Median Income
$41,370
45% lower than US avg
Home Value
$121,200
57% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
40/100K
89% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.3%
55% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$758
35% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.6%
14% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.3%
8% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
27.5%
122% higher than US avg
How Norway Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,145
Median Age47.1 yrs
Density623/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans6.9%
Economy
C+
Median Income$41,370
Per Capita$24,022
Unemployment3.3%
Poverty27.5%
County GDP$7,050M
Commute37 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$121,200
Rent$758
Ownership60.3%
Zillow$328,002
Housing Units1,113
Rent Burden31.2%
Crime
F
Violent40/100K
Property1,567/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault20/100K
Burglary301/100K
Health
Obesity36.6%
Uninsured10.6%
Smoking20.8%
Depression30.2%
Heart Disease6.8%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI34 (Good)
Rain50.9 in/yr
Sunny Days234/yr
Elevation417 ft (127 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.3%
High School+87.7%
Graduate+6.9%
School Score5.28
Community
2024 VoteR 52% / D 46%
Commute37 min
Broadband85.9%
EV Stations6
Libraries9
Is Norway a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Norway 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, long commute times. Norway has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Norway is $41,370, 45% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.3%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 27.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 37 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Norway is $121,200, 57% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $758 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Norway is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 40 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,567 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
15.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Norway has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. The area gets 234 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 50.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 34.
Norway has a population of 3,145 with a density of 623 people per square mile, spread across 5.2 square miles. The median age is 47.1 years, 21% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.4% female and 46.6% male. The city is predominantly White (90.1%), with 4.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.9% of residents. 6.9% of the population are veterans. 31.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
47.1yrs
Median Age
21% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.9%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.1%
99% below US avg
The median household income in Norway is $41,370, which is 45% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,022 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,125, 21% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 27.5% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 3,600 business establishments, including 254 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 37 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 7.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $41,370 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,022 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,125 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,641 |
| Gini Index | 0.430 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.3% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 27.5% |
| 122% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,600 |
| County GDP | $7,050M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 254 |
| Healthcare | 396 |
| Retail | 427 |
| Manufacturing | 152 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,025 |
| 44% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.15% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 36.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 70.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.2% |
The median home value in Norway is $121,200, 57% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $328,002, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $758 (35% 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. 60.3% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,113 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1959. The average annual property tax is $5,025 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 31.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $121,200 |
| 57% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $328,002 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $758 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 31.2% |
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 | 60.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 60.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 39.7% |
| Housing Units | 1,113 |
| Median Year Built | 1959 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,025 |
| 44% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.15% |
In Norway, 36.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.8% of residents, above the national average. 32.1% have high blood pressure. 20.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.9% report binge drinking. 26.7% are physically inactive. 30.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 22.0% experience frequent mental distress. 10.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,354. The dentist ratio is 1:1,662. 77.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Norway vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.6% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.3% |
| Heart Disease | 6.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.1% |
| Asthma | 14.7% |
| COPD | 10.0% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.8% |
| 49% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.7% |
| Depression | 30.2% |
| Mental Distress | 22.0% |
| Physical Distress | 16.8% |
| Short Sleep | 36.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.9% |
| Uninsured | 10.6% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,354 |
| Dentists | 1:1,662 |
| Mental Health | 1:196 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.2% |
| Dental Visits | 53.1% |
| Premature Death | 10,327/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 77.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 396 |
Norway has a violent crime rate of 40 per 100,000 residents, 89% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 20.1 per 100,000, robbery at 20.1, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,567 per 100,000, 20% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,245, burglary at 301, vehicle theft at 20 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 11 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Norway receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Norway vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 40.2/100K |
| 89% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 20.1/100K |
| Assault | 20.1/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,566.6/100K |
| 20% below US avg |
| Burglary | 301.3/100K |
| Theft | 1,245.2/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 20.1/100K |
| Arson | 20.1/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 11 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Norway has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. The area gets 234 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 50.9 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 417 feet.
