |
|
Howland has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 15°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 42.5 inches, with November being the wettest month (4.4") and February the driest (2.8").
Average costs for common services in Howland. 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 | $1,107 |
| Toddler | $882 |
| Preschool | $815 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $794 |
| Toddler | $779 |
| Preschool | $693 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Howland
What is the population of Howland?
Howland has a population of 1,208 residents and is located in Maine. The population density is 162 people per square mile, spread across 7.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.3% female and 48.7% male.
Is Howland expensive to live in?
Howland 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 $48,021, 36% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $101,900 (64% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $941 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Howland safe?
Howland is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 20 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,170 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Howland receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Howland?
Howland has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 15°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 251 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 44.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 34.
How is the job market in Howland?
The unemployment rate in Howland is 5.6%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,069. There are 5,259 business establishments in the area, including 341 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 40 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Howland?
The median home value in Howland is $101,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $177,968. For renters, the median monthly rent is $941. Fair market rent is $1,186 for a 1-bedroom and $1,497 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 81.1%. The average annual property tax is $5,146.
How are the schools in Howland?
Schools in Howland score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 12.0% of adults in Howland hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.2% have completed high school. 2.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Howland?
The obesity rate in Howland is 41.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 22.1% of adults are smokers. 31.1% are physically inactive. 31.7% of residents report depression. 11.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 67.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:738.
What is transportation like in Howland?
The average commute in Howland is 40 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 89.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Howland?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Howland is 100% White. 98.9% of residents speak only English at home. 9.6% of the population are military veterans. 27.4% of residents have a disability. 90.6% have health insurance coverage.
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