Houlton, ME demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
5,082
2.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$59,236/yr
13.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,415
5.0% year-over-year change

Houlton population

How many people live in Houlton

Houlton is home to 5,082 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.3% of Houlton locals are male, and 51.7% are female.

Total population
5,082
2.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.3%
2,453
Female
51.7%
2,629
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,453 48.3% 1.0%
Female 2,629 51.7% 4.0%
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 Houlton is 45, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.4% are children under 15, then 13.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 21.2% of the population, while another 24.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 25.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
45
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.4%
15 to 24
13.3%
25 to 44
21.2%
45 to 64
24.8%
Over 65
25.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 784 15.4% -1.9%
15 to 24 677 13.3% -12.1%
25 to 44 1,079 21.2% 11.3%
45 to 64 1,260 24.8% 8.6%
Over 65 1,282 25.2% 1.8%
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 Houlton, 96.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.6% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 2.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.8%
Non-citizens
1.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 4,909 96.6% 2.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 91 1.8% -17.3%
Non-citizens 82 1.6% 70.8%
Racial breakdown
White
96.4%
Black or African American
0.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.9%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
2.1%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 4,899 96.4%
Black or African American 30 0.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 44 0.9%
Two or more races 109 2.1%

Households in Houlton

A peek inside Houlton households

Houlton has 2,205 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 51.2% are families, while the remaining 48.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,205
5.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,077
Family households
1,128
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,077 48.8% 3.0%
Family households 1,128 51.2% 7.1%
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 Houlton

The housing landscape of Houlton

Houlton's housing consists of 2,415 units, with 69.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,415
5.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,669 69.1%
2 units 124 5.1%
3 or 4 units 193 8%
5 to 9 units 192 8%
10 to 19 units 94 3.9%
20 to 49 units 135 5.6%
Mobile home 8 0.3%
Homes built since 2020
34
466.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Houlton

In Houlton, the median construction year is 1954. About 32.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 11.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 1% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 3.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 783 32.4% 13.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 270 11.2% -3.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 398 16.5% -5.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 318 13.2% -6.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 239 9.9% 3.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 187 7.7% 2.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 76 3.2% 5.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 24 1% 100.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 86 3.6% 19.4%
Built in 2020 or later 34 1.4% 466.7%
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.

Houlton occupancy rates

Out of the 2,205 occupied housing units in Houlton, 64.2% are owner-occupied, while 35.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 8.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,205
5.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
789
Owner occupied
1,416
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 789 35.8% -2.4%
Owner occupied 1,416 64.2% 9.7%
Unoccupied housing units
8.7%
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.

Houlton housing costs

Housing costs in Houlton come to a median of $878 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $814.

Median housing costs per month
$878/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 Houlton
$814/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 Houlton

Houlton education at a glance

About 42.7% of the population in Houlton went to high school, while 22.8% pursued college studies. Another 8.5% earned an associate degree and 17.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 70 1.7% 0.0%
High school diploma 1,773 42.7% -2.6%
College diploma 947 22.8% 11.8%
Associate degree 353 8.5% 12.1%
Bachelor's degree 731 17.6% 10.4%
Graduate degree 279 6.7% 5.3%
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 Houlton

How much people earn in Houlton

The average annual household income in Houlton was $80,075 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $59,236, reflecting a +13.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Houlton
$80,075/year
5.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Houlton
$59,236/year
13.4% year-over-year change

Houlton income by age

Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $99,750 overall. Overall, 82.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
45 - 64 $99,750 4.4%
Over 65 $31,324 8.0%
Above poverty level
3,915
Below poverty level
828
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,915 82.5% 7.2%
Below poverty level 828 17.5% -13.6%

Average renter income in Houlton

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Houlton, their median household income was $19,156 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 51%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$19,156
Rent-to-income ratio
51%
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 Houlton

Workforce and job types in Houlton

The job market in Houlton is powered by 2,084 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 83.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 16.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5.6% run their own businesses, 61% are employed by private companies, and 18.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,084
12.1% year-over-year change
White collar
1,732
Blue collar
352
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,732 83.1% 13.5%
Blue collar 352 16.9% 5.7%
Employer type
Self employees
5.6%
Private companies
61%
Governmental workers
18.3%
Not for profit companies
15.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 116 5.6% 3.6%
Private companies 1,272 61% 12.0%
Governmental workers 381 18.3% 18.3%
Not for profit companies 315 15.1% 9.0%
Unemployment rate
13.4%
-17.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Houlton stands at 13.4%, 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 Houlton

How people get around in Houlton

Commuting methods vary: 92.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.4% 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 1,916 92.2% 10.7%
Walk 29 1.4% 123.1%
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 Houlton by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
04730 10,106 4,225 $61,980 $82,282

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FAQs about Houlton demographics 

What is the total population of Houlton?

Houlton has a total population of 5,082 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 +2.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Houlton?

The gender ratio in Houlton is as follows:
  • 48.3% males (2,453 residents)
  • 51.7% females (2,629 residents)

What is the median age in Houlton?

The median age in Houlton is 45.

What is the age distribution of the population in Houlton?

The age distribution in Houlton is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.4% (784 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.3% (677 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 21.2% (1,079 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.8% (1,260 residents)
  • Over 65: 25.2% (1,282 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Houlton?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Houlton is as follows:
  • White: 96.4% (4,899 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.6% (30 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.9% (44 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 2.1% (109 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.6% of the population in Houlton.

How many housing units are there in Houlton?

There are 2,415 housing units in Houlton, reflecting a +5.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Houlton has a total of 2,205 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Houlton?

Houlton has a median household income of $59,236, representing a +13.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Houlton?

The employment rate is 86.6% in Houlton, with a workforce of 2,084 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 83.1% (1,732 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 16.9% (352 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5.6% (116 residents)
  • Private companies: 61% (1,272 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 18.3% (381 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 15.1% (315 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