South Paris, ME
Population 2,570 · Maine
About South Paris, ME
South Paris is a small town located in Maine with a population of 2,570 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $56,823 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in South Paris features a median home value of $186,300, which is 24% below the national median of $244,900. This positions South Paris in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $585, 50% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,158 total housing units, 56% are owner-occupied (571 units) and 44% are renter-occupied (443 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in South Paris shows an unemployment rate of 0.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 29.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in South Paris have an average one-way commute time of 15.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
17.4% of South Paris 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 0.2% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, and 0.3% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How South Paris Ranks in Maine
Cost of Living in South Paris, ME
Compared to national averages, South Paris has a median household income of $56,823 (24% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $186,300, which is 24% below the national median. Monthly rent at $585 is 50% below the US average of $1,163. Within Maine, South Paris's income is 12% below the state average of $64,613, and home values are 26% below the state median of $251,113.
Why Live in South Paris, ME?
South Paris offers affordable housing with a median home value of $186,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $585/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 15.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($56,823) that falls below the national average. However, South Paris’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
South Paris has a population of 2,570 with a median age of 38.9 years. Compare South Paris with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Maine.
Similar Cities Near South Paris
Cities in Maine with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hallowell | 2,570 | $58,811 | $266,700 | Compare |
| Lincoln | 2,576 | $33,750 | $120,200 | Compare |
| Cape Neddick | 2,578 | $98,113 | $636,100 | Compare |
| Madison | 2,552 | $43,095 | $70,800 | Compare |
| Winthrop | 2,666 | $54,612 | $240,700 | Compare |
| Fort Kent | 2,453 | $58,750 | $137,000 | Compare |
| Fairfield | 2,432 | $50,718 | $140,200 | Compare |
| Oakland | 2,714 | $44,846 | $142,800 | 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 South Paris With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about South Paris
What is the population of South Paris, ME?
The population of South Paris, ME is 2,570 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 South Paris?
The median household income in South Paris, ME is $56,823 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in South Paris?
The median home value in South Paris, ME is $186,300, which is 24% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in South Paris?
The median monthly rent in South Paris, ME is $585, which is 50% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in South Paris?
The unemployment rate in South Paris, ME is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is South Paris, ME a good place to live?
South Paris offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,570 and a median age of 38.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is South Paris, ME?
17.4% of residents in South Paris 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 South Paris?
Key cost-of-living indicators for South Paris, ME: median home value is $186,300 (24% below national), median rent is $585/month, and median household income is $56,823. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in South Paris?
The poverty rate in South Paris, ME is 29.4%, 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 South Paris, ME?
South Paris's population is 0.2% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.