Median Income
$42,708
43% lower than US avg
Home Value
$157,400
44% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.8%
35% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$576
50% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.1%
25% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.7%
3% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.2%
34% lower than US avg
How Madawaska Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,960
Median Age54.0 yrs
Density560/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans10.5%
Economy
B
Median Income$42,708
Per Capita$27,593
Unemployment3.7%
Poverty8.2%
County GDP$3,670M
Commute12 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$157,400
Rent$576
Ownership62.9%
Zillow$144,334
Housing Units1,673
Rent Burden45.3%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property956/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary27/100K
Health
Obesity40.1%
Uninsured9.9%
Smoking19.0%
Depression28.2%
Heart Disease6.5%
Climate
Avg Temp40°F (5°C)
AQI34 (Good)
Rain32.9 in/yr
Sunny Days249/yr
Elevation766 ft (233 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.8%
High School+93.0%
Graduate+7.8%
School Score5.53
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 36%
Commute12 min
Broadband77.2%
EV Stations1
Libraries15
Is Madawaska a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Madawaska receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Madawaska offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Madawaska is $42,708, 43% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.7%, indicating a healthy job market. 8.2% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Madawaska is $157,400, 44% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $576 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.7x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Madawaska 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 956 per 100,000, 51% below the national average.
Education
21.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Madawaska has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F. Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. The area gets 249 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 32.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 34.
Madawaska has a population of 2,960 with a density of 560 people per square mile, spread across 5.4 square miles. The median age is 54.0 years, 39% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.3% female and 50.7% male. The city is predominantly White (93.2%), with 2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 42.6% of residents, while 57.4% speak Spanish. 10.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 28.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
54.0yrs
Median Age
39% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Madawaska vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
42.6%
46% below US avg
Spanish
57.4%
328% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Madawaska vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Madawaska is $42,708, which is 43% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,593 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $984, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 8.2% 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 12 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Madawaska vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $42,708 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,593 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $984 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,858 |
| Gini Index | 0.459 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.7% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.2% |
| 34% 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 | 2.43% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 12.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.7% |
The median home value in Madawaska is $157,400, 44% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $144,334. Monthly rent averages $576 (50% 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. 62.9% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,673 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1968. The average annual property tax is $3,828. 45.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.7x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $157,400 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $144,334 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $576 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 45.3% |
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 | 62.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 62.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 37.1% |
| Housing Units | 1,673 |
| Median Year Built | 1968 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,828 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.43% |
In Madawaska, 40.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.5% of residents. 34.7% have high blood pressure. 19.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.0% report binge drinking. 29.5% are physically inactive, above the national average. 28.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.2% experience frequent mental distress. 9.9% 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: Madawaska vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.1% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.8% |
| Heart Disease | 6.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.7% |
| Asthma | 13.6% |
| COPD | 8.6% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.0% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.5% |
| Depression | 28.2% |
| Mental Distress | 21.2% |
| Physical Distress | 15.5% |
| Short Sleep | 38.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.0% |
| Uninsured | 9.9% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:891 |
| Dentists | 1:1,564 |
| Mental Health | 1:152 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.5% |
| Dental Visits | 57.5% |
| Premature Death | 10,576/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 56.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 228 |
Madawaska 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 956 per 100,000, 51% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 901, burglary at 27, vehicle theft at 27 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 10 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Madawaska receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Madawaska 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 | 955.8/100K |
| 51% below US avg |
| Burglary | 27.3/100K |
| Theft | 901.2/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 27.3/100K |
| 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 |
Madawaska has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (5°C). Winters average 11°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 32.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 34. The city sits at an elevation of 766 feet.
