Madawaska, ME
Population 2,960 · Maine
About Madawaska, ME
Madawaska is a small town located in Maine with a population of 2,960 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $42,708 per year, which is 43% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 54 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 Madawaska features a median home value of $157,400, which is 36% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Madawaska in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $576, 50% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,650 total housing units, 63% are owner-occupied (931 units) and 37% are renter-occupied (549 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Madawaska shows an unemployment rate of 8.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 18.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Madawaska have an average one-way commute time of 12.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
21.8% of Madawaska 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 0.0% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 11.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Madawaska Ranks in Maine
Cost of Living in Madawaska, ME
Compared to national averages, Madawaska has a median household income of $42,708 (43% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $157,400, which is 36% below the national median. Monthly rent at $576 is 50% below the US average of $1,163. Within Maine, Madawaska's income is 34% below the state average of $64,613, and home values are 37% below the state median of $251,113.
Why Live in Madawaska, ME?
Madawaska offers affordable housing with a median home value of $157,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $576/month, and short commute times averaging just 12.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($42,708) that falls below the national average. However, Madawaska’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Madawaska has a population of 2,960 with a median age of 54 years. Compare Madawaska with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Maine.
Similar Cities Near Madawaska
Cities in Maine with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pittsfield | 3,078 | $57,292 | $151,100 | Compare |
| Calais | 3,087 | $48,654 | $111,800 | Compare |
| Cumberland Center | 2,811 | $145,208 | $480,700 | Compare |
| Bucksport | 3,140 | $58,644 | $193,800 | Compare |
| Norway | 3,145 | $41,370 | $121,200 | Compare |
| Dover-Foxcroft | 2,758 | $51,919 | $137,500 | Compare |
| Oakland | 2,714 | $44,846 | $142,800 | Compare |
| Winthrop | 2,666 | $54,612 | $240,700 | 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 Madawaska With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Madawaska
What is the population of Madawaska, ME?
The population of Madawaska, ME is 2,960 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 Madawaska?
The median household income in Madawaska, ME is $42,708 per year, which is 43% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Madawaska?
The median home value in Madawaska, ME is $157,400, which is 36% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Madawaska?
The median monthly rent in Madawaska, ME is $576, which is 50% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Madawaska?
The unemployment rate in Madawaska, ME is 8.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Madawaska, ME a good place to live?
Madawaska offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,960 and a median age of 54, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Madawaska, ME?
21.8% of residents in Madawaska 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 Madawaska?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Madawaska, ME: median home value is $157,400 (36% below national), median rent is $576/month, and median household income is $42,708. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Madawaska?
The poverty rate in Madawaska, ME is 18.9%, 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 Madawaska, ME?
Madawaska's population is 0.0% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 11.4% of residents are foreign-born.