Rockland, ME
Population 6,991 · Maine
About Rockland, ME
Rockland is a small town located in Maine with a population of 6,991 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $55,276 per year, which is 26% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 45.8 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 Rockland features a median home value of $234,400, which is 4% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Rockland in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $986, 15% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,073 total housing units, 63% are owner-occupied (2,135 units) and 37% are renter-occupied (1,251 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Rockland shows an unemployment rate of 5.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 9.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Rockland have an average one-way commute time of 12.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
35.6% of Rockland 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, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 0.1% Asian residents, with 1.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Rockland Ranks in Maine
Cost of Living in Rockland, ME
Compared to national averages, Rockland has a median household income of $55,276 (26% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $234,400, which is 4% below the national median. Monthly rent at $986 is 15% below the US average of $1,163. Within Maine, Rockland's income is 14% below the state average of $64,613, and home values are 7% below the state median of $251,113.
Why Live in Rockland, ME?
Rockland offers affordable housing with a median home value of $234,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $986/month, and a well-educated community where 35.6% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 9.1%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 12.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($55,276) that falls below the national average. However, Rockland’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Rockland has a population of 6,991 with a median age of 45.8 years. Compare Rockland with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Maine.
Similar Cities Near Rockland
Cities in Maine with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belfast | 6,985 | $61,322 | $307,700 | Compare |
| Topsham | 6,962 | $80,545 | $341,800 | Compare |
| Skowhegan | 6,638 | $46,625 | $138,600 | Compare |
| Gorham | 7,365 | $125,058 | $459,000 | Compare |
| Caribou | 7,427 | $54,271 | $120,300 | Compare |
| Old Town | 7,439 | $49,329 | $183,200 | Compare |
| Yarmouth | 6,293 | $92,311 | $506,300 | Compare |
| Gardiner | 6,047 | $58,152 | $198,100 | 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 Rockland With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Rockland
What is the population of Rockland, ME?
The population of Rockland, ME is 6,991 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 Rockland?
The median household income in Rockland, ME is $55,276 per year, which is 26% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rockland?
The median home value in Rockland, ME is $234,400, which is 4% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Rockland?
The median monthly rent in Rockland, ME is $986, which is 15% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rockland?
The unemployment rate in Rockland, ME is 5.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Rockland, ME a good place to live?
Rockland offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 6,991 and a median age of 45.8, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Rockland, ME?
35.6% of residents in Rockland 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 Rockland?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rockland, ME: median home value is $234,400 (4% below national), median rent is $986/month, and median household income is $55,276. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.2x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Rockland?
The poverty rate in Rockland, ME is 9.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Rockland, ME?
Rockland's population is 0.2% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 0.1% Asian, and 0.1% two or more races. 1.3% of residents are foreign-born.