Saco, ME
Population 20,636 · Maine
About Saco, ME
Saco is a mid-sized city located in Maine with a population of 20,636 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $84,328 per year, which is 12% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.7 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 Saco features a median home value of $370,300, which is 51% above the national median of $244,900. This places Saco in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,268, 9% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 9,619 total housing units, 70% are owner-occupied (6,190 units) and 30% are renter-occupied (2,661 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Saco shows an unemployment rate of 1.7%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 6.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Saco have an average one-way commute time of 24.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
40.5% of Saco 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 0.9% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 2.7% Asian residents, with 8.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Saco Ranks in Maine
Cost of Living in Saco, ME
Compared to national averages, Saco has a median household income of $84,328 (12% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $370,300, which is 51% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,268 is 9% above the US average of $1,163. Within Maine, Saco's income is 31% above the state average of $64,613, and home values are 47% above the state median of $251,113.
Why Live in Saco, ME?
Saco offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $84,328, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.7%, and a well-educated community where 40.5% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 6.8%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 24.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $370,300. However, Saco’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Saco has a population of 20,636 with a median age of 43.7 years. Compare Saco with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Maine.
Similar Cities Near Saco
Cities in Maine with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westbrook | 20,484 | $85,868 | $341,800 | Compare |
| Sanford | 22,095 | $70,570 | $257,200 | Compare |
| Augusta | 18,999 | $48,756 | $188,900 | Compare |
| Biddeford | 22,463 | $69,794 | $349,300 | Compare |
| Auburn | 24,294 | $66,552 | $254,600 | Compare |
| Brunswick | 16,928 | $68,190 | $333,500 | Compare |
| Waterville | 16,704 | $47,489 | $173,700 | Compare |
| South Portland | 26,780 | $84,563 | $405,800 | 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 Saco With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Saco
What is the population of Saco, ME?
The population of Saco, ME is 20,636 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 Saco?
The median household income in Saco, ME is $84,328 per year, which is 12% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Saco?
The median home value in Saco, ME is $370,300, which is 51% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Saco?
The median monthly rent in Saco, ME is $1,268, which is 9% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Saco?
The unemployment rate in Saco, ME is 1.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Saco, ME a good place to live?
Saco offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 20,636 and a median age of 43.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Saco, ME?
40.5% of residents in Saco 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 Saco?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Saco, ME: median home value is $370,300 (51% above national), median rent is $1,268/month, and median household income is $84,328. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.4x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Saco?
The poverty rate in Saco, ME is 6.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Saco, ME?
Saco's population is 0.9% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 2.7% Asian, and 2.9% two or more races. 8.3% of residents are foreign-born.