Temperature
11°F Jan (-12°C)
66°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 40.1°F |
| 26% below US avg |
| January Average | 11°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 66°F (19°C) |
| Sunny Days | 249 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 766 ft (233 m) |
| Area | 5.4 sq mi (14.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 560/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.3425°N, 68.3334°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Aroostook County County |
| Nearest Airport | Northern Aroostook Regional (WFK)
4 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
32.9"
13% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.45"
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
89 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 |
114 km |
| Oct 28, 1997 |
18 km E of La Malbaie, Canada |
M4.8 |
124 km |
| Dec 12, 2012 |
14 km WSW of Saint-Siméon, Canada |
M4.4 |
138 km |
| Jul 11, 2013 |
13 km WSW of Saint-Siméon, Canada |
M4.4 |
139 km |
| Jun 13, 2003 |
6 km NE of La Malbaie, Canada |
M4.1 |
138 km |
| Sep 25, 1994 |
10 km SW of Saint-Siméon, Canada |
M4.1 |
131 km |
| Jul 15, 1998 |
84 km W of Miramichi, Canada |
M4.0 |
135 km |
| Feb 24, 2012 |
6 km SW of La Malbaie, Canada |
M4.0 |
145 km |
| May 6, 1995 |
83 km W of Miramichi, Canada |
M3.9 |
137 km |
| Jul 14, 2006 |
13 km SW of Winterville, Maine |
M3.9 |
58 km |
| Jun 16, 2011 |
11 km ENE of Sacré-Coeur, Canada |
M3.8 |
142 km |
| Jul 14, 1994 |
83 km W of Miramichi, Canada |
M3.8 |
137 km |
| Jan 21, 2015 |
13 km W of La Pocatière, Canada |
M3.7 |
142 km |
| Jan 5, 2005 |
81 km W of Miramichi, Canada |
M3.7 |
138 km |
| Aug 20, 1997 |
17 km SW of La Malbaie, Canada |
M3.7 |
149 km |
| Jun 15, 2000 |
16 km N of Saint-Pascal, Canada |
M3.7 |
117 km |
| Dec 8, 1991 |
17 km SSE of Saint-Siméon, Canada |
M3.6 |
117 km |
| Jun 1, 2006 |
19 km NE of Florenceville-Bristol, Canada |
M3.6 |
108 km |
| Dec 12, 1990 |
83 km W of Miramichi, Canada |
M3.5 |
137 km |
| Dec 1, 1993 |
15 km SSE of La Malbaie, Canada |
M3.5 |
132 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
23 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 1 fatality, 3 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 15, 1958 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
| Aug 11, 1954 |
EF2 |
43 km |
1 |
| May 31, 2009 |
EF1 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2009 |
EF1 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2009 |
EF1 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1994 |
EF1 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1994 |
EF1 |
58 km |
0 |
| Oct 12, 1971 |
EF1 |
23 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1971 |
EF1 |
54 km |
0 |
| Sep 21, 1965 |
EF1 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1963 |
EF1 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1961 |
EF1 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1961 |
EF1 |
19 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1960 |
EF1 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2016 |
EF0 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2011 |
EF0 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 2011 |
EF0 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 2011 |
EF0 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 2009 |
EF0 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 2007 |
EF0 |
18 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
11°F (-12°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| February |
10°F (-12°C) |
2.8 in |
Coldest |
| March |
22°F (-6°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| April |
35°F (2°C) |
2.7 in |
Driest |
| May |
49°F (10°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
58°F (15°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| July |
66°F (19°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
62°F (17°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
53°F (11°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
42°F (5°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| November |
29°F (-1°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| December |
14°F (-10°C) |
3.9 in |
|
Madawaska has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 10°F in February to 66°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 42.3 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.5") and April the driest (2.7").
Average costs for common services in Madawaska. 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 Madawaska
What is the population of Madawaska?
Madawaska has a population of 2,960 residents and is located in Maine. The population density is 560 people per square mile, spread across 5.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 54.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.3% female and 50.7% male.
Is Madawaska expensive to live in?
Madawaska 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 $42,708, 43% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $157,400 (44% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $576 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Madawaska safe?
Madawaska 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 956 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Madawaska receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Madawaska?
Madawaska has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 11°F in January, while summers reach an average of 66°F in July. The area receives 249 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 32.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 34.
How is the job market in Madawaska?
Madawaska has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.7%, near the national average 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 12 minutes, and 5.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Madawaska?
The median home value in Madawaska is $157,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $144,334. For renters, the median monthly rent is $576. Fair market rent is $1,186 for a 1-bedroom and $1,497 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 62.9%. The average annual property tax is $3,828.
How are the schools in Madawaska?
Schools in Madawaska score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 21.8% of adults in Madawaska hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.0% have completed high school. 7.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Madawaska?
The obesity rate in Madawaska is 40.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.0% of adults are smokers. 29.5% are physically inactive. 28.2% of residents report depression. 9.9% 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 Madawaska?
The average commute in Madawaska is 12 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Madawaska?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Madawaska is 93.2% White, 2% Hispanic or Latino. 42.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 57.4% speak Spanish. 10.5% of the population are military veterans. 28.6% of residents have a disability. 92.0% have health insurance coverage.
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