Calais, ME
Population 3,087 · Maine
About Calais, ME
Calais is a small community in Maine with a population of 3,087 residents. The median household income is $48,654 per year, which is below the national average. The median age in Calais is 43.8 years.
Housing in Calais has a median home value of $111,800 and median monthly rent of $815. Of the 1,603 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 987 owner-occupied and 469 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Calais is 7.4% and the poverty rate is 22.2%. 26.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 13.4 minutes.
How Calais Ranks in Maine
Cost of Living in Calais, ME
Compared to national averages, Calais has a median household income of $48,654 (35% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $111,800, which is 54% below the national median. Monthly rent at $815 is 30% below the US average of $1,163. Within Maine, Calais's income is 25% below the state average of $64,613, and home values are 55% below the state median of $251,113.
Why Live in Calais, ME?
Calais offers affordable housing with a median home value of $111,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $815/month, and short commute times averaging just 13.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($48,654) that falls below the national average. However, Calais’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Calais has a population of 3,087 with a median age of 43.8 years. Compare Calais with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Maine.
Similar Cities Near Calais
Cities in Maine with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pittsfield | 3,078 | $57,292 | $151,100 | Compare |
| Bucksport | 3,140 | $58,644 | $193,800 | Compare |
| Norway | 3,145 | $41,370 | $121,200 | Compare |
| Madawaska | 2,960 | $42,708 | $157,400 | Compare |
| Lake Arrowhead | 3,273 | $84,221 | $226,400 | Compare |
| Cumberland Center | 2,811 | $145,208 | $480,700 | Compare |
| Dover-Foxcroft | 2,758 | $51,919 | $137,500 | Compare |
| South Berwick | 3,441 | $77,493 | $340,800 | 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Calais
What is the population of Calais, ME?
The population of Calais, ME is 3,087 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Calais?
The median household income in Calais, ME is $48,654 per year.
What is the median home value in Calais?
The median home value in Calais, ME is $111,800.
What is the average rent in Calais?
The median monthly rent in Calais, ME is $815.
What is the unemployment rate in Calais?
The unemployment rate in Calais, ME is 7.4%.