Damariscotta, ME
Population 1,172 · Maine
About Damariscotta, ME
Damariscotta is a small town located in Maine with a population of 1,172 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $63,696 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 50 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 Damariscotta features a median home value of $387,200, which is 58% above the national median of $244,900. This places Damariscotta in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,016, 13% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 600 total housing units, 63% are owner-occupied (302 units) and 37% are renter-occupied (174 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Damariscotta shows an unemployment rate of 12.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 23.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Damariscotta have an average one-way commute time of 15 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
43.8% of Damariscotta 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 5.5% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 3.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Damariscotta Ranks in Maine
Cost of Living in Damariscotta, ME
Compared to national averages, Damariscotta has a median household income of $63,696 (15% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $387,200, which is 58% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,016 is 13% below the US average of $1,163. Within Maine, Damariscotta's income is 1% below the state average of $64,613, and home values are 54% above the state median of $251,113.
Why Live in Damariscotta, ME?
Damariscotta offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,016/month, and a well-educated community where 43.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 15 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($63,696) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $387,200. However, Damariscotta’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Damariscotta has a population of 1,172 with a median age of 50 years. Compare Damariscotta with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Maine.
Similar Cities Near Damariscotta
Cities in Maine with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norridgewock | 1,155 | $0 | $173,000 | Compare |
| Howland | 1,208 | $48,021 | $101,900 | Compare |
| Oxford | 1,135 | $73,088 | $175,600 | Compare |
| Limestone | 1,120 | $39,667 | $91,500 | Compare |
| Chisholm | 1,115 | $59,524 | $131,000 | Compare |
| Eastport | 1,230 | $46,205 | $148,200 | Compare |
| Livermore Falls | 1,250 | $34,091 | $0 | Compare |
| Cornish | 1,080 | $68,561 | $0 | 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 Damariscotta With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Damariscotta
What is the population of Damariscotta, ME?
The population of Damariscotta, ME is 1,172 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 Damariscotta?
The median household income in Damariscotta, ME is $63,696 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Damariscotta?
The median home value in Damariscotta, ME is $387,200, which is 58% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Damariscotta?
The median monthly rent in Damariscotta, ME is $1,016, which is 13% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Damariscotta?
The unemployment rate in Damariscotta, ME is 12.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Damariscotta, ME a good place to live?
Damariscotta offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,172 and a median age of 50, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Damariscotta, ME?
43.8% of residents in Damariscotta 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 Damariscotta?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Damariscotta, ME: median home value is $387,200 (58% above national), median rent is $1,016/month, and median household income is $63,696. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.1x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Damariscotta?
The poverty rate in Damariscotta, ME is 23.2%, 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 Damariscotta, ME?
Damariscotta's population is 5.5% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 3.5% of residents are foreign-born.