Gardiner, ME
Population 6,047 · Maine
About Gardiner, ME
Gardiner is a small town located in Maine with a population of 6,047 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $58,152 per year, which is 23% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44.5 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 Gardiner features a median home value of $198,100, which is 19% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Gardiner in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $927, 20% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,065 total housing units, 68% are owner-occupied (1,842 units) and 32% are renter-occupied (884 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Gardiner shows an unemployment rate of 9.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 11.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Gardiner have an average one-way commute time of 27.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
29.0% of Gardiner 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 0.2% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 1.4% Black or African American, and 1.2% Asian residents, with 3.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Gardiner Ranks in Maine
Cost of Living in Gardiner, ME
Compared to national averages, Gardiner has a median household income of $58,152 (23% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $198,100, which is 19% below the national median. Monthly rent at $927 is 20% below the US average of $1,163. Within Maine, Gardiner's income is 10% below the state average of $64,613, and home values are 21% below the state median of $251,113.
Why Live in Gardiner, ME?
Gardiner offers affordable housing with a median home value of $198,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $927/month, and a low poverty rate of 11.3%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($58,152) that falls below the national average. However, Gardiner’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Gardiner has a population of 6,047 with a median age of 44.5 years. Compare Gardiner with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Maine.
Similar Cities Near Gardiner
Cities in Maine with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kennebunk | 6,008 | $93,167 | $429,600 | Compare |
| Yarmouth | 6,293 | $92,311 | $506,300 | Compare |
| Winslow | 5,701 | $56,506 | $200,100 | Compare |
| North Windham | 5,633 | $86,972 | $309,900 | Compare |
| Skowhegan | 6,638 | $46,625 | $138,600 | Compare |
| Oak Hill | 5,365 | $92,967 | $404,600 | Compare |
| Kittery | 5,284 | $71,574 | $421,400 | Compare |
| Topsham | 6,962 | $80,545 | $341,800 | 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 Gardiner With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Gardiner
What is the population of Gardiner, ME?
The population of Gardiner, ME is 6,047 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 Gardiner?
The median household income in Gardiner, ME is $58,152 per year, which is 23% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Gardiner?
The median home value in Gardiner, ME is $198,100, which is 19% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Gardiner?
The median monthly rent in Gardiner, ME is $927, which is 20% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Gardiner?
The unemployment rate in Gardiner, ME is 9.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Gardiner, ME a good place to live?
Gardiner offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 6,047 and a median age of 44.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Gardiner, ME?
29.0% of residents in Gardiner 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 Gardiner?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Gardiner, ME: median home value is $198,100 (19% below national), median rent is $927/month, and median household income is $58,152. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Gardiner?
The poverty rate in Gardiner, ME is 11.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Gardiner, ME?
Gardiner's population is 0.2% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 1.4% Black or African American, 1.2% Asian, and 1.5% two or more races. 3.6% of residents are foreign-born.