Belfast, ME
Population 6,985 · Maine
About Belfast, ME
Belfast is a small town located in Maine with a population of 6,985 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $61,322 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 56.7 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 Belfast features a median home value of $307,700, which is 26% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Belfast in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $986, 15% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,120 total housing units, 67% are owner-occupied (2,214 units) and 33% are renter-occupied (1,075 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Belfast shows an unemployment rate of 3.8%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 18.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Belfast have an average one-way commute time of 19.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
48.2% of Belfast 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 0.2% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 0.9% Asian residents, with 4.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Belfast Ranks in Maine
Cost of Living in Belfast, ME
Compared to national averages, Belfast has a median household income of $61,322 (18% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $307,700, which is 26% above the national median. Monthly rent at $986 is 15% below the US average of $1,163. Within Maine, Belfast's income is 5% below the state average of $64,613, and home values are 23% above the state median of $251,113.
Why Live in Belfast, ME?
Belfast offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $986/month, and a well-educated community where 48.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 19.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($61,322) that falls below the national average. However, Belfast’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Belfast has a population of 6,985 with a median age of 56.7 years. Compare Belfast with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Maine.
Similar Cities Near Belfast
Cities in Maine with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rockland | 6,991 | $55,276 | $234,400 | Compare |
| Topsham | 6,962 | $80,545 | $341,800 | Compare |
| Skowhegan | 6,638 | $46,625 | $138,600 | Compare |
| Gorham | 7,365 | $125,058 | $459,000 | Compare |
| Caribou | 7,427 | $54,271 | $120,300 | Compare |
| Old Town | 7,439 | $49,329 | $183,200 | Compare |
| Yarmouth | 6,293 | $92,311 | $506,300 | Compare |
| Gardiner | 6,047 | $58,152 | $198,100 | 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 Belfast With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Belfast
What is the population of Belfast, ME?
The population of Belfast, ME is 6,985 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 Belfast?
The median household income in Belfast, ME is $61,322 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Belfast?
The median home value in Belfast, ME is $307,700, which is 26% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Belfast?
The median monthly rent in Belfast, ME is $986, which is 15% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Belfast?
The unemployment rate in Belfast, ME is 3.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Belfast, ME a good place to live?
Belfast offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 6,985 and a median age of 56.7, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Belfast, ME?
48.2% of residents in Belfast 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 Belfast?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Belfast, ME: median home value is $307,700 (26% above national), median rent is $986/month, and median household income is $61,322. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.0x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Belfast?
The poverty rate in Belfast, ME is 18.2%, 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 Belfast, ME?
Belfast's population is 0.2% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 0.9% Asian, and 1.2% two or more races. 4.9% of residents are foreign-born.