Median Income
$46,667
38% lower than US avg
Home Value
$126,200
55% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
182/100K
52% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.2%
61% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$475
59% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.6%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.9%
64% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.1%
67% lower than US avg
How Mars Hill Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population934
Median Age54.1 yrs
Density439/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans11.1%
Economy
B
Median Income$46,667
Per Capita$24,856
Unemployment5.9%
Poverty4.1%
County GDP$3,670M
Commute16 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$126,200
Rent$475
Ownership55.5%
Zillow$170,263
Housing Units457
Rent Burden25.3%
Crime
F
Violent182/100K
Property2,238/100K
Health
Obesity39.6%
Uninsured10.2%
Smoking19.0%
Depression27.9%
Heart Disease6.3%
Climate
Avg Temp39°F (4°C)
AQI34 (Good)
Rain43.1 in/yr
Sunny Days240/yr
Elevation433 ft (132 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.2%
High School+87.1%
Graduate+9.1%
School Score5.53
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 36%
Commute16 min
Broadband65.6%
EV Stations7
Libraries15
Is Mars Hill a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Mars Hill receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Mars Hill has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Mars Hill is $46,667, 38% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.9% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 4.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Mars Hill is $126,200, 55% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $475 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Mars Hill is below the national average at 182 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,238 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
13.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Mars Hill has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F. Winters average 9°F in January while summers reach 64°F in July. The area gets 240 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 43.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 34.
Mars Hill has a population of 934 with a density of 439 people per square mile, spread across 2.2 square miles. The median age is 54.1 years, 39% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.1% female and 44.9% male. The city is predominantly White (97.6%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.8% of residents. 11.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 26.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 88.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
54.1yrs
Median Age
39% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Mars Hill vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.8%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.2%
99% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Mars Hill vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Mars Hill is $46,667, which is 38% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,856 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $984, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 4.1% 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 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 13.0% of workers work from home.
Income: Mars Hill vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $46,667 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,856 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $984 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,858 |
| Gini Index | 0.459 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.9% |
| 64% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.1% |
| 67% 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 | 3.03% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 57.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 13.0% |
The median home value in Mars Hill is $126,200, 55% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $170,263, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $475 (59% 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. 55.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 457 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1965. The average annual property tax is $3,828. 25.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $126,200 |
| 55% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $170,263 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $475 |
| 59% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.3% |
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 | 55.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 55.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 44.5% |
| Housing Units | 457 |
| Median Year Built | 1965 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,828 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.03% |
In Mars Hill, 39.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.3% of residents. 34.1% have high blood pressure. 19.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.4% report binge drinking. 29.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 27.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.3% experience frequent mental distress. 10.2% 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: Mars Hill vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.6% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.4% |
| Heart Disease | 6.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.1% |
| Asthma | 13.7% |
| COPD | 8.3% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.0% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.1% |
| Depression | 27.9% |
| Mental Distress | 21.3% |
| Physical Distress | 15.4% |
| Short Sleep | 39.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.4% |
| Uninsured | 10.2% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:891 |
| Dentists | 1:1,564 |
| Mental Health | 1:152 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.0% |
| Dental Visits | 56.3% |
| Premature Death | 10,576/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 56.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 228 |
Mars Hill has a violent crime rate of 182 per 100,000 residents, 52% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,238 per 100,000, 14% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 10 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Mars Hill receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Mars Hill vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 182.1/100K |
| 52% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,238.4/100K |
| 14% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Mars Hill has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F (4°C). Winters average 9°F in January while summers reach 64°F in July. The area gets 240 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 43.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 34. The city sits at an elevation of 433 feet.
