Machias, ME demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,316
-5.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$27,926/yr
-0.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
690
-5.2% year-over-year change

Machias population

How many people live in Machias

Machias is home to 1,316 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 45.4% of Machias locals are male, and 54.6% are female.

Total population
1,316
-5.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
45.4%
598
Female
54.6%
718
Value Percent YoY change
Male 598 45.4% -11.3%
Female 718 54.6% -0.4%
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 Machias is 46, with the population distributed as follows: about 7.4% are children under 15, then 20.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 20% of the population, while another 26.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 25.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
45.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
7.4%
15 to 24
20.3%
25 to 44
20%
45 to 64
26.6%
Over 65
25.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 97 7.4% -25.4%
15 to 24 267 20.3% 9.0%
25 to 44 263 20% -17.3%
45 to 64 350 26.6% -6.4%
Over 65 339 25.8% 3.4%
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 Machias, 98.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. There’s also a share of 8.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.4%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,298 98.6% -5.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 18 1.4% 0.0%
Racial breakdown
White
89.7%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.8%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
8.5%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 1,180 89.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native 24 1.8%
Two or more races 112 8.5%

Households in Machias

A peek inside Machias households

Machias has 563 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 38.5% are families, while the remaining 61.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
563
-4.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
346
Family households
217
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 346 61.5% -2.0%
Family households 217 38.5% -9.2%
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 Machias

The housing landscape of Machias

Machias's housing consists of 690 units, with 44.1% 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 6.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
690
-5.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 304 44.1%
2 units 14 2%
3 or 4 units 175 25.4%
5 to 9 units 96 13.9%
10 to 19 units 8 1.2%
20 to 49 units 23 3.3%
50 or more units 27 3.9%
Mobile home 43 6.2%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Machias

In Machias, the median construction year is 1957. About 39.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 271 39.3% -12.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 46 6.7% -4.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 43 6.2% 30.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 11 1.6% -75.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 169 24.5% 39.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 12 1.7% -42.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 29 4.2% -42.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 84 12.2% -17.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 25 3.6% N/A
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.

Machias occupancy rates

Out of the 563 occupied housing units in Machias, 36.2% are owner-occupied, while 63.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 18.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
563
-4.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
359
Owner occupied
204
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 359 63.8% 0.8%
Owner occupied 204 36.2% -13.6%
Unoccupied housing units
18.4%
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.

Machias housing costs

Housing costs in Machias come to a median of $744 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $656.

Median housing costs per month
$744/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 Machias
$656/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 Machias

Machias education at a glance

About 47.4% of the population in Machias went to high school, while 25.8% pursued college studies. Another 8.1% earned an associate degree and 10% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 64 5.4% 8.5%
High school diploma 563 47.4% 1.4%
College diploma 306 25.8% -2.2%
Associate degree 96 8.1% 5.5%
Bachelor's degree 119 10% -13.8%
Graduate degree 39 3.3% -50.0%
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 Machias

How much people earn in Machias

The average annual household income in Machias was $40,104 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -2.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $27,926, reflecting a -0.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Machias
$40,104/year
-2.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Machias
$27,926/year
-0.4% year-over-year change

Machias income by age

In Machias, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $61,563. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $28,164 overall. Overall, 67.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $61,563 5.8%
45 - 64 $28,164 2.6%
Over 65 $18,550 -5.5%
Above poverty level
663
Below poverty level
320
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 663 67.4% -6.9%
Below poverty level 320 32.6% -12.8%

Average renter income in Machias

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Machias, their median household income was $14,135 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 55.7%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$14,135
Rent-to-income ratio
55.7%
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 Machias

Workforce and job types in Machias

The job market in Machias is powered by 451 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 77.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 22.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 14.2% run their own businesses, 56.3% are employed by private companies, and 9.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
451
-10.2% year-over-year change
White collar
349
Blue collar
102
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 349 77.4% -17.7%
Blue collar 102 22.6% 30.8%
Employer type
Self employees
14.2%
Private companies
56.3%
Governmental workers
9.1%
Not for profit companies
20.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 64 14.2% 0.0%
Private companies 254 56.3% 7.2%
Governmental workers 41 9.1% -56.8%
Not for profit companies 92 20.4% -13.2%
Unemployment rate
8.5%
100.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Machias stands at 8.5%, 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 Machias

How people get around in Machias

Commuting methods vary: 78.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 10.8% 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 299 78.5% -13.6%
Walk 41 10.8% 24.2%
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 Machias by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
04654 3,340 1,323 $48,838 $70,212

Explore more communities

FAQs about Machias demographics 

What is the total population of Machias?

Machias has a total population of 1,316 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 -5.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Machias?

The gender ratio in Machias is as follows:
  • 45.4% males (598 residents)
  • 54.6% females (718 residents)

What is the median age in Machias?

The median age in Machias is 45.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Machias?

The age distribution in Machias is as follows:
  • Under 15: 7.4% (97 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 20.3% (267 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 20% (263 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.6% (350 residents)
  • Over 65: 25.8% (339 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Machias?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Machias is as follows:
  • White: 89.7% (1,180 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.8% (24 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.5% (112 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.6% of the population in Machias.

How many housing units are there in Machias?

There are 690 housing units in Machias, reflecting a -5.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Machias has a total of 563 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Machias?

Machias has a median household income of $27,926, representing a -0.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 91.5% in Machias, with a workforce of 451 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 77.4% (349 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 22.6% (102 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 14.2% (64 residents)
  • Private companies: 56.3% (254 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 9.1% (41 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 20.4% (92 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