Machias, ME
Population 1,395 · Maine
About Machias, ME
Machias is a small town located in Maine with a population of 1,395 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $28,047 per year, which is 63% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 45.1 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 Machias features a median home value of $117,800, which is 52% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Machias one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $700, 40% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 728 total housing units, 40% are owner-occupied (236 units) and 60% are renter-occupied (356 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Machias shows an unemployment rate of 4.0%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 33.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Machias have an average one-way commute time of 11.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
20.4% of Machias 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 0.7% White, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Black or African American, and 0.9% Asian residents, with 0.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Machias Ranks in Maine
Cost of Living in Machias, ME
Compared to national averages, Machias has a median household income of $28,047 (63% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $117,800, which is 52% below the national median. Monthly rent at $700 is 40% below the US average of $1,163. Within Maine, Machias's income is 57% below the state average of $64,613, and home values are 53% below the state median of $251,113.
Why Live in Machias, ME?
Machias offers affordable housing with a median home value of $117,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $700/month, and short commute times averaging just 11.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($28,047) that falls below the national average. However, Machias’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Machias has a population of 1,395 with a median age of 45.1 years. Compare Machias with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Maine.
Similar Cities Near Machias
Cities in Maine with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Kennebunk | 1,367 | $101,761 | $514,700 | Compare |
| Milo | 1,445 | $52,660 | $88,000 | Compare |
| Falmouth | 1,447 | $89,625 | $737,300 | Compare |
| Kennebunkport | 1,450 | $118,922 | $805,200 | Compare |
| Newport | 1,469 | $42,740 | $162,800 | Compare |
| Randolph | 1,479 | $52,917 | $157,000 | Compare |
| Waldoboro | 1,487 | $66,290 | $277,200 | Compare |
| Wiscasset | 1,273 | $91,477 | $281,700 | 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 Machias With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Machias
What is the population of Machias, ME?
The population of Machias, ME is 1,395 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 Machias?
The median household income in Machias, ME is $28,047 per year, which is 63% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Machias?
The median home value in Machias, ME is $117,800, which is 52% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Machias?
The median monthly rent in Machias, ME is $700, which is 40% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Machias?
The unemployment rate in Machias, ME is 4.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Machias, ME a good place to live?
Machias offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,395 and a median age of 45.1, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Machias, ME?
20.4% of residents in Machias 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 Machias?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Machias, ME: median home value is $117,800 (52% below national), median rent is $700/month, and median household income is $28,047. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.2x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Machias?
The poverty rate in Machias, ME is 33.8%, 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 Machias, ME?
Machias's population is 0.7% White, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Black or African American, 0.9% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.8% of residents are foreign-born.