Temperature
9°F Jan (-13°C)
64°F Jul (18°C)
| Annual Average | 38.6°F |
| 29% below US avg |
| January Average | 9°F (-13°C) |
| July Average | 64°F (18°C) |
| Sunny Days | 240 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 433 ft (132 m) |
| Area | 2.2 sq mi (5.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 439/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.5192°N, 67.8697°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Aroostook County County |
| Nearest Airport | Presque Isle International (PQI)
14 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
43.1"
13% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
3.98"
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
54 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 |
111 km |
| May 6, 1995 |
83 km W of Miramichi, Canada |
M3.9 |
111 km |
| Jul 14, 2006 |
13 km SW of Winterville, Maine |
M3.9 |
74 km |
| Jul 14, 1994 |
83 km W of Miramichi, Canada |
M3.8 |
111 km |
| Jan 5, 2005 |
81 km W of Miramichi, Canada |
M3.7 |
113 km |
| Sep 16, 1994 |
9 km SE of Lee, Maine |
M3.6 |
138 km |
| Sep 16, 1994 |
7 km SE of Lee, Maine |
M3.6 |
138 km |
| Jun 1, 2006 |
19 km NE of Florenceville-Bristol, Canada |
M3.6 |
33 km |
| Mar 8, 2009 |
72 km NNE of Noonan, Canada |
M3.6 |
120 km |
| Aug 27, 2015 |
27 km N of Noonan, Canada |
M3.6 |
104 km |
| Oct 18, 2003 |
48 km ESE of Hamlin, Maine |
M3.5 |
70 km |
| Mar 30, 1990 |
6 km WSW of Grand Isle, Maine |
M3.5 |
89 km |
| Dec 12, 1990 |
83 km W of Miramichi, Canada |
M3.5 |
111 km |
| Apr 28, 2014 |
81 km W of Miramichi, Canada |
M3.4 |
113 km |
| Apr 23, 1991 |
83 km W of Miramichi, Canada |
M3.3 |
111 km |
| Feb 9, 2016 |
7 km NE of Vanceboro, Maine |
M3.3 |
109 km |
| Sep 16, 1994 |
9 km SE of Lee, Maine |
M3.3 |
138 km |
| Sep 16, 1994 |
9 km SE of Lee, Maine |
M3.3 |
138 km |
| Mar 8, 2009 |
71 km NNE of Noonan, Canada |
M3.3 |
124 km |
| Aug 28, 2013 |
84 km W of Miramichi, Canada |
M3.2 |
110 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
32 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 1 fatality, 3 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 30, 1971 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1958 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1957 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Aug 11, 1954 |
EF2 |
57 km |
1 |
| Aug 5, 2017 |
EF1 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2009 |
EF1 |
11 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2009 |
EF1 |
10 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2009 |
EF1 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 2002 |
EF1 |
34 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 2001 |
EF1 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1994 |
EF1 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1971 |
EF1 |
45 km |
0 |
| Sep 21, 1965 |
EF1 |
45 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1963 |
EF1 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1961 |
EF1 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1961 |
EF1 |
79 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1960 |
EF1 |
41 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1959 |
EF1 |
13 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2016 |
EF0 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2014 |
EF0 |
42 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
9°F (-13°C) |
2.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
12°F (-11°C) |
2.0 in |
Driest |
| March |
23°F (-5°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
37°F (3°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
50°F (10°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
60°F (15°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| July |
64°F (18°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
63°F (17°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
54°F (12°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
43°F (6°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| November |
32°F (-0°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-9°C) |
3.0 in |
|
Mars Hill has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 9°F in January to 64°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.0 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.0") and February the driest (2.0").
Average costs for common services in Mars Hill. 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 Mars Hill
What is the population of Mars Hill?
Mars Hill has a population of 934 residents and is located in Maine. The population density is 439 people per square mile, spread across 2.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 54.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.1% female and 44.9% male.
Is Mars Hill expensive to live in?
Mars Hill 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 $46,667, 38% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $126,200 (55% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $475 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Mars Hill safe?
Mars Hill is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 182 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,238 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Mars Hill receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Mars Hill?
Mars Hill has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F (4°C). Winter temperatures average 9°F in January, while summers reach an average of 64°F in July. The area receives 240 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 43.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 34.
How is the job market in Mars Hill?
The unemployment rate in Mars Hill is 5.9%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. 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 16 minutes, and 13.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Mars Hill?
The median home value in Mars Hill is $126,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $170,263. For renters, the median monthly rent is $475. Fair market rent is $1,186 for a 1-bedroom and $1,497 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 55.5%. The average annual property tax is $3,828.
How are the schools in Mars Hill?
Schools in Mars Hill score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.2% of adults in Mars Hill hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.1% have completed high school. 9.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Mars Hill?
The obesity rate in Mars Hill is 39.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.0% of adults are smokers. 29.1% are physically inactive. 27.9% of residents report depression. 10.2% 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 Mars Hill?
The average commute in Mars Hill is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 57.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 13.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Mars Hill?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Mars Hill is 97.6% White, 0.6% Black or African American. 99.8% of residents speak only English at home. 11.1% of the population are military veterans. 26.6% of residents have a disability. 88.4% have health insurance coverage.
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