Calais, ME
Population 3,087 · Maine
About Calais, ME
Calais is a small town located in Maine with a population of 3,087 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $48,654 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.8 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 Calais features a median home value of $111,800, which is 54% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Calais one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $815, 30% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,603 total housing units, 68% are owner-occupied (987 units) and 32% are renter-occupied (469 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Calais shows an unemployment rate of 7.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 22.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Calais have an average one-way commute time of 13.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
26.1% of Calais 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 0.0% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.8% Asian residents, with 6.2% of the population being foreign-born.
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.
Compare Calais With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Calais
What is the population of Calais, ME?
The population of Calais, ME is 3,087 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 Calais?
The median household income in Calais, ME is $48,654 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Calais?
The median home value in Calais, ME is $111,800, which is 54% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Calais?
The median monthly rent in Calais, ME is $815, which is 30% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Calais?
The unemployment rate in Calais, ME is 7.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Calais, ME a good place to live?
Calais offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 3,087 and a median age of 43.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Calais, ME?
26.1% of residents in Calais 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 Calais?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Calais, ME: median home value is $111,800 (54% below national), median rent is $815/month, and median household income is $48,654. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Calais?
The poverty rate in Calais, ME is 22.2%, 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 Calais, ME?
Calais's population is 0.0% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.8% Asian, and 2.9% two or more races. 6.2% of residents are foreign-born.