Orono, ME
Population 10,699 · Maine
About Orono, ME
Orono is a mid-sized city located in Maine with a population of 10,699 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $56,890 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 21.7 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Orono features a median home value of $219,200, which is 10% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Orono in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,150, 1% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,262 total housing units, 44% are owner-occupied (1,323 units) and 56% are renter-occupied (1,694 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 Orono shows an unemployment rate of 7.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 28.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Orono have an average one-way commute time of 16.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
68.0% of Orono residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 1.4% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 2.1% Asian residents, with 7.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Orono Ranks in Maine
Cost of Living in Orono, ME
Compared to national averages, Orono has a median household income of $56,890 (24% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $219,200, which is 10% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,150 is 1% below the US average of $1,163. Within Maine, Orono's income is 12% below the state average of $64,613, and home values are 13% below the state median of $251,113.
Why Live in Orono, ME?
Orono offers affordable housing with a median home value of $219,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,150/month, and a well-educated community where 68.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 16.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($56,890) that falls below the national average. However, Orono’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Orono has a population of 10,699 with a median age of 21.7 years. Compare Orono with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Maine.
Similar Cities Near Orono
Cities in Maine with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brewer | 9,654 | $51,490 | $218,100 | Compare |
| Old Orchard Beach | 9,150 | $65,842 | $317,800 | Compare |
| Bath | 8,801 | $65,565 | $285,400 | Compare |
| Presque Isle | 8,736 | $57,396 | $142,400 | Compare |
| Ellsworth | 8,550 | $70,990 | $214,500 | Compare |
| Old Town | 7,439 | $49,329 | $183,200 | Compare |
| Caribou | 7,427 | $54,271 | $120,300 | Compare |
| Gorham | 7,365 | $125,058 | $459,000 | 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 Orono With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Orono
What is the population of Orono, ME?
The population of Orono, ME is 10,699 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Maine.
What is the median household income in Orono?
The median household income in Orono, ME is $56,890 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Orono?
The median home value in Orono, ME is $219,200, which is 10% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Orono?
The median monthly rent in Orono, ME is $1,150, which is 1% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Orono?
The unemployment rate in Orono, ME is 7.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Orono, ME a good place to live?
Orono offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 10,699 and a median age of 21.7, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Orono, ME?
68.0% of residents in Orono aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Orono?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Orono, ME: median home value is $219,200 (10% below national), median rent is $1,150/month, and median household income is $56,890. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Orono?
The poverty rate in Orono, ME is 28.2%, 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 Orono, ME?
Orono's population is 1.4% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 2.1% Asian, and 1.4% two or more races. 7.3% of residents are foreign-born.