Caribou, ME
Population 7,427 · Maine
About Caribou, ME
Caribou is a small town located in Maine with a population of 7,427 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $54,271 per year, which is 28% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 52.3 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 Caribou features a median home value of $120,300, which is 51% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Caribou one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $696, 40% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,000 total housing units, 74% are owner-occupied (2,629 units) and 26% are renter-occupied (918 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Caribou shows an unemployment rate of 3.1%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 11.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Caribou have an average one-way commute time of 15.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
28.6% of Caribou 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, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 0.1% Asian residents, with 4.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Caribou Ranks in Maine
Cost of Living in Caribou, ME
Compared to national averages, Caribou has a median household income of $54,271 (28% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $120,300, which is 51% below the national median. Monthly rent at $696 is 40% below the US average of $1,163. Within Maine, Caribou's income is 16% below the state average of $64,613, and home values are 52% below the state median of $251,113.
Why Live in Caribou, ME?
Caribou offers affordable housing with a median home value of $120,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $696/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.1%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 11.8%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 15.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($54,271) that falls below the national average. However, Caribou’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Caribou has a population of 7,427 with a median age of 52.3 years. Compare Caribou with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Maine.
Similar Cities Near Caribou
Cities in Maine with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Town | 7,439 | $49,329 | $183,200 | Compare |
| Gorham | 7,365 | $125,058 | $459,000 | Compare |
| Rockland | 6,991 | $55,276 | $234,400 | Compare |
| Belfast | 6,985 | $61,322 | $307,700 | Compare |
| Topsham | 6,962 | $80,545 | $341,800 | Compare |
| Skowhegan | 6,638 | $46,625 | $138,600 | Compare |
| Ellsworth | 8,550 | $70,990 | $214,500 | Compare |
| Yarmouth | 6,293 | $92,311 | $506,300 | 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 Caribou With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Caribou
What is the population of Caribou, ME?
The population of Caribou, ME is 7,427 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 Caribou?
The median household income in Caribou, ME is $54,271 per year, which is 28% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Caribou?
The median home value in Caribou, ME is $120,300, which is 51% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Caribou?
The median monthly rent in Caribou, ME is $696, which is 40% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Caribou?
The unemployment rate in Caribou, ME is 3.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Caribou, ME a good place to live?
Caribou offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 7,427 and a median age of 52.3, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Caribou, ME?
28.6% of residents in Caribou 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 Caribou?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Caribou, ME: median home value is $120,300 (51% below national), median rent is $696/month, and median household income is $54,271. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Caribou?
The poverty rate in Caribou, ME is 11.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Caribou, ME?
Caribou's population is 0.1% White, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 0.1% Asian, and 0.1% two or more races. 4.0% of residents are foreign-born.