Temperature
18°F Jan (-8°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 43.9°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 18°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 234 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 417 ft (127 m) |
| Area | 5.2 sq mi (13.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 623/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.2308°N, 70.5634°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Androscoggin County County |
| Nearest Airport | Eastern Slopes Regional (FRY)
25 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
50.9"
34% above US avg
Wettest Month (Nov)
4.65"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 34.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0374 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 5.4 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 59.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 28.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 85.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
No Rating |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
43 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.7. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 26, 2025.
| Oct 16, 2012 |
5 km W of Hollis Center, Maine |
M4.7 |
71 km |
| Jan 27, 2025 |
9 km SE of York Harbor, Maine |
M3.8 |
130 km |
| Jun 16, 1995 |
8 km N of Lisbon, New Hampshire |
M3.8 |
108 km |
| Aug 21, 1996 |
12 km N of Livermore, New Hampshire |
M3.8 |
63 km |
| Feb 26, 1999 |
0 km NW of China, Maine |
M3.8 |
88 km |
| Jan 17, 2000 |
4 km NNE of Dixfield, Maine |
M3.6 |
39 km |
| Jan 3, 2000 |
4 km W of Leeds, Maine |
M3.5 |
33 km |
| Oct 6, 1992 |
1 km SW of Canterbury, New Hampshire |
M3.4 |
130 km |
| Sep 7, 2000 |
7 km WSW of Liberty, Maine |
M3.2 |
95 km |
| Sep 26, 2010 |
2 km SW of Canterbury, New Hampshire |
M3.2 |
130 km |
| Sep 5, 1994 |
13 km NNE of Monhegan, Maine |
M3.1 |
114 km |
| Jan 27, 2000 |
3 km WNW of Fremont, New Hampshire |
M3.0 |
146 km |
| Nov 20, 1994 |
4 km WNW of Norway, Maine |
M3.0 |
3 km |
| Dec 25, 1999 |
4 km NE of Saint Albans, Maine |
M3.0 |
123 km |
| Apr 25, 2023 |
4 km SW of Center Sandwich, New Hampshire |
M2.9 |
89 km |
| Feb 4, 2022 |
0 km SSW of Gorham, New Hampshire |
M2.9 |
52 km |
| Jun 7, 2010 |
29 km SE of York Beach, Maine |
M2.9 |
136 km |
| Jul 28, 2024 |
6 km W of Gardiner, Maine |
M2.8 |
56 km |
| Feb 12, 1995 |
1 km NNE of Turner, Maine |
M2.8 |
25 km |
| Mar 21, 2016 |
4 km ESE of Warner, New Hampshire |
M2.8 |
145 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
1 hurricane (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 1. Most recent: Bob (1991, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 1991 |
Bob |
Category 1 |
181 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
83 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 9 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 25, 1969 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 2000 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 1996 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| Nov 7, 1971 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1971 |
EF2 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1971 |
EF2 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1971 |
EF2 |
35 km |
0 |
| Oct 10, 1966 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1963 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Sep 4, 1961 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 2017 |
EF1 |
23 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 2017 |
EF1 |
29 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 2017 |
EF1 |
29 km |
0 |
| Jul 28, 2014 |
EF1 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 2011 |
EF1 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 2011 |
EF1 |
21 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 2010 |
EF1 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 2010 |
EF1 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF1 |
8 km |
0 |
| Aug 21, 2009 |
EF1 |
3 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 3.6 m (12 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 2008 |
MAINE |
Avalanche |
3.6 m |
— |
84 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
18°F (-8°C) |
3.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
20°F (-7°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| April |
42°F (5°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
62°F (17°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
4.0 in |
|
Norway has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 18°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 44.6 inches, with November being the wettest month (4.7") and February the driest (3.0").
Average costs for common services in Norway. 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 | $971 |
| Toddler | $924 |
| Preschool | $743 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $707 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $635 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Norway
What is the population of Norway?
Norway has a population of 3,145 residents and is located in Maine. The population density is 623 people per square mile, spread across 5.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 47.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.4% female and 46.6% male.
Is Norway expensive to live in?
Norway 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 $41,370, 45% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $121,200 (57% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $758 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Norway safe?
Norway is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 40 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,567 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Norway receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Norway?
Norway has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 18°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. The area receives 234 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 50.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 34.
How is the job market in Norway?
Norway has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.3%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,125. There are 3,600 business establishments in the area, including 254 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 37 minutes, and 7.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Norway?
The median home value in Norway is $121,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $328,002. For renters, the median monthly rent is $758. Fair market rent is $1,186 for a 1-bedroom and $1,497 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 60.3%. The average annual property tax is $5,025.
How are the schools in Norway?
Schools in Norway score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.3% of adults in Norway hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.7% have completed high school. 6.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Norway?
The obesity rate in Norway is 36.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.8% of adults are smokers. 26.7% are physically inactive. 30.2% of residents report depression. 10.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 77.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,354.
What is transportation like in Norway?
The average commute in Norway is 37 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 70.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Norway?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Norway is 90.1% White, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino. 99.9% of residents speak only English at home. 6.9% of the population are military veterans. 31.6% of residents have a disability. 92.9% have health insurance coverage.
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