Orono, ME demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
11,151
4.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$59,784/yr
5.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
3,162
-3.1% year-over-year change

Orono population

How many people live in Orono

Orono is home to 11,151 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50% of Orono locals are male, and 50% are female.

Total population
11,151
4.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50%
5,581
Female
50%
5,570
Value Percent YoY change
Male 5,581 50% 1.3%
Female 5,570 50% 7.3%
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 Orono is 22, with the population distributed as follows: about 4.8% are children under 15, then 61.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 14.1% of the population, while another 8.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 11% are 65 or older.

Median age
21.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
4.8%
15 to 24
61.2%
25 to 44
14.1%
45 to 64
8.9%
Over 65
11%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 538 4.8% -9.4%
15 to 24 6,823 61.2% 10.5%
25 to 44 1,568 14.1% -6.9%
45 to 64 995 8.9% 2.5%
Over 65 1,227 11% -3.5%
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 Orono, 93.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 87.5% of locals are Caucasian, 1.8% are African American and 3.5% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 5.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
93.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.2%
Non-citizens
4.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 10,416 93.4% 6.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 250 2.2% -19.1%
Non-citizens 485 4.4% -14.2%
Racial breakdown
White
87.5%
Black or African American
1.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
3.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.9%
Other
1.1%
Value Percent
White 9,762 87.5%
Black or African American 195 1.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 27 0.2%
Asian 388 3.5%
Two or more races 658 5.9%
Other 121 1.1%

Households in Orono

A peek inside Orono households

Orono has 2,930 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 41% are families, while the remaining 59% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,930
-2.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,729
Family households
1,201
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,729 59% -5.0%
Family households 1,201 41% 0.4%
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 Orono

The housing landscape of Orono

Orono's housing consists of 3,162 units, with 40.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.6% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
3,162
-3.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,285 40.6%
1 unit, attached 146 4.6%
2 units 222 7%
3 or 4 units 511 16.2%
5 to 9 units 343 10.8%
10 to 19 units 440 13.9%
20 to 49 units 88 2.8%
50 or more units 127 4%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Orono

In Orono, the median construction year is 1976. About 20.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.6% 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 636 20.1% -18.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 50 1.6% -41.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 348 11% 7.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 403 12.8% 36.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 245 7.8% 0.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 464 14.7% -9.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 163 5.2% -41.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 527 16.7% 18.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 326 10.3% 9.4%
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.

Orono occupancy rates

Out of the 2,930 occupied housing units in Orono, 41.7% are owner-occupied, while 58.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,930
-2.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,709
Owner occupied
1,221
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,709 58.3% 0.9%
Owner occupied 1,221 41.7% -7.7%
Unoccupied housing units
7.3%
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.

Orono housing costs

Housing costs in Orono come to a median of $1,211 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,280.

Median housing costs per month
$1,211/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 Orono
$1,280/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 Orono

Orono education at a glance

About 20.2% of the population in Orono went to high school, while 47% pursued college studies. Another 3% earned an associate degree and 14.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 15% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 9 0.1% -88.2%
High school diploma 2,098 20.2% 7.1%
College diploma 4,888 47% 7.3%
Associate degree 313 3% 7.9%
Bachelor's degree 1,525 14.7% -4.9%
Graduate degree 1,561 15% 4.3%
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 Orono

How much people earn in Orono

The average annual household income in Orono was $85,752 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +6.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $59,784, reflecting a +5.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Orono
$85,752/year
6.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Orono
$59,784/year
5.1% year-over-year change

Orono income by age

In Orono, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $54,747. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $133,220 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $43,819, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $76,042 in earnings. Overall, 72.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $43,819 15.7%
25 - 44 $54,747 -3.6%
45 - 64 $133,220 8.7%
Over 65 $76,042 22.2%
Above poverty level
5,142
Below poverty level
1,916
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 5,142 72.8% 5.4%
Below poverty level 1,916 27.2% -0.7%

Average renter income in Orono

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Orono, their median household income was $36,563 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 42%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$36,563
Rent-to-income ratio
42%
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 Orono

Workforce and job types in Orono

The job market in Orono is powered by 5,834 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 88.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 11.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 2.9% run their own businesses, 52.1% are employed by private companies, and 21.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
5,834
9.4% year-over-year change
White collar
5,170
Blue collar
664
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 5,170 88.6% 8.6%
Blue collar 664 11.4% 16.3%
Employer type
Self employees
2.9%
Private companies
52.1%
Governmental workers
21.3%
Not for profit companies
23.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 169 2.9% 36.3%
Private companies 3,037 52.1% 10.0%
Governmental workers 1,245 21.3% 18.4%
Not for profit companies 1,383 23.7% -0.8%
Unemployment rate
5.6%
-15.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Orono stands at 5.6%, 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 Orono

How people get around in Orono

In Orono, the average commute time is 15 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 66.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 18.9% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
15 min
-10.1% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 3,740 66.8% 7.0%
Bus or trolleybus 33 0.6% 57.1%
Motorcycle 30 0.5% 7.1%
Bicycle 41 0.7% 41.4%
Walk 1,060 18.9% 7.2%
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 Orono by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
04469 3,531 0 $0 $0
04473 8,371 3,308 $61,528 $90,860

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FAQs about Orono demographics 

What is the total population of Orono?

Orono has a total population of 11,151 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 +4.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Orono?

The gender ratio in Orono is as follows:
  • 50% males (5,581 residents)
  • 50% females (5,570 residents)

What is the median age in Orono?

The median age in Orono is 21.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Orono?

The age distribution in Orono is as follows:
  • Under 15: 4.8% (538 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 61.2% (6,823 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 14.1% (1,568 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 8.9% (995 residents)
  • Over 65: 11% (1,227 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Orono?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Orono is as follows:
  • White: 87.5% (9,762 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.8% (195 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (27 residents)
  • Asian: 3.5% (388 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.9% (658 residents)
  • Other: 1.1% (121 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 93.4% of the population in Orono.

How many housing units are there in Orono?

There are 3,162 housing units in Orono, reflecting a -3.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Orono has a total of 2,930 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Orono?

Orono has a median household income of $59,784, representing a +5.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 94.4% in Orono, with a workforce of 5,834 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 88.6% (5,170 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 11.4% (664 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 2.9% (169 residents)
  • Private companies: 52.1% (3,037 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 21.3% (1,245 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 23.7% (1,383 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