Quick answer
Maine can be a good place to live in 2027 if its numbers fit your life: the app's top-scoring places have a median home value of $341,800, rent of $1,187/month and household income of $70,570, and the state's violent crime rate (95 per 100k, 2025) is below the median state. Start your research with Saco, Westbrook, South Portland.
Median home value
$341,800
Top-scoring places
Median rent
$1,187/mo
Household income
$70,570
Violent crime / 100k
95
Maine, 2025
Population change
+0.8%
Tracked places + counties
Home value change
+10.0%
State wage income tax
Yes
Home value ÷ income
4.8×
| Place | Score | Home value | Rent | Income | Pop. change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saco, ME | 72 | $370,300 | $1,268 | $84,328 | +0.9% |
| Westbrook, ME | 69 | $341,800 | $1,373 | $85,868 | +0.7% |
| South Portland, ME | 56 | $405,800 | $1,648 | $84,563 | +0.5% |
| Sanford, ME | 50 | $257,200 | $1,158 | $70,570 | +0.5% |
| Auburn, ME | 47 | $254,600 | $983 | $66,552 | +1.1% |
| Bangor, ME | 47 | $206,300 | $1,019 | $58,096 | -0.1% |
| Place | Score | Home value | Rent | Income | Pop. change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln County | 71 | $306,200 | $1,003 | $72,026 | +1.1% |
| Piscataquis County | 64 | $153,300 | $807 | $55,234 | +1.1% |
| Cumberland County | 60 | $411,400 | $1,492 | $92,983 | +0.9% |
| Hancock County | 59 | $278,400 | $1,000 | $69,630 | +0.4% |
| York County | 56 | $357,200 | $1,239 | $82,904 | +1.0% |
| Franklin County | 53 | $176,700 | $759 | $58,522 | +1.0% |
Verdict factors to check before you decide
- 1Price the whole address: taxes, insurance, utilities and HOA, not just the listing.
- 2Confirm the exact city, county and school assignment for the address.
- 3Drive the commute at the hours you will actually travel.
- 4Check flood, heat and storm exposure on official maps.
- 5Compare crime at the jurisdiction level, then visit at night.
Frequently asked questions
Is Maine a Good Place to Live in 2027?
Maine can be a good place to live in 2027 if its numbers fit your life: the app's top-scoring places have a median home value of $341,800, rent of $1,187/month and household income of $70,570, and the state's violent crime rate (95 per 100k, 2025) is below the median state. Start your research with Saco, Westbrook, South Portland.
What are the best places to live in Maine?
In the Smart Movers Club app, the top-scoring Maine cities are Saco, Westbrook, South Portland, Sanford, Auburn, and the top counties are Lincoln County, Piscataquis County, Cumberland County, Hancock County. Scores combine income, housing, growth, employment and education.
Does Maine have a state income tax?
Yes, Maine taxes wage income. Check the state revenue department for current rates and compare property and sales taxes too.
Where does this data come from?
Figures come from the Smart Movers Club app, which compiles U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates and FBI state crime rates. Census figures are survey estimates, not live listing prices.
