Bar Harbor, ME demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,296
-0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$67,701/yr
-6.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,603
5.6% year-over-year change

Bar Harbor population

How many people live in Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is home to 2,296 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 57% of Bar Harbor locals are male, and 43% are female.

Total population
2,296
-0.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
57%
1,309
Female
43%
987
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,309 57% 6.0%
Female 987 43% -8.3%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Bar Harbor is 47, with the population distributed as follows: about 8.5% are children under 15, then 21.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 18.6% of the population, while another 24.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 27% are 65 or older.

Median age
46.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
8.5%
15 to 24
21.7%
25 to 44
18.6%
45 to 64
24.2%
Over 65
27%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 196 8.5% -8.0%
15 to 24 498 21.7% 6.9%
25 to 44 426 18.6% 4.4%
45 to 64 556 24.2% -17.0%
Over 65 620 27% 11.9%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Bar Harbor, 88.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 5.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 84.8% of locals are Caucasian, 6% are African American and 3.5% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 3.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
88.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
5.4%
Non-citizens
6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 2,036 88.7% -5.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 123 5.4% 18.3%
Non-citizens 137 6% 185.4%
Racial breakdown
White
84.8%
Black or African American
6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
3.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3.6%
Other
2.1%
Value Percent
White 1,947 84.8%
Black or African American 138 6%
Asian 80 3.5%
Two or more races 83 3.6%
Other 48 2.1%

Households in Bar Harbor

A peek inside Bar Harbor households

Bar Harbor has 1,069 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 39.5% are families, while the remaining 60.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,069
11.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
647
Family households
422
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 647 60.5% 43.5%
Family households 422 39.5% -17.1%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Bar Harbor

The housing landscape of Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor's housing consists of 1,603 units, with 45.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 9.2% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
1,603
5.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 723 45.1%
1 unit, attached 147 9.2%
2 units 151 9.4%
3 or 4 units 355 22.2%
5 to 9 units 163 10.2%
10 to 19 units 11 0.7%
50 or more units 53 3.3%
Homes built since 2020
75
66.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Bar Harbor

In Bar Harbor, the median construction year is 1966. About 35% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 12.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 3.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 4.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 561 35% -16.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 73 4.6% 82.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 147 9.2% 15.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 32 2% -70.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 106 6.6% -10.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 252 15.7% 154.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 101 6.3% 18.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 207 12.9% 14.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 49 3.1% 16.7%
Built in 2020 or later 75 4.7% 66.7%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Bar Harbor occupancy rates

Out of the 1,069 occupied housing units in Bar Harbor, 45.6% are owner-occupied, while 54.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 33.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,069
11.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
581
Owner occupied
488
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 581 54.4% 21.6%
Owner occupied 488 45.6% 1.2%
Unoccupied housing units
33.3%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Bar Harbor housing costs

Housing costs in Bar Harbor come to a median of $1,272 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,070.

Median housing costs per month
$1,272/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Bar Harbor
$1,070/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor education at a glance

About 21.7% of the population in Bar Harbor went to high school, while 20.5% pursued college studies. Another 4.7% earned an associate degree and 39.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 14% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
High school diploma 444 21.7% -7.9%
College diploma 420 20.5% -30.1%
Associate degree 97 4.7% 86.5%
Bachelor's degree 800 39.1% 32.0%
Graduate degree 286 14% 1.8%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Bar Harbor

How much people earn in Bar Harbor

The average annual household income in Bar Harbor was $115,065 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +22.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $67,701, reflecting a -6.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Bar Harbor
$115,065/year
22.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Bar Harbor
$67,701/year
-6.9% year-over-year change

Bar Harbor income by age

Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $69,244 overall. Overall, 85.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
45 - 64 $69,244 -29.5%
Over 65 $51,447 18.1%
Above poverty level
1,716
Below poverty level
288
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,716 85.6% -0.9%
Below poverty level 288 14.4% -6.5%

Average renter income in Bar Harbor

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Bar Harbor, their median household income was $33,375 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 38.5%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$33,375
Rent-to-income ratio
38.5%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Bar Harbor

Workforce and job types in Bar Harbor

The job market in Bar Harbor is powered by 1,074 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 91.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 8.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 23.6% run their own businesses, 44% are employed by private companies, and 1.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,074
-2.4% year-over-year change
White collar
978
Blue collar
96
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 978 91.1% 1.4%
Blue collar 96 8.9% -29.4%
Employer type
Self employees
23.6%
Private companies
44%
Governmental workers
1.3%
Not for profit companies
31%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 254 23.6% 10.0%
Private companies 473 44% -3.9%
Governmental workers 14 1.3% -68.9%
Not for profit companies 333 31% 0.3%
Unemployment rate
10.7%
-7.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Bar Harbor stands at 10.7%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Bar Harbor

How people get around in Bar Harbor

Commuting methods vary: 57.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 28% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 617 57.4% -14.3%
Bicycle 20 1.9% -35.5%
Walk 301 28% 36.8%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Bar Harbor by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
04609 5,244 2,479 $77,180 $119,818

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FAQs about Bar Harbor demographics 

What is the total population of Bar Harbor?

Bar Harbor has a total population of 2,296 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -0.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Bar Harbor?

The gender ratio in Bar Harbor is as follows:
  • 57% males (1,309 residents)
  • 43% females (987 residents)

What is the median age in Bar Harbor?

The median age in Bar Harbor is 46.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Bar Harbor?

The age distribution in Bar Harbor is as follows:
  • Under 15: 8.5% (196 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 21.7% (498 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 18.6% (426 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.2% (556 residents)
  • Over 65: 27% (620 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Bar Harbor?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Bar Harbor is as follows:
  • White: 84.8% (1,947 residents)
  • Black or African American: 6% (138 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 3.5% (80 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3.6% (83 residents)
  • Other: 2.1% (48 residents)

What percentage of the population in Bar Harbor are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 88.7% of the population in Bar Harbor.

How many housing units are there in Bar Harbor?

There are 1,603 housing units in Bar Harbor, reflecting a +5.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Bar Harbor and what is the average household size?

Bar Harbor has a total of 1,069 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Bar Harbor?

Bar Harbor has a median household income of $67,701, representing a -6.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Bar Harbor?

The employment rate is 89.3% in Bar Harbor, with a workforce of 1,074 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 91.1% (978 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 8.9% (96 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 23.6% (254 residents)
  • Private companies: 44% (473 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 1.3% (14 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 31% (333 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025