Waterville, ME
Population 16,704 · Maine
About Waterville, ME
Waterville is a mid-sized city located in Maine with a population of 16,704 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $47,489 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.5 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 Waterville features a median home value of $173,700, which is 29% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Waterville in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $957, 18% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 7,036 total housing units, 46% are owner-occupied (3,027 units) and 54% are renter-occupied (3,576 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 Waterville shows an unemployment rate of 5.4%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 25.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Waterville have an average one-way commute time of 16.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
32.2% of Waterville 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, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 1.5% Asian residents, with 4.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Waterville Ranks in Maine
Cost of Living in Waterville, ME
Compared to national averages, Waterville has a median household income of $47,489 (37% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $173,700, which is 29% below the national median. Monthly rent at $957 is 18% below the US average of $1,163. Within Maine, Waterville's income is 27% below the state average of $64,613, and home values are 31% below the state median of $251,113.
Why Live in Waterville, ME?
Waterville offers affordable housing with a median home value of $173,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $957/month, and short commute times averaging just 16.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($47,489) that falls below the national average. However, Waterville’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Waterville has a population of 16,704 with a median age of 34.5 years. Compare Waterville with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Maine.
Similar Cities Near Waterville
Cities in Maine with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brunswick | 16,928 | $68,190 | $333,500 | Compare |
| Augusta | 18,999 | $48,756 | $188,900 | Compare |
| Westbrook | 20,484 | $85,868 | $341,800 | Compare |
| Saco | 20,636 | $84,328 | $370,300 | Compare |
| Sanford | 22,095 | $70,570 | $257,200 | Compare |
| Biddeford | 22,463 | $69,794 | $349,300 | Compare |
| Orono | 10,699 | $56,890 | $219,200 | Compare |
| Brewer | 9,654 | $51,490 | $218,100 | 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 Waterville With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Waterville
What is the population of Waterville, ME?
The population of Waterville, ME is 16,704 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 Waterville?
The median household income in Waterville, ME is $47,489 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Waterville?
The median home value in Waterville, ME is $173,700, which is 29% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Waterville?
The median monthly rent in Waterville, ME is $957, which is 18% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Waterville?
The unemployment rate in Waterville, ME is 5.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Waterville, ME a good place to live?
Waterville offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 16,704 and a median age of 34.5, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Waterville, ME?
32.2% of residents in Waterville 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 Waterville?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Waterville, ME: median home value is $173,700 (29% below national), median rent is $957/month, and median household income is $47,489. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Waterville?
The poverty rate in Waterville, ME is 25.4%, 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 Waterville, ME?
Waterville's population is 0.9% White, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 1.5% Asian, and 1.1% two or more races. 4.0% of residents are foreign-born.