Median Income
$53,523
29% lower than US avg
Home Value
$64,200
77% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.8%
50% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.8%
27% higher than US avg
Unemployment
10.4%
189% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
14.1%
14% higher than US avg
How Island Falls Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population343
Median Age52.8 yrs
Density272/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans21.1%
Economy
C
Median Income$53,523
Per Capita$28,413
Unemployment10.4%
Poverty14.1%
County GDP$3,670M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$64,200
Ownership91.0%
Zillow$165,208
Housing Units192
Rent Burden28.8%
Health
Obesity40.8%
Uninsured4.7%
Smoking20.0%
Depression29.0%
Heart Disease6.6%
Climate
Avg Temp41°F (5°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain39.3 in/yr
Elevation445 ft (136 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.8%
High School+94.1%
Graduate+8.8%
School Score5.53
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 36%
Commute21 min
Broadband71.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries15
Is Island Falls a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Island Falls receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Island Falls offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Island Falls is $53,523, 29% below the national average of $75,149. At 10.4%, unemployment is notably high. 14.1% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Island Falls is $64,200, 77% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
16.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Island Falls 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. Annual precipitation totals 39.3 inches, including 95.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Island Falls has a population of 343 with a density of 272 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age is 52.8 years, 36% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.7% female and 51.3% male. The city is predominantly White (88.9%), with 3.5% Hispanic, 1.7% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.9% of residents. 21.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 36.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
343
Total Population
2023 Census
52.8yrs
Median Age
36% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Island Falls vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.9%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.8%
87% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Island Falls vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Island Falls is $53,523, which is 29% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,413 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $984, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 10.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 14.1% of residents live below the poverty line. 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 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 9.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Island Falls vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $53,523 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,413 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $984 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,858 |
| Gini Index | 0.459 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 10.4% |
| 189% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 14.1% |
| 14% above 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 | 5.96% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.4% |
The median home value in Island Falls is $64,200, 77% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $165,208, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,186 for a one-bedroom to $1,497 for a two-bedroom apartment. 91.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 192 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $3,828. 28.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $64,200 |
| 77% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $165,208 |
Rental Costs
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 | 91.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 91.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 9.0% |
| Housing Units | 192 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,828 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.96% |
In Island Falls, 40.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.6% of residents. 35.2% have high blood pressure. 20.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.8% report binge drinking. 30.6% are physically inactive, above the national average. 29.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 22.0% experience frequent mental distress. 4.7% 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: Island Falls vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.8% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.1% |
| Heart Disease | 6.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.2% |
| Asthma | 14.1% |
| COPD | 9.1% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.0% |
| 43% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.6% |
| Depression | 29.0% |
| Mental Distress | 22.0% |
| Physical Distress | 16.1% |
| Short Sleep | 37.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.3% |
| Uninsured | 4.7% |
| 45% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:891 |
| Dentists | 1:1,564 |
| Mental Health | 1:152 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.4% |
| Dental Visits | 56.8% |
| Premature Death | 10,576/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 56.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 228 |
Island Falls 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. Annual precipitation totals 39.3 inches. The area receives 95.9 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 445 feet.
Temperature
13°F Jan (-11°C)
66°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 40.6°F |
| 25% below US avg |
| January Average | 13°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 66°F (19°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 445 ft (136 m) |
| Area | 1.3 sq mi (3.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 272/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.0087°N, 68.2639°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Aroostook County County |
| Nearest Airport | Houlton International (HUL)
24 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.3"
3% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.04"
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
33 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.5 on Feb 17, 2025.
