Fort Kent, ME
Population 2,453 · Maine
About Fort Kent, ME
Fort Kent is a small town located in Maine with a population of 2,453 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $58,750 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 49 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 Kent features a median home value of $137,000, which is 44% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Fort Kent one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $820, 29% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,296 total housing units, 64% are owner-occupied (735 units) and 36% are renter-occupied (407 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Fort Kent shows an unemployment rate of 1.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 9.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Fort Kent have an average one-way commute time of 18.2 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
33.5% of Fort Kent 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 1.6% White, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.0% Asian residents, with 12.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Fort Kent Ranks in Maine
Cost of Living in Fort Kent, ME
Compared to national averages, Fort Kent has a median household income of $58,750 (22% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $137,000, which is 44% below the national median. Monthly rent at $820 is 29% below the US average of $1,163. Within Maine, Fort Kent's income is 9% below the state average of $64,613, and home values are 45% below the state median of $251,113.
Why Live in Fort Kent, ME?
Fort Kent offers affordable housing with a median home value of $137,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $820/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.0%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 9.3%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 18.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($58,750) that falls below the national average. However, Fort Kent’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Fort Kent has a population of 2,453 with a median age of 49 years. Compare Fort Kent with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Maine.
Similar Cities Near Fort Kent
Cities in Maine with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fairfield | 2,432 | $50,718 | $140,200 | Compare |
| Madison | 2,552 | $43,095 | $70,800 | Compare |
| Hallowell | 2,570 | $58,811 | $266,700 | Compare |
| South Paris | 2,570 | $56,823 | $186,300 | Compare |
| Lincoln | 2,576 | $33,750 | $120,200 | Compare |
| Cape Neddick | 2,578 | $98,113 | $636,100 | Compare |
| Milford | 2,312 | $63,864 | $177,400 | Compare |
| Bar Harbor | 2,311 | $72,750 | $479,600 | 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 Kent With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Fort Kent
What is the population of Fort Kent, ME?
The population of Fort Kent, ME is 2,453 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 Kent?
The median household income in Fort Kent, ME is $58,750 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Fort Kent?
The median home value in Fort Kent, ME is $137,000, which is 44% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Fort Kent?
The median monthly rent in Fort Kent, ME is $820, which is 29% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Fort Kent?
The unemployment rate in Fort Kent, ME is 1.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Fort Kent, ME a good place to live?
Fort Kent offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,453 and a median age of 49, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Fort Kent, ME?
33.5% of residents in Fort Kent 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 Kent?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Fort Kent, ME: median home value is $137,000 (44% below national), median rent is $820/month, and median household income is $58,750. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Fort Kent?
The poverty rate in Fort Kent, ME is 9.3%, 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 Kent, ME?
Fort Kent's population is 1.6% White, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.0% Asian, and 7.1% two or more races. 12.0% of residents are foreign-born.