Is Ellsworth Safe, Pros and cons of living in Ellsworth

Ellsworth, Maine, offers a blend of natural beauty and small-town charm, attracting those seeking a quieter pace of life. Nestled in Hancock County, this city provides proximity to Acadia National Park, making it a desirable location for outdoor enthusiasts. The community is characterized by its historic buildings and a connection to the natural landscapes that define coastal Maine.

The city’s appeal extends to its diverse population and a growing economy, though it maintains a strong sense of community. Understanding the various facets of living in Ellsworth, from safety and cost of living to employment and education, is crucial for anyone considering a move to this picturesque New England town.

Is it Safe to Live in Ellsworth?

Ellsworth presents a complex safety profile, with crime rates that warrant attention. The overall crime rate in Ellsworth is higher than the national average, with property crimes being a significant concern (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Specifically, the chance of becoming a victim of property crime is approximately 1 in 43, indicating a rate of 23 per one thousand population (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

However, when examining violent crime, Ellsworth’s rates are lower than the national average. There were 18 reported violent crimes, translating to 204 per 100,000 individuals, which is 43.1% lower than the national average (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). While some sources indicate a higher overall crime rate compared to the national average, others suggest the city’s safety is comparable to the average U.S. city, earning it a B- grade (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Neighborhood safety can vary, with residents often considering the northwest part of the city to be the safest, while eastern neighborhoods may have a higher incidence of crime (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

Housing Costs and Availability

The housing market in Ellsworth offers a range of options, with a median home value that is lower than the national average. As of the most recent data, the median property value in Ellsworth was $242,300 (as reported by Data USA). This median value has seen an increase, growing by 13% between 2023 and 2024 (as reported by Data USA).

The homeownership rate in Ellsworth stands at approximately 66.7% (as reported by Data USA). For those considering renting, the median rent in Ellsworth is around $1,600 per month (as reported by Realtor.com). The median listing price for homes in Ellsworth was approximately $424,000 as of May 2026 (as reported by Realtor.com). This figure is higher than the median property value reported by Data USA, reflecting current market trends and listing prices.

Rental Market Trends

The rental market in Ellsworth shows a median rent of $1,600 per month (as reported by Realtor.com). Year-over-year price growth in the rental market has risen by 14.91%, suggesting appreciation in rental values (as reported by Realtor.com). The median rent was also reported as $885 per month by Kurby AI, suggesting potential variations in data collection or timeframes (as reported by Kurby AI). For renters, the median income is $47,961, with a recommendation to allocate no more than $1,119 per month for housing costs to maintain a healthy debt-to-income ratio (as reported by AreaVibes).

Home Prices and Market Activity

The housing market in Ellsworth is described as somewhat competitive (as reported by Redfin). The median sale price of a home in Ellsworth was $365,000 (as reported by Redfin). More recently, in April 2026, homes sold for a median price of $414,500 (as reported by Movoto). Zillow reports an average home value of $346,769 as of March 31, 2026, with a slight increase over the past year (as reported by Zillow).

Homes in Ellsworth tend to sell relatively quickly, with an average of 68.5 days on the market (as reported by Redfin). However, Movoto reported that properties sell after an average of 58 days on the market in April 2026, which is faster than the previous year (as reported by Movoto). The market in April 2026 was considered a seller’s market, indicating strong buyer demand (as reported by Movoto).

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Ellsworth, Maine, is comparable to the national average, with an index of 100 (as reported by AreaVibes). This means that overall expenses for goods and services are on par with the rest of the country. However, specific categories can vary significantly, impacting the overall affordability for residents.

Housing costs in Ellsworth are notably lower than the national average, sitting at 9% below (as reported by AreaVibes). This is a significant factor contributing to the overall cost of living. Conversely, Maine’s general sales tax is 8% higher than the national average, and the state income tax is considerably higher, at 123% above the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).

