Is Lewiston Safe, Pros and cons of living in Lewiston
Lewiston, Maine, offers a blend of urban amenities and a more relaxed pace of life, making it an attractive option for those considering a move. The city is known for its historical architecture, vibrant arts scene, and proximity to natural landscapes. It provides a diverse range of housing options and a developing job market, appealing to a broad spectrum of residents.
As with any city, understanding the local environment is key to making an informed decision. This guide delves into the various aspects of living in Lewiston, from safety and cost of living to employment opportunities and climate, providing a comprehensive overview for potential new residents.
Is it Safe to Live in Lewiston?
Lewiston, Maine, presents a mixed picture regarding safety, with crime rates showing variations compared to national and state averages. The overall crime rate in Lewiston is reported to be lower than the national average, with a 16.3% decrease according to recent reports (AreaVibes). This figure encompasses both violent and property crimes, offering a general sense of the city’s safety landscape.
Breaking down the statistics, Lewiston experiences a lower rate of violent crimes than the national average, with 245 per 100,000 individuals, which is 31.9% lower than the U.S. average (AreaVibes). However, property crime rates are also notable, with 1529 per 100,000 residents, which is 13.1% lower than the U.S. average (AreaVibes). When compared to other communities of similar population size, Lewiston’s combined crime rate is considered higher than average (NeighborhoodScout).
Housing Costs and Availability
Median Home Prices
The housing market in Lewiston, Maine, is experiencing fluctuations, with recent data indicating a decrease in median home prices. Last month, the average home price in Lewiston was $301,000, marking an 8.9% decrease from the previous year (Redfin). The median sale price per square foot has also seen a slight adjustment, now at $196, which is an increase of 8.3% compared to last year (Redfin).
In March 2026, home prices in Lewiston were down by 12.1% compared to the prior year, with a median sale price of $308,000 (Redfin). Homes in Lewiston are currently selling after an average of 39 days on the market, a significant change from the 7 days recorded last year (Redfin). This indicates a cooling market compared to the previous year’s rapid sales.
Rental Market
The rental market in Lewiston, Maine, shows a stable average rent, with some recent upward trends. The average rent for all property types in Lewiston is currently $1,600 per month (Zillow). This represents a $50 increase year-over-year and a $100 increase month-over-month (Zillow).
The rental price range in Lewiston varies, with properties typically falling between $800 and $4,000 per month (Zillow). Currently, there are approximately 101 rental properties available in the city (Zillow). This average rent is also noted to be 20% lower than the national average of $2,000 (Zillow).
Job Market and Economy
Average Salary and Unemployment
The average wage in the Lewiston, ID-WA Metropolitan Statistical Area was $28.04 per hour in May 2024, which is lower than the national average of $32.66 per hour (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Certain sectors offer higher earning potential, with management roles averaging $52.88 per hour, computer and mathematical occupations at $44.02 per hour, and healthcare practitioners and technical roles at $43.35 per hour (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Conversely, lower-paying sectors include food preparation and serving related roles at $16.48 per hour, and personal care and service positions at $18.07 per hour (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
The unemployment rate in Lewiston, ID-WA (MSA) was 3.3% as of February 2026, based on preliminary data (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). This rate has seen slight fluctuations, with a preliminary rate of 3.7% in January 2026 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). While specific data for Lewiston, Maine, regarding average salary and unemployment is not directly available in the provided search results, the ID-WA metro area offers a benchmark for regional economic conditions.
Major Employers
Information regarding specific major employers in Lewiston, Maine, is not detailed in the provided search results. However, general economic indicators suggest a diverse employment base. In the Lewiston, ID-WA metropolitan area, office and administrative support roles constitute the largest employment sector, making up 13.5% of the local workforce (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Other significant employment areas include production (9.1%) and food preparation and serving related occupations (9.0%) (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics also highlights that management, computer and mathematical, and healthcare practitioners and technical occupations are among the higher-paying sectors within the Lewiston, ID-WA metropolitan area. This suggests a varied economic landscape with opportunities across different skill levels and industries.
Climate and Weather
Average Temperatures
Lewiston, Idaho, experiences distinct seasons with hot summers and cold winters. The hot season typically lasts from late June to early September, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 83°F. July is the hottest month, with average highs around 91°F and lows near 63°F (NOAA). The cold season spans from mid-November to late February, with average daily high temperatures below 51°F.
January in Lewiston, Idaho, is the coldest month, with average high temperatures around 41.9°F and average lows of 30.0°F (NOAA). Throughout the year, temperatures generally range from 31°F to 93°F, with rare occurrences outside of 19°F to 102°F (NOAA). Lewiston, Maine, has a different climate profile, with average January temperatures around 23.6°F and average July temperatures around 71.7°F (NOAA).
Rainfall and Precipitation
Lewiston, Idaho, receives an average of 12.31 inches of rain per year (U.S. Climate Data). The wettest month is typically November, with an average of 2.2 inches of rainfall, while August sees the least rain, averaging 0.5 inches (NOAA). The city experiences rain throughout the year, with November having the most days with rain alone, averaging 10.2 days (NOAA).
In contrast, Lewiston, Maine, records significantly higher precipitation. The total annual precipitation for Lewiston, Maine, is approximately 45.18 inches (Climate-Charts.com). The precipitation is distributed across the months, with November and December typically receiving the most rainfall, around 2.54 inches each month (Climate-Charts.com).
Education and Schools
School Ratings
Lewiston, Idaho, is served by the Lewiston Independent School District, which holds a B rating on Niche. This district has approximately 4,563 students in grades PK-12, with a student-teacher ratio of 15:1 (Niche). State test scores indicate that 51% of students are proficient in math and 60% in reading within this district (Niche).
Lewiston High School, part of this district, received a B- overall Niche grade. It serves 1,339 students in grades 9-12 with an 18:1 student-teacher ratio. State test proficiency for Lewiston High School shows 51% in math and 73% in reading (Niche). In Maine, Lewiston Public Schools received a C- overall grade, with a C- academic rating and a C teacher rating (Niche).
Demographics
Population and Diversity
Lewiston, Maine, is the second-largest city in Maine, with a projected population of 39,271 in 2026 (World Population Review). The city’s population has shown consistent growth, increasing by 4.82% since the last census (World Population Review). The racial composition is predominantly White at 77.3%, followed by Black at 13.8%, and smaller percentages for other groups (World Population Review).
Lewiston, Idaho, has an estimated population of 34,200 (LivingCost.org). The demographic breakdown for Lewiston, ID-WA metro area shows a White population of 86%, with smaller percentages for Hispanic (4%), Native American (3%), and other groups (US Census Bureau). The median age in Lewiston, Maine, is 37.3 years, with a slightly higher median age for females (38.8 years) compared to males (35.4 years) (World Population Review).