Living in Maine requires a specific mindset. It’s a challenging life for the majority of the year. However, if you inquire with the residents, you’ll find they are very protective of their state. Maine is undeniably one of the most stunning states in America. They stick together in the sky and prefer flatlandahs to remain where they are.
But is everything going well in The Pine Tree State? Certainly not. Similar to all other states, Maine also has its areas of concern. This post aims to utilize science and data to identify the cities in Maine that are considered the least desirable for living.
Naturally, numerous cities on this list would receive high rankings if they were located in different states. However, based on scientific research, these cities are considered the least desirable places to live in Maine. Based on our analysis of 20 of Maine’s most populous cities with over 2,500 residents, we have compiled a list of the 10 least desirable places to live in the state:
The Worst Places To Live In Maine For 2024
1. Augusta
- Population: 18,895
- Rank Last Year: 1 (No Change)
- Median Home Value: $149,500
- Unemployment Rate: 8.3%
Augusta ranks as the 3rd most dangerous city in Maine, which may come as a surprise to you. Considering the size of the city, there is a surprisingly high rate of property crimes. Living in this area means there is a 1 in 33.5 chance of experiencing a robbery annually. That’s a large number of stolen items, including cell phones, guns, snowmobiles, and lobster traps.
In addition to the crime rate, there are several other reasons why Augusta could be considered one of the least desirable places to live. The home prices in this area are quite affordable. What makes that unfavorable? Due to the low salaries of individuals employed in Augusta. The average annual household income in this area is around $40,438.
2. Auburn
- Population: 23,790
- Rank Last Year: 2 (No Change)
- Median Home Value: $190,000
- Unemployment Rate: 6.6%
Auburn, Maine is notorious for being considered one of the least desirable places to live in the state due to its high crime rates. Crime statistics show a troubling truth for residents, with a significant amount of violent crimes taking place. In just one year, 2021, there were a total of 51 violent crimes reported, which included robberies and aggravated assaults. The property crime rate is concerning, with 652 reported cases, including burglaries. These statistics emphasize the safety issues affecting Auburn.
3. Waterville
- Population: 15,872
- Rank Last Year: 6 (Up 3)
- Median Home Value: $137,100
- Unemployment Rate: 5.3%
It may come as a shock that Waterville ranks 7th in crime rate among Maine cities. Residents in this area face a 1 in 20 risk of experiencing a robbery. So, if you reside in this area and haven’t experienced theft, it’s likely that someone on your block has.
Also Read: These States Have the Worst Drug Addiction Problems in America
4. Lewiston
- Population: 36,615
- Rank Last Year: 3 (Down 1)
- Median Home Value: $157,500
- Unemployment Rate: 5.3%
Lewiston is considered a significant urban area compared to the rest of Maine. It is the state’s second largest city, after Portland. It boasts numerous features typical of a large city, such as parks, museums, and educational facilities like Bates College.
5. Gardiner
- Population: 5,944
- Rank Last Year: 9 (Up 3)
- Median Home Value: $153,900
- Unemployment Rate: 8.4%
Gardiner is located approximately 10 minutes south of the state capital of Augusta, close to the intersection of I-95 and I-295. It is located along a vital north-south travel route in the state.
However, the town continues to face various challenges linked to small-town, rural living. Simply put, Gardiner does not offer much diversity or a wide range of amenities. Moreover, the economy is stagnant, resulting in 11.5% of the population living below the poverty line.
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