Dexter, ME
Population 1,840 · Maine
About Dexter, ME
Dexter is a small town located in Maine with a population of 1,840 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $51,667 per year, which is 31% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 51.8 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 Dexter features a median home value of $153,200, which is 37% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Dexter in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $883, 24% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,154 total housing units, 53% are owner-occupied (500 units) and 47% are renter-occupied (440 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Dexter shows an unemployment rate of 1.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 21.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Dexter have an average one-way commute time of 21.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
21.0% of Dexter residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 11.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Dexter Ranks in Maine
Cost of Living in Dexter, ME
Compared to national averages, Dexter has a median household income of $51,667 (31% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $153,200, which is 37% below the national median. Monthly rent at $883 is 24% below the US average of $1,163. Within Maine, Dexter's income is 20% below the state average of $64,613, and home values are 39% below the state median of $251,113.
Why Live in Dexter, ME?
Dexter offers affordable housing with a median home value of $153,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $883/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.6%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 21.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($51,667) that falls below the national average. However, Dexter’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Dexter has a population of 1,840 with a median age of 51.8 years. Compare Dexter with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Maine.
Similar Cities Near Dexter
Cities in Maine with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wilton | 1,822 | $55,721 | $163,500 | Compare |
| Veazie | 1,866 | $78,182 | $294,600 | Compare |
| North Berwick | 1,811 | $54,612 | $296,300 | Compare |
| Dixfield | 1,770 | $56,250 | $147,900 | Compare |
| Dunstan | 1,916 | $97,632 | $480,600 | Compare |
| Richmond | 1,946 | $72,036 | $221,600 | Compare |
| Steep Falls | 1,720 | $68,125 | $241,000 | Compare |
| Bridgton | 1,666 | $58,992 | $239,200 | 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 Dexter With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Dexter
What is the population of Dexter, ME?
The population of Dexter, ME is 1,840 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 Dexter?
The median household income in Dexter, ME is $51,667 per year, which is 31% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Dexter?
The median home value in Dexter, ME is $153,200, which is 37% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Dexter?
The median monthly rent in Dexter, ME is $883, which is 24% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Dexter?
The unemployment rate in Dexter, ME is 1.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Dexter, ME a good place to live?
Dexter offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,840 and a median age of 51.8, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Dexter, ME?
21.0% of residents in Dexter 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 Dexter?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Dexter, ME: median home value is $153,200 (37% below national), median rent is $883/month, and median household income is $51,667. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Dexter?
The poverty rate in Dexter, ME is 21.6%, 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 Dexter, ME?
Dexter's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 11.0% of residents are foreign-born.