RentData

Average Rent in Kennebec County, ME Rents rising 5.1% YoY

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 125,614

Data review: HUD FY2025Sources: HUD, Zillow, Census, BLSMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Kennebec County, ME has rental prices ranging from $895/month to $1,739/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $901/month — 36% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $65,062/year, spending $901/month on a 1-bedroom represents 17% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Kennebec County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,160/month, Kennebec County ranks #12 most expensive of the 19 cities tracked in Maine — pricier than 79% of all US cities in our data.

The Kennebec County Rental Market

The Kennebec County, ME area has a population of about 125,614 and 27% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs below the US average of ~34%, a more homeowner-heavy market where rental inventory can be limited.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Kennebec County, ME have risen by $56/month (5.1%) over the past year, from $1,104 to $1,160. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Kennebec County, ME without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $36,040. The local median household income of $65,062 exceeds that threshold by $29,022, making Kennebec County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Kennebec County, ME has an unemployment rate of 3.1%, 0.8 percentage points below the national average of 3.9%. Strong employment conditions typically sustain rental demand, as workers relocate to the area and local residents maintain stable housing.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2025
Studio
$895
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$901
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,160
5.1% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,454
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,739
Average
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Is Kennebec County, ME Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Affordability Index(30% income rule)

To rent a 2BR
$46,400/year
Local median income: $65,062
To buy a median home
/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,160/month and 20% down on a home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in MElargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
York$1,352$1,528$1,971$2,552
Portland$1,379$1,563$2,011$2,464
Cumberland County$1,197$1,330$1,745$2,191
York County$1,162$1,312$1,616$2,134
Penobscot County$839$880$1,155$1,455
Bangor$1,034$1,114$1,424$1,825

Rent or Buy in Kennebec County?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Kennebec County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$1,160/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $1,160/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Kennebec County

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Kennebec County

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Kennebec County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in ME

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⚖️Compare Kennebec County

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📋ME Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections