Median Income
$28,047
63% lower than US avg
Home Value
$117,800
58% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
97/100K
74% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.4%
39% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$700
40% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.4%
29% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.7%
53% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
22.6%
82% higher than US avg
How Machias Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,395
Median Age45.1 yrs
Density517/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans11.5%
Economy
C+
Median Income$28,047
Per Capita$18,812
Unemployment1.7%
Poverty22.6%
County GDP$1,474M
Commute12 min
Housing
A
Home Value$117,800
Rent$700
Ownership39.9%
Zillow$177,953
Housing Units744
Rent Burden33.1%
Crime
F
Violent97/100K
Property1,703/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault49/100K
Burglary292/100K
Health
Obesity41.4%
Uninsured11.9%
Smoking21.5%
Depression29.7%
Heart Disease7.0%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI34 (Good)
Rain50.8 in/yr
Sunny Days234/yr
Elevation71 ft (22 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.4%
High School+84.5%
Graduate+8.9%
School Score5.36
Community
2024 VoteR 61% / D 37%
Commute12 min
Broadband66.2%
EV Stations1
Libraries18
Is Machias a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Machias receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Machias has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Machias is $28,047, 63% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.7%. The poverty rate of 22.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Machias is $117,800, 58% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $700 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 4.2x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Machias is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 97 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,703 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
20.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Machias has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. The area gets 234 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 50.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 34.
Machias has a population of 1,395 with a density of 517 people per square mile, spread across 2.6 square miles. The median age is 45.1 years, 16% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.7% female and 48.3% male. The city is predominantly White (90.9%), with 3.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 93.7% of residents, while 6.3% speak Spanish. 11.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 31.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
45.1yrs
Median Age
16% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
93.7%
19% above US avg
Spanish
6.3%
53% below US avg
The median household income in Machias is $28,047, which is 63% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $18,812 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $966, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 22.6% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,194 business establishments, including 76 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 13.8% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $28,047 |
| 63% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $18,812 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $966 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $50,781 |
| Gini Index | 0.459 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.7% |
| 53% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 22.6% |
| 82% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,194 |
| County GDP | $1,474M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 76 |
| Healthcare | 107 |
| Retail | 132 |
| Manufacturing | 38 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,373 |
| 54% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.56% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 11.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 73.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 13.8% |
The median home value in Machias is $117,800, 58% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $177,953, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $700 (40% 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. 39.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 744 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1947. The average annual property tax is $5,373 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 33.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.2x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $117,800 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $177,953 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $700 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 33.1% |
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 | 39.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 39.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 60.1% |
| Housing Units | 744 |
| Median Year Built | 1947 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,373 |
| 54% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.56% |
In Machias, 41.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 7.0% of residents, above the national average. 35.7% have high blood pressure. 21.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.8% report binge drinking. 32.6% are physically inactive, above the national average. 29.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 23.1% experience frequent mental distress. 11.9% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,394. The dentist ratio is 1:1,965. 35.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Machias vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.4% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.6% |
| Heart Disease | 7.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.7% |
| Asthma | 13.8% |
| COPD | 9.8% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 21.5% |
| 54% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 32.6% |
| Depression | 29.7% |
| Mental Distress | 23.1% |
| Physical Distress | 17.5% |
| Short Sleep | 41.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.7% |
| Uninsured | 11.9% |
| 38% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,394 |
| Dentists | 1:1,965 |
| Mental Health | 1:143 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.9% |
| Dental Visits | 52.5% |
| Premature Death | 13,437/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 35.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 107 |
Machias has a violent crime rate of 97 per 100,000 residents, 74% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 48.7 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 48.7. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,703 per 100,000, 13% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,363, burglary at 292, vehicle theft at 49 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Machias receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Machias vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 97.3/100K |
| 74% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 48.7/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 48.7/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,703.2/100K |
| 13% below US avg |
| Burglary | 292.0/100K |
| Theft | 1,362.5/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 48.7/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Machias has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. The area gets 234 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 50.8 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 34. The city sits at an elevation of 71 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
66°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 44.0°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 66°F (19°C) |
| Sunny Days | 234 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 71 ft (22 m) |
| Area | 2.6 sq mi (6.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 517/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.7006°N, 67.4786°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Washington County County |
| Nearest Airport | Bangor International (BGR)
67 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
50.8"
34% above US avg
Wettest Month (Nov)
5.20"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 34.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0354 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 4.1 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 47.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 86.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 80.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
40 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 26, 2025.
