Bar Harbor, ME
Population 2,311 · Maine
About Bar Harbor, ME
Bar Harbor is a small town located in Maine with a population of 2,311 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $72,750 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 47 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 Bar Harbor features a median home value of $479,600, which is 96% above the national median of $244,900. This places Bar Harbor in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,084, 7% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,518 total housing units, 50% are owner-occupied (482 units) and 50% are renter-occupied (478 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Bar Harbor shows an unemployment rate of 11.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 15.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Bar Harbor have an average one-way commute time of 11.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
51.5% of Bar Harbor residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 0.9% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.2% Asian residents, with 6.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Bar Harbor Ranks in Maine
Cost of Living in Bar Harbor, ME
Compared to national averages, Bar Harbor has a median household income of $72,750 (3% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $479,600, which is 96% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,084 is 7% below the US average of $1,163. Within Maine, Bar Harbor's income is 13% above the state average of $64,613, and home values are 91% above the state median of $251,113.
Why Live in Bar Harbor, ME?
Bar Harbor offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,084/month, and a well-educated community where 51.5% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 11.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($72,750) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $479,600. However, Bar Harbor’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Bar Harbor has a population of 2,311 with a median age of 47 years. Compare Bar Harbor with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Maine.
Similar Cities Near Bar Harbor
Cities in Maine with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milford | 2,312 | $63,864 | $177,400 | Compare |
| Mechanic Falls | 2,300 | $50,169 | $197,700 | Compare |
| Fairfield | 2,432 | $50,718 | $140,200 | Compare |
| Fort Kent | 2,453 | $58,750 | $137,000 | Compare |
| Farmingdale | 2,163 | $50,263 | $213,700 | Compare |
| Falmouth Foreside | 2,148 | $152,870 | $674,200 | Compare |
| Berwick | 2,085 | $64,864 | $309,600 | Compare |
| Madison | 2,552 | $43,095 | $70,800 | 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 Bar Harbor With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Bar Harbor
What is the population of Bar Harbor, ME?
The population of Bar Harbor, ME is 2,311 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Maine.
What is the median household income in Bar Harbor?
The median household income in Bar Harbor, ME is $72,750 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Bar Harbor?
The median home value in Bar Harbor, ME is $479,600, which is 96% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Bar Harbor?
The median monthly rent in Bar Harbor, ME is $1,084, which is 7% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Bar Harbor?
The unemployment rate in Bar Harbor, ME is 11.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Bar Harbor, ME a good place to live?
Bar Harbor offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,311 and a median age of 47, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Bar Harbor, ME?
51.5% of residents in Bar Harbor aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Bar Harbor?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Bar Harbor, ME: median home value is $479,600 (96% above national), median rent is $1,084/month, and median household income is $72,750. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.6x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Bar Harbor?
The poverty rate in Bar Harbor, ME is 15.1%, 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 Bar Harbor, ME?
Bar Harbor's population is 0.9% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.2% Asian, and 5.8% two or more races. 6.6% of residents are foreign-born.