Detailed Cost Breakdown

While the overall cost of living is average, detailed expenses paint a clearer picture. Housing is a positive factor, being 9% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Groceries, goods and services, healthcare, and utilities are also generally in line with national averages or slightly lower (as reported by AreaVibes).

However, transportation expenses and food prices can be elevated, contributing to the cost of living (as reported by Salary.com). For singles, the estimated monthly expenses in Ellsworth are around $2,529, and for a family of four, it is approximately $5,568 (as reported by Salary.com). These figures reflect a 2% increase from the previous year, indicating a slight rise in living costs (as reported by Salary.com).

Job Market and Economy

Ellsworth’s job market is supported by a workforce of approximately 4,235 residents (as reported by Data USA). The primary employment sectors for residents include Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Educational Services (as reported by Data USA). These industries form the backbone of the local economy, providing a diverse range of employment opportunities.

The average annual salary in Ellsworth is around $44,000 (as reported by Zippia). Other sources report a slightly higher average salary of $50,809 per year (as reported by ReadySetHire), and another estimate places it at $57,955 as of May 2026 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). These figures reflect the earning potential for professionals in the area.

Major Employers and Industries

Key industries driving employment in Ellsworth include healthcare, education, and retail (as reported by ReadySetHire). While specific major employers are not detailed in the provided data, the dominance of these sectors suggests that healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and retail businesses are significant employers. Northern Light Health, Hannaford, and KidsPeace are mentioned as entities within Maine that may have a presence or influence in the Ellsworth area (as reported by ReadySetHire).

The workforce is largely employed in professional or administrative positions, with 76.5% of residents in such roles, while 23.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs (as reported by Point2Homes). This indicates a strong presence of white-collar employment opportunities within the city.

Unemployment and Workforce Statistics

The unemployment rate in Ellsworth stands at 2.8% (as reported by Point2Homes). This rate is considered favorable, as rates around 4% to 5% are typically seen as normal (as reported by Point2Homes). Another report indicates an unemployment rate of 3.5% (as reported by Ellsworth Authority), and yet another cites 2.2% (as reported by Kurby AI). These figures suggest a relatively stable job market with good employment prospects for residents.

The available workforce is robust, with a significant portion of residents actively participating in the labor force. In Ellsworth, 68.1% of residents aged 16 and older are in the labor force (as reported by Ellsworth Authority). Of those employed, 14.2% are self-employed, 49.9% work for private companies, and 15.6% are employed in the public sector (as reported by Point2Homes).

Climate and Weather

Ellsworth experiences a humid continental climate, characterized by distinct seasons. Summers are generally comfortable, while winters are cold and snowy (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The temperature typically ranges from 12°F to 77°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below -5°F or exceeding 85°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

The warm season lasts from early June to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures above 67°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). July is the hottest month, with highs averaging 76°F and lows around 58°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The cold season extends from early December to mid-March, with average daily high temperatures below 38°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). January is the coldest month, with average lows of 13°F and highs of 29°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Temperature and Precipitation

Average annual precipitation in Ellsworth is approximately 48 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). October typically sees the most rainfall, with an average of 4.0 inches, while January receives the least, with about 1.7 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The city experiences significant seasonal variation in rainfall, with a wetter period from late September to early August (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Snowfall is a significant aspect of Ellsworth’s winter climate. The snowy period lasts for about six months, from late October to late April (as reported by myPerfectWeather). January typically records the most snow, with an average of 13.8 inches, while July sees no snowfall (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Annual snowfall averages around 74 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Education and School Ratings

Ellsworth, Maine, is served by the Ellsworth Public Schools district, which includes Ellsworth Elementary-Middle School and Ellsworth High School (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). For the 2026 school year, there are six public schools serving approximately 1,621 students (as reported by Niche). The majority of K-12 students in Ellsworth attend public schools, at 94% (as reported by Niche).

Public schools in Ellsworth show varied performance. Math proficiency scores average 49%, aligning with the Maine public school average, while reading proficiency scores are slightly above the state average at 86% (as reported by Niche). The schools in Ellsworth have an average ranking of 6 out of 10, placing them in the top 50% of Maine public schools (as reported by Niche).

