Average Rent in Penobscot County, ME↑ Rents rising 10.7% YoY

Penobscot County, ME has rental prices ranging from $839/month to $1,723/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $880/month — 37% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $63,248/year, spending $880/month on a 1-bedroom represents 17% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Penobscot County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,155/month, Penobscot County ranks #13 most expensive of the 19 cities tracked in Maine — pricier than 79% of all US cities in our data.

The Penobscot County Rental Market

The Penobscot County, ME area has a population of about 153,571 and 30% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Penobscot County, ME have risen by $112/month (10.7%) over the past year, from $1,043 to $1,155. This rate of increase is significant and reflects strong rental demand and limited housing supply in the local market.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Penobscot County, ME without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $35,200. The local median household income of $63,248 exceeds that threshold by $28,048, making Penobscot County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Penobscot County, ME has an unemployment rate of 3.3%, 0.6 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.

Is Penobscot County, ME Affordable?

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

Rent or Buy in Penobscot County?

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

Living in Penobscot County

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