Augusta, ME
Population 18,999 · Maine
About Augusta, ME
Augusta is a mid-sized city located in Maine with a population of 18,999 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $48,756 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44.1 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Augusta features a median home value of $188,900, which is 23% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Augusta in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $887, 24% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 9,927 total housing units, 56% are owner-occupied (5,122 units) and 44% are renter-occupied (4,092 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Augusta shows an unemployment rate of 7.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 19.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Augusta have an average one-way commute time of 16.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
28.0% of Augusta residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 0.8% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 0.8% Asian residents, with 3.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Augusta Ranks in Maine
Cost of Living in Augusta, ME
Compared to national averages, Augusta has a median household income of $48,756 (35% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $188,900, which is 23% below the national median. Monthly rent at $887 is 24% below the US average of $1,163. Within Maine, Augusta's income is 25% below the state average of $64,613, and home values are 25% below the state median of $251,113.
Why Live in Augusta, ME?
Augusta offers affordable housing with a median home value of $188,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $887/month, and short commute times averaging just 16.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($48,756) that falls below the national average. However, Augusta’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Augusta has a population of 18,999 with a median age of 44.1 years. Compare Augusta with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Maine.
Similar Cities Near Augusta
Cities in Maine with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westbrook | 20,484 | $85,868 | $341,800 | Compare |
| Saco | 20,636 | $84,328 | $370,300 | Compare |
| Brunswick | 16,928 | $68,190 | $333,500 | Compare |
| Waterville | 16,704 | $47,489 | $173,700 | Compare |
| Sanford | 22,095 | $70,570 | $257,200 | Compare |
| Biddeford | 22,463 | $69,794 | $349,300 | Compare |
| Auburn | 24,294 | $66,552 | $254,600 | Compare |
| South Portland | 26,780 | $84,563 | $405,800 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Maine
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Augusta With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Augusta
What is the population of Augusta, ME?
The population of Augusta, ME is 18,999 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Maine.
What is the median household income in Augusta?
The median household income in Augusta, ME is $48,756 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Augusta?
The median home value in Augusta, ME is $188,900, which is 23% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Augusta?
The median monthly rent in Augusta, ME is $887, which is 24% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Augusta?
The unemployment rate in Augusta, ME is 7.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Augusta, ME a good place to live?
Augusta offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 18,999 and a median age of 44.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Augusta, ME?
28.0% of residents in Augusta aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Augusta?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Augusta, ME: median home value is $188,900 (23% below national), median rent is $887/month, and median household income is $48,756. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Augusta?
The poverty rate in Augusta, ME is 19.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Augusta, ME?
Augusta's population is 0.8% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 0.8% Asian, and 1.8% two or more races. 3.0% of residents are foreign-born.