Waterville, ME
Population 16,704 · Maine
About Waterville, ME
Waterville is a mid-sized city in Maine with a population of 16,704 residents. The median household income is $47,489 per year, which is below the national average. The median age in Waterville is 34.5 years.
Housing in Waterville has a median home value of $173,700 and median monthly rent of $957. Of the 7,036 total housing units, renting is more common than owning, with 3,027 owner-occupied and 3,576 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Waterville is 5.4% and the poverty rate is 25.4%. 32.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 16.7 minutes.
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 Census data.
What is the median household income in Waterville?
The median household income in Waterville, ME is $47,489 per year.
What is the median home value in Waterville?
The median home value in Waterville, ME is $173,700.
What is the average rent in Waterville?
The median monthly rent in Waterville, ME is $957.
What is the unemployment rate in Waterville?
The unemployment rate in Waterville, ME is 5.4%.