Fort Fairfield, ME
Population 1,632 · Maine
About Fort Fairfield, ME
Fort Fairfield is a small town located in Maine with a population of 1,632 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $46,654 per year, which is 38% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 47.6 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 Fort Fairfield features a median home value of $145,800, which is 40% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Fort Fairfield one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $460, 60% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 764 total housing units, 82% are owner-occupied (593 units) and 18% are renter-occupied (133 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Fort Fairfield shows an unemployment rate of 11.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 7.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Fort Fairfield have an average one-way commute time of 19.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
23.2% of Fort Fairfield 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 1.2% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 3.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Fort Fairfield Ranks in Maine
Cost of Living in Fort Fairfield, ME
Compared to national averages, Fort Fairfield has a median household income of $46,654 (38% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $145,800, which is 40% below the national median. Monthly rent at $460 is 60% below the US average of $1,163. Within Maine, Fort Fairfield's income is 28% below the state average of $64,613, and home values are 42% below the state median of $251,113.
Why Live in Fort Fairfield, ME?
Fort Fairfield offers affordable housing with a median home value of $145,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $460/month, and a low poverty rate of 7.6%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 19.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($46,654) that falls below the national average. However, Fort Fairfield’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Fort Fairfield has a population of 1,632 with a median age of 47.6 years. Compare Fort Fairfield with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Maine.
Similar Cities Near Fort Fairfield
Cities in Maine with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Van Buren | 1,614 | $35,200 | $90,200 | Compare |
| Fryeburg | 1,665 | $61,944 | $268,100 | Compare |
| Bridgton | 1,666 | $58,992 | $239,200 | Compare |
| East Millinocket | 1,545 | $44,306 | $73,900 | Compare |
| Freeport | 1,544 | $48,352 | $344,100 | Compare |
| Steep Falls | 1,720 | $68,125 | $241,000 | Compare |
| Dixfield | 1,770 | $56,250 | $147,900 | Compare |
| Waldoboro | 1,487 | $66,290 | $277,200 | 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 Fort Fairfield With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Fort Fairfield
What is the population of Fort Fairfield, ME?
The population of Fort Fairfield, ME is 1,632 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 Fort Fairfield?
The median household income in Fort Fairfield, ME is $46,654 per year, which is 38% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Fort Fairfield?
The median home value in Fort Fairfield, ME is $145,800, which is 40% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Fort Fairfield?
The median monthly rent in Fort Fairfield, ME is $460, which is 60% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Fort Fairfield?
The unemployment rate in Fort Fairfield, ME is 11.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Fort Fairfield, ME a good place to live?
Fort Fairfield offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,632 and a median age of 47.6, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Fort Fairfield, ME?
23.2% of residents in Fort Fairfield 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 Fort Fairfield?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Fort Fairfield, ME: median home value is $145,800 (40% below national), median rent is $460/month, and median household income is $46,654. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Fort Fairfield?
The poverty rate in Fort Fairfield, ME is 7.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Fort Fairfield, ME?
Fort Fairfield's population is 1.2% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 3.7% of residents are foreign-born.