Brewer, ME
Population 9,654 · Maine
About Brewer, ME
Brewer is a small town located in Maine with a population of 9,654 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $51,490 per year, which is 31% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.6 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Brewer features a median home value of $218,100, which is 11% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Brewer in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $984, 15% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,565 total housing units, 56% are owner-occupied (2,487 units) and 44% are renter-occupied (1,953 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Brewer shows an unemployment rate of 2.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 17.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Brewer have an average one-way commute time of 17.2 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
30.5% of Brewer 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 0.1% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, and 0.6% Asian residents, with 1.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Brewer Ranks in Maine
Cost of Living in Brewer, ME
Compared to national averages, Brewer has a median household income of $51,490 (31% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $218,100, which is 11% below the national median. Monthly rent at $984 is 15% below the US average of $1,163. Within Maine, Brewer's income is 20% below the state average of $64,613, and home values are 13% below the state median of $251,113.
Why Live in Brewer, ME?
Brewer offers affordable housing with a median home value of $218,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $984/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.2%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 17.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($51,490) that falls below the national average. However, Brewer’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Brewer has a population of 9,654 with a median age of 40.6 years. Compare Brewer with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Maine.
Similar Cities Near Brewer
Cities in Maine with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Orchard Beach | 9,150 | $65,842 | $317,800 | Compare |
| Bath | 8,801 | $65,565 | $285,400 | Compare |
| Presque Isle | 8,736 | $57,396 | $142,400 | Compare |
| Orono | 10,699 | $56,890 | $219,200 | Compare |
| Ellsworth | 8,550 | $70,990 | $214,500 | Compare |
| Old Town | 7,439 | $49,329 | $183,200 | Compare |
| Caribou | 7,427 | $54,271 | $120,300 | Compare |
| Gorham | 7,365 | $125,058 | $459,000 | 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 Brewer With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Brewer
What is the population of Brewer, ME?
The population of Brewer, ME is 9,654 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 Brewer?
The median household income in Brewer, ME is $51,490 per year, which is 31% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Brewer?
The median home value in Brewer, ME is $218,100, which is 11% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Brewer?
The median monthly rent in Brewer, ME is $984, which is 15% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Brewer?
The unemployment rate in Brewer, ME is 2.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Brewer, ME a good place to live?
Brewer offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 9,654 and a median age of 40.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Brewer, ME?
30.5% of residents in Brewer 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 Brewer?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Brewer, ME: median home value is $218,100 (11% below national), median rent is $984/month, and median household income is $51,490. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.2x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Brewer?
The poverty rate in Brewer, ME is 17.2%, 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 Brewer, ME?
Brewer's population is 0.1% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, 0.6% Asian, and 1.1% two or more races. 1.6% of residents are foreign-born.