| Sep 16, 1994 |
7 km SE of Lee, Maine |
M3.6 |
89 km |
| Feb 2, 2016 |
8 km E of Lubec, Maine |
M3.6 |
51 km |
| Sep 16, 1994 |
9 km SE of Lee, Maine |
M3.6 |
88 km |
| Jul 1, 2015 |
30 km NNW of Yarmouth, Canada |
M3.5 |
119 km |
| Jan 10, 2019 |
22 km NW of Saint John, Canada |
M3.4 |
120 km |
| Oct 25, 2001 |
4 km S of Howland, Maine |
M3.3 |
109 km |
| Sep 16, 1994 |
9 km SE of Lee, Maine |
M3.3 |
88 km |
| Sep 16, 1994 |
9 km SE of Lee, Maine |
M3.3 |
88 km |
| Jan 14, 2023 |
7 km ESE of Dedham, Maine |
M3.3 |
87 km |
| Feb 9, 2016 |
7 km NE of Vanceboro, Maine |
M3.3 |
101 km |
| Jul 25, 2010 |
35 km S of Fundy Bay, Canada |
M3.2 |
59 km |
| Oct 15, 2003 |
11 km E of Saint Andrews, Canada |
M3.1 |
62 km |
| Mar 30, 2010 |
7 km WSW of Dedham, Maine |
M3.0 |
101 km |
| Aug 17, 2022 |
3 km SE of Centerville, Maine |
M3.0 |
13 km |
| Mar 14, 2018 |
16 km WNW of Saint John, Canada |
M2.9 |
121 km |
| Jan 17, 2021 |
4 km ESE of Centerville, Maine |
M2.9 |
12 km |
| Aug 11, 2022 |
Maine |
M2.8 |
11 km |
| Aug 11, 2022 |
4 km E of Centerville, Maine |
M2.8 |
12 km |
| Jul 29, 2010 |
5 km WNW of Northfield, Maine |
M2.7 |
20 km |
| Mar 25, 2011 |
6 km NNE of Burlington, Maine |
M2.7 |
94 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Hurricane History
4 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 2. Most recent: Earl (2010, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2010 |
Earl |
Category 1 |
237 km |
| 2008 |
Kyle |
Category 1 |
143 km |
| 2003 |
Juan |
Category 2 |
293 km |
| 1996 |
Hortense |
Category 1 |
299 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
10 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 6 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 7, 1971 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Sep 15, 1961 |
EF2 |
24 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1959 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1954 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 2019 |
EF1 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 1965 |
EF1 |
43 km |
0 |
| Aug 17, 1959 |
EF1 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1958 |
EF1 |
12 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1958 |
EF1 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 29, 1961 |
EF0 |
43 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SUNKEN STR (1,201 ac, 1985).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1985 |
SUNKEN STR |
1,201 |
26 km |
| 1984 |
UNNAMED |
901 |
17 km |
| 2006 |
CENTERVILLE FIRE |
705 |
18 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
627 |
21 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-7°C) |
4.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| May |
52°F (11°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| June |
60°F (16°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| July |
66°F (19°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
65°F (19°C) |
3.1 in |
Driest |
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
5.2 in |
Wettest |
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
5.1 in |
|
Machias has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 19°F in January to 66°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 48.5 inches, with November being the wettest month (5.2") and August the driest (3.1").
Average costs for common services in Machias. 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 | $992 |
| Toddler | $992 |
| Preschool | $840 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $671 |
| Toddler | $613 |
| Preschool | $585 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Machias
What is the population of Machias?
Machias has a population of 1,395 residents and is located in Maine. The population density is 517 people per square mile, spread across 2.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.7% female and 48.3% male.
Is Machias expensive to live in?
Machias 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 $28,047, 63% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $117,800 (58% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $700 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Machias safe?
Machias is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 97 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,703 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Machias receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Machias?
Machias has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 19°F in January, while summers reach an average of 66°F in July. The area receives 234 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 50.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 34.
How is the job market in Machias?
The job market in Machias is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $966. There are 1,194 business establishments in the area, including 76 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 12 minutes, and 13.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Machias?
The median home value in Machias is $117,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $177,953. For renters, the median monthly rent is $700. Fair market rent is $1,186 for a 1-bedroom and $1,497 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 39.9%. The average annual property tax is $5,373.
How are the schools in Machias?
Schools in Machias score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.4% of adults in Machias hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.5% have completed high school. 8.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Machias?
The obesity rate in Machias is 41.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 21.5% of adults are smokers. 32.6% are physically inactive. 29.7% of residents report depression. 11.9% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 35.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,394.
What is transportation like in Machias?
The average commute in Machias is 12 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 73.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 13.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Machias?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Machias is 90.9% White, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino. 93.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 6.3% speak Spanish. 11.5% of the population are military veterans. 31.2% of residents have a disability. 94.7% have health insurance coverage.
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