Houlton, ME
Population 4,958 · Maine
About Houlton, ME
Houlton is a small town located in Maine with a population of 4,958 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $52,227 per year, which is 31% 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 Houlton features a median home value of $121,700, which is 50% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Houlton one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $719, 38% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,301 total housing units, 62% are owner-occupied (1,291 units) and 38% are renter-occupied (808 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Houlton shows an unemployment rate of 17.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 20.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Houlton have an average one-way commute time of 13.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
25.4% of Houlton 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 0.0% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, and 0.6% Asian residents, with 1.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Houlton Ranks in Maine
Cost of Living in Houlton, ME
Compared to national averages, Houlton has a median household income of $52,227 (31% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $121,700, which is 50% below the national median. Monthly rent at $719 is 38% below the US average of $1,163. Within Maine, Houlton's income is 19% below the state average of $64,613, and home values are 52% below the state median of $251,113.
Why Live in Houlton, ME?
Houlton offers affordable housing with a median home value of $121,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $719/month, and short commute times averaging just 13.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($52,227) that falls below the national average. However, Houlton’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Houlton has a population of 4,958 with a median age of 44.5 years. Compare Houlton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Maine.
Similar Cities Near Houlton
Cities in Maine with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hampden | 4,937 | $101,417 | $270,100 | Compare |
| Farmington | 4,879 | $39,646 | $161,800 | Compare |
| Kittery | 5,284 | $71,574 | $421,400 | Compare |
| Oak Hill | 5,365 | $92,967 | $404,600 | Compare |
| North Windham | 5,633 | $86,972 | $309,900 | Compare |
| Winslow | 5,701 | $56,506 | $200,100 | Compare |
| Lisbon Falls | 4,185 | $71,513 | $237,800 | Compare |
| Millinocket | 4,111 | $42,936 | $86,500 | 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 Houlton With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Houlton
What is the population of Houlton, ME?
The population of Houlton, ME is 4,958 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 Houlton?
The median household income in Houlton, ME is $52,227 per year, which is 31% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Houlton?
The median home value in Houlton, ME is $121,700, which is 50% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Houlton?
The median monthly rent in Houlton, ME is $719, which is 38% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Houlton?
The unemployment rate in Houlton, ME is 17.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Houlton, ME a good place to live?
Houlton offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 4,958 and a median age of 44.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Houlton, ME?
25.4% of residents in Houlton 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 Houlton?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Houlton, ME: median home value is $121,700 (50% below national), median rent is $719/month, and median household income is $52,227. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Houlton?
The poverty rate in Houlton, ME is 20.8%, 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 Houlton, ME?
Houlton's population is 0.0% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, 0.6% Asian, and 1.5% two or more races. 1.9% of residents are foreign-born.