Saco, ME demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
20,819
0.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$92,241/yr
9.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
9,869
2.6% year-over-year change

Saco population

How many people live in Saco

Saco is home to 20,819 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.9% of Saco locals are male, and 49.1% are female.

Total population
20,819
0.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.9%
10,598
Female
49.1%
10,221
Value Percent YoY change
Male 10,598 50.9% 1.9%
Female 10,221 49.1% -0.1%
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 Saco is 45, with the population distributed as follows: about 14.3% are children under 15, then 9.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.1% of the population, while another 31.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
44.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.3%
15 to 24
9.8%
25 to 44
26.1%
45 to 64
31.3%
Over 65
18.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,986 14.3% 3.2%
15 to 24 2,035 9.8% -7.0%
25 to 44 5,427 26.1% -3.2%
45 to 64 6,519 31.3% 4.8%
Over 65 3,852 18.5% 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 Saco, 90.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 6.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 84.6% of locals are Caucasian, 1.9% are African American and 1.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 9.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
90.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
6.1%
Non-citizens
3.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 18,901 90.8% 2.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,267 6.1% -11.5%
Non-citizens 651 3.1% -5.5%
Racial breakdown
White
84.6%
Black or African American
1.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
1.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
9.7%
Other
2.6%
Value Percent
White 17,613 84.6%
Black or African American 404 1.9%
Asian 245 1.2%
Two or more races 2,020 9.7%
Other 537 2.6%

Households in Saco

A peek inside Saco households

Saco has 8,998 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 62.1% are families, while the remaining 37.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
8,998
1.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
3,411
Family households
5,587
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 3,411 37.9% -2.5%
Family households 5,587 62.1% 4.3%
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 Saco

The housing landscape of Saco

Saco's housing consists of 9,869 units, with 56.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6.5% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 3.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
9,869
2.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 5,535 56.1%
1 unit, attached 641 6.5%
2 units 918 9.3%
3 or 4 units 642 6.5%
5 to 9 units 534 5.4%
10 to 19 units 163 1.6%
20 to 49 units 638 6.5%
50 or more units 468 4.7%
Mobile home 330 3.3%
Homes built since 2020
148
34.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Saco

In Saco, the median construction year is 1982. About 22.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 12.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 11.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 2,199 22.3% 3.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 560 5.7% -14.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 417 4.2% -35.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 572 5.8% 16.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 873 8.8% -4.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,886 19.1% 12.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 852 8.6% -11.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,240 12.6% 11.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,122 11.4% 21.8%
Built in 2020 or later 148 1.5% 34.5%
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.

Saco occupancy rates

Out of the 8,998 occupied housing units in Saco, 72.8% are owner-occupied, while 27.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 8.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
8,998
1.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,445
Owner occupied
6,553
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,445 27.2% -8.1%
Owner occupied 6,553 72.8% 5.9%
Unoccupied housing units
8.8%
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.

Saco housing costs

Housing costs in Saco come to a median of $1,584 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,249.

Median housing costs per month
$1,584/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 Saco
$1,249/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 Saco

Saco education at a glance

About 30.8% of the population in Saco went to high school, while 18.1% pursued college studies. Another 8.8% earned an associate degree and 28% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 13.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 137 0.8% 17.1%
High school diploma 5,331 30.8% -5.5%
College diploma 3,143 18.1% 6.3%
Associate degree 1,533 8.8% -16.6%
Bachelor's degree 4,846 28% 16.1%
Graduate degree 2,347 13.5% -2.4%
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 Saco

How much people earn in Saco

The average annual household income in Saco was $117,943 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +9.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $92,241, reflecting a +9.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Saco
$117,943/year
9.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Saco
$92,241/year
9.4% year-over-year change

Saco income by age

In Saco, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $113,311. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $97,419 overall. Overall, 93.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $113,311 23.0%
45 - 64 $97,419 3.8%
Over 65 $68,043 3.0%
Above poverty level
19,192
Below poverty level
1,319
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 19,192 93.6% 1.8%
Below poverty level 1,319 6.4% -4.8%

Average renter income in Saco

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Saco, their median household income was $55,747 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 26.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$55,747
Rent-to-income ratio
26.9%
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 Saco

Workforce and job types in Saco

The job market in Saco is powered by 11,706 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 82.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 17.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 12.9% run their own businesses, 67.5% are employed by private companies, and 11.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
11,706
-2.1% year-over-year change
White collar
9,643
Blue collar
2,063
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 9,643 82.4% 0.1%
Blue collar 2,063 17.6% -11.2%
Employer type
Self employees
12.9%
Private companies
67.5%
Governmental workers
11.4%
Not for profit companies
8.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,510 12.9% -3.1%
Private companies 7,905 67.5% -2.9%
Governmental workers 1,330 11.4% 12.1%
Not for profit companies 961 8.2% -10.4%
Unemployment rate
2.2%
27.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Saco stands at 2.2%, 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 Saco

How people get around in Saco

Commuting methods vary: 77.4% 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 8,892 77.4% -4.6%
Bus or trolleybus 68 0.6% -22.7%
Railroad 21 0.2% N/A
Bicycle 102 0.9% 13.3%
Walk 164 1.4% -3.5%
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 Saco by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
04072 20,819 8,998 $92,241 $117,943

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FAQs about Saco demographics 

What is the total population of Saco?

Saco has a total population of 20,819 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 +0.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Saco?

The gender ratio in Saco is as follows:
  • 50.9% males (10,598 residents)
  • 49.1% females (10,221 residents)

What is the median age in Saco?

The median age in Saco is 44.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Saco?

The age distribution in Saco is as follows:
  • Under 15: 14.3% (2,986 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.8% (2,035 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.1% (5,427 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 31.3% (6,519 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.5% (3,852 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Saco?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Saco is as follows:
  • White: 84.6% (17,613 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.9% (404 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 1.2% (245 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 9.7% (2,020 residents)
  • Other: 2.6% (537 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 90.8% of the population in Saco.

How many housing units are there in Saco?

There are 9,869 housing units in Saco, reflecting a +2.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Saco has a total of 8,998 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Saco?

Saco has a median household income of $92,241, representing a +9.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 97.8% in Saco, with a workforce of 11,706 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 82.4% (9,643 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 17.6% (2,063 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 12.9% (1,510 residents)
  • Private companies: 67.5% (7,905 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.4% (1,330 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.2% (961 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