Ellsworth High School Performance

Ellsworth High School is recognized as a strong performer within the state. It ranks 32nd out of 119 Maine high schools (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). The school boasts a four-year graduation rate of 87.8% and consistently exceeds district and state averages in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science test scores (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).

With a student-teacher ratio of 12 to 1, Ellsworth High School serves 536 students in grades 9-12 (as reported by Niche). State test scores indicate that 87% of students are proficient in math and 77% in reading (as reported by Niche). The school holds a C+ rating from Niche (as reported by Niche).

Elementary and Middle School Performance

Ellsworth Elementary-Middle School, while part of the same district, shows different performance metrics. It ranks 177th out of 289 Maine elementary schools (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). The school has a 2-out-of-5-star rating from SchoolDigger and presents mixed test score results compared to district and state averages (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).

This school serves students from PK to middle school grades and has a student-teacher ratio of 11 to 1 (as reported by Niche). Math proficiency is around 49%, and reading proficiency is approximately 85% (as reported by Niche). A notable difference is the higher percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch at the elementary-middle school compared to the high school (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).

Demographics and Population

Ellsworth, Maine, is home to approximately 8,657 residents, making it the 32nd most populated city in the state (as reported by Maine State Authority). The population has seen steady growth, with an increase of 7.25% since the 2020 census recorded a population of 8,415 (as reported by World Population Review). Projections estimate the population to reach 8,946 by 2026 (as reported by Maine State Authority).

The median age in Ellsworth is 43.0 years (as reported by Maine State Authority), which is older than the national median age of 38.8 years (as reported by Neilsberg). The city has a higher percentage of elderly residents (over 65) at 18.96% compared to the national average of 16.04% (as reported by Neilsberg). There are also more females than males in Ellsworth, with a gender ratio of 81.2 males per 100 females (as reported by Neilsberg).

Racial and Ethnic Composition

The racial composition of Ellsworth is predominantly White, with White non-Hispanic residents making up about 91.0% of the population (as reported by Maine State Authority). Smaller percentages include Black or African American (1.5%), Hispanic or Latino (1.0%), and Asian (1.6%) residents (as reported by Maine State Authority). Other racial groups and those identifying with two or more races constitute the remaining population (as reported by Maine State Authority).

Citizenship within Ellsworth is high, with 98.7% of residents being U.S. citizens, which is above the national average (as reported by Data USA). A small percentage of residents, around 3.3%, were born outside the country (as reported by Data USA). None of the households in Ellsworth reported speaking a non-English language at home as their primary shared language (as reported by Data USA).

Income and Poverty Levels

The median household income in Ellsworth is $77,375 (as reported by Maine State Authority). This income level is slightly higher than that of neighboring towns like Bar Harbor and Wales (as reported by Maine State Authority). Despite the solid median income, 9.3% of residents live below the poverty line (as reported by Maine State Authority). This poverty rate is lower than the national average of 12.5% (as reported by Data USA).

The poverty rate for families is 6.4% (as reported by Ellsworth Authority). The demographics most affected by poverty include females aged 35-44, followed by males aged 16-17, and then females aged 65-74 (as reported by Data USA). The most common racial or ethnic group living below the poverty line is White, followed by Hispanic and Black individuals (as reported by Data USA).

Major Employers

While specific major employers in Ellsworth are not explicitly detailed in the provided search results, the primary industries identified offer insight into the local job landscape. Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Educational Services are the dominant employment sectors for Ellsworth residents (as reported by Data USA). This suggests that healthcare facilities, retail businesses, and educational institutions are significant contributors to the local economy and employment.

The workforce is largely composed of individuals in professional or administrative roles, indicating a demand for white-collar positions (as reported by Point2Homes). Additionally, a notable percentage of residents are self-employed or work for private companies, reflecting a diverse economic structure (as reported by Point2Homes).