| Jul 14, 2006 |
13 km SW of Winterville, Maine |
M3.9 |
102 km |
| Sep 16, 1994 |
7 km SE of Lee, Maine |
M3.6 |
78 km |
| Sep 16, 1994 |
9 km SE of Lee, Maine |
M3.6 |
79 km |
| Aug 27, 2015 |
27 km N of Noonan, Canada |
M3.6 |
131 km |
| Jun 1, 2006 |
19 km NE of Florenceville-Bristol, Canada |
M3.6 |
89 km |
| Oct 18, 2003 |
48 km ESE of Hamlin, Maine |
M3.5 |
132 km |
| Mar 30, 1990 |
6 km WSW of Grand Isle, Maine |
M3.5 |
141 km |
| Feb 9, 2016 |
7 km NE of Vanceboro, Maine |
M3.3 |
84 km |
| Sep 16, 1994 |
9 km SE of Lee, Maine |
M3.3 |
79 km |
| Sep 16, 1994 |
9 km SE of Lee, Maine |
M3.3 |
79 km |
| Oct 25, 2001 |
4 km S of Howland, Maine |
M3.3 |
95 km |
| Oct 15, 2003 |
11 km E of Saint Andrews, Canada |
M3.1 |
148 km |
| Dec 25, 1999 |
4 km NE of Saint Albans, Maine |
M3.0 |
147 km |
| Jul 25, 2013 |
32 km N of Keswick Ridge, Canada |
M2.8 |
106 km |
| Mar 25, 2011 |
6 km NNE of Burlington, Maine |
M2.7 |
84 km |
| Sep 25, 2019 |
31 km WNW of Oxbow, Maine |
M2.7 |
77 km |
| Feb 8, 2016 |
8 km NE of Vanceboro, Maine |
M2.7 |
84 km |
| Jul 29, 2010 |
5 km WNW of Northfield, Maine |
M2.7 |
139 km |
| Feb 15, 2017 |
18 km WNW of Grand Lake Stream, Maine |
M2.6 |
88 km |
| Jan 11, 2022 |
8 km SE of Saint Andrews, Canada |
M2.6 |
149 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 |
295 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
28 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 2 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 7, 1971 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Nov 7, 1971 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1971 |
EF2 |
30 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1957 |
EF2 |
23 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 2019 |
EF1 |
70 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 2017 |
EF1 |
48 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 2017 |
EF1 |
13 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2013 |
EF1 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2009 |
EF1 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2009 |
EF1 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 2002 |
EF1 |
32 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 2001 |
EF1 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1994 |
EF1 |
98 km |
0 |
| Aug 31, 1993 |
EF1 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jul 25, 1975 |
EF1 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1971 |
EF1 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1961 |
EF1 |
89 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1960 |
EF1 |
98 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1959 |
EF1 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2014 |
EF0 |
26 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
13°F (-11°C) |
2.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
16°F (-9°C) |
2.0 in |
Driest |
| March |
25°F (-4°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| April |
38°F (3°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| May |
51°F (11°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
60°F (16°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| July |
66°F (19°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
64°F (18°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
56°F (13°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
44°F (7°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| November |
33°F (0°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
3.4 in |
|
Island Falls has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 13°F in January to 66°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.0") and February the driest (2.0").
Average costs for common services in Island Falls. 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 Island Falls
What is the population of Island Falls?
Island Falls has a population of 343 residents and is located in Maine. The population density is 272 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 52.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.7% female and 51.3% male.
Is Island Falls expensive to live in?
Island Falls 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 $53,523, 29% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $64,200 (77% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Island Falls?
Island Falls 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. Annual rainfall totals 39.3 inches, with 95.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Island Falls?
The job market in Island Falls faces challenges, with unemployment at 10.4% / 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 21 minutes, and 9.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Island Falls?
The median home value in Island Falls is $64,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $165,208. The homeownership rate is 91.0%. The average annual property tax is $3,828.
How are the schools in Island Falls?
Schools in Island Falls score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 16.8% of adults in Island Falls hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.1% have completed high school. 8.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Island Falls?
The obesity rate in Island Falls is 40.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.0% of adults are smokers. 30.6% are physically inactive. 29.0% of residents report depression. 4.7% 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 Island Falls?
The average commute in Island Falls is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 76.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Island Falls?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Island Falls is 88.9% White, 1.7% Black or African American, 3.5% Hispanic or Latino. 97.9% of residents speak only English at home. 21.1% of the population are military veterans. 36.7% of residents have a disability. 95.3% have health insurance coverage.