Is Orono Safe, Pros and cons of living in Orono

Orono offers a unique blend of community charm and access to resources, making it an appealing place to consider for relocation. This town provides a distinct lifestyle, balancing a close-knit atmosphere with the conveniences that many seek in a residential area. Understanding the various facets of life in Orono, from safety and cost of living to employment and education, is crucial for anyone contemplating a move.

This comprehensive overview aims to provide potential residents with the essential information needed to make an informed decision about calling Orono home. By delving into key aspects of the community, we can paint a clear picture of what life is like in this notable town.

Is it Safe to Live in Orono?

Crime Rates

Orono is considered a very safe place to live, with crime rates significantly lower than both national and state averages. The chance of becoming a victim of crime in Orono is notably low, with statistics indicating it is safer than a vast majority of U.S. cities (safer than 74% of U.S. cities, according to NeighborhoodScout). Violent crimes, such as assault and robbery, occur at a much lower rate than in most of America, with a violent crime rate of approximately 1 per thousand inhabitants (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Property crime rates in Orono are also well below the national average, meaning residents are less likely to experience incidents like burglary or motor vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Orono is approximately 74% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This low incidence of crime contributes to a strong sense of security for residents, making it an attractive option for those prioritizing safety in their choice of residence.

Neighborhood Safety

Within Orono, safety can vary slightly by neighborhood, though the overall trend is toward a very secure environment. The southeast part of the city is generally considered the safest (as noted by Crime Grade). Your likelihood of being a crime victim can range from 1 in 28 in the southwest neighborhoods to as low as 1 in 52 in the southeast, illustrating localized differences within an already safe city.

The cost of crime per resident in Orono is also remarkably low, standing at $359 per year, which is less than both the national and state averages for Minnesota (as reported by Crime Grade). This low cost associated with crime further underscores the town’s secure nature. The overall crime rate is 26.29 per 1,000 residents, a figure that is considerably lower than many other communities (as reported by Crime Grade).

Cost of Living in Orono

Overall Expenses

The cost of living in Orono, Maine, is slightly higher than the national average, with an index of 101 compared to the national average of 100 (as reported by AreaVibes). This means that on average, expenses for goods and services are marginally more than the U.S. average. However, it’s important to note that Orono’s housing costs are actually lower than the national average.

When comparing Orono to the state of Maine, the cost of living is 1% higher than the Maine average (as reported by AreaVibes). This suggests that while Orono might be slightly more expensive than the typical U.S. city, it can be more affordable than some other areas within Maine itself. The overall index considers various expense categories to provide a comprehensive view of living costs.

Housing Costs

Housing costs in Orono, ME, are generally considered affordable when compared to the national average. For instance, housing in Orono is 6% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This can be a significant factor for individuals and families looking to manage their expenses, as housing often represents a substantial portion of a household budget.

The median rent in Orono, ME, was approximately $1,795 as of April 2026 (as reported by Zumper). This figure provides a benchmark for renters, indicating the typical monthly cost for accommodation in the area. While Orono’s overall cost of living is slightly above the national average, the more accessible housing market can help offset other expenses.

Income and Expenses

The median household income in Orono, ME, was $61,528 in 2024 (as reported by Orono Demographics). This provides a context for understanding the affordability of the area relative to local earnings. Renters in Orono have a median income of $35,597, which would allow for up to $831 in monthly rental expenses under standard budgeting guidelines (as reported by AreaVibes).

For homeowners, the median monthly income is $127,742, allowing for approximately $2,980 in monthly housing expenses. These figures illustrate the varying financial landscapes for renters and homeowners in Orono, highlighting how income levels align with typical living costs (as reported by AreaVibes).

Job Market and Economy

Employment Landscape

Orono, Maine, has a dynamic job market, largely influenced by the presence of the University of Maine, which is a major employer in the region. The town serves as a job center within the Bangor metropolitan area, with a significant number of people working within Orono itself. More than 6,300 people are employed in Orono, with the University of Maine accounting for approximately 2,400 of those positions (as reported by Orono Economic Development).

Other key employers include senior housing facilities, industrial companies like Shaw and Tenney, the University Credit Union, and various retail and service establishments in the downtown area and along Stillwater Avenue. The Maine Tech Industrial Park also hosts a range of office-based and research and development businesses.

Unemployment and Wages

The unemployment rate in Orono, ME, is reported to be 14% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This suggests a relatively stable job market with good opportunities for residents. The average salary in Orono, Maine, is approximately $62,462 per year, or $30 per hour (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert).

However, there is a disparity in salary data depending on the source and the specific Orono being referenced (Maine vs. Minnesota). For Orono, Minnesota, the average salary is reported as $71,864 per year, or $35 per hour (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert). It’s important to clarify which Orono is being considered when evaluating salary information.

Major Employers

The University of Maine is the largest employer in Orono, Maine, significantly shaping the local economy (as reported by Orono, ME | Data USA). Its operations span various sectors, including education, research, and services, providing a wide array of employment opportunities. Other significant employers in Orono, ME, include Dollar Tree, U.S. Cellular, and Wendy’s, alongside the YMCA and Subway (as reported by Indeed.com).

In Orono, Minnesota, major employers include O’Reilly Auto Parts, Lumen, and AmeriCorps, as well as Presbyterian Homes & Services and Carquest Auto Parts (as reported by Indeed.com). These diverse companies highlight the varied economic base present in both locations named Orono.

Climate in Orono

Temperature Variations

Orono, Maine, experiences distinct seasonal temperature variations. Summers are warm, with average high temperatures around 79°F in July, while winters are cold and snowy, with average low temperatures dropping to around 11°F in January (as reported by WorldWeatherOnline). The temperature typically ranges from 9°F to 79°F throughout the year, rarely falling below -8°F or exceeding 87°F (as reported by WorldWeatherOnline).

In contrast, Orono, Minnesota, has longer, warm, and wet summers, with average high temperatures reaching 82°F in July. Winters are freezing, snowy, and windy, with average low temperatures around 9°F in January. The temperature in Orono, MN, typically varies from 8°F to 83°F, rarely going below -13°F or above 91°F (as reported by Weather Spark).

Precipitation and Rainfall

Orono, Maine, receives an average of approximately 41 inches of rainfall annually, with about 71 inches of snowfall (as reported by Livability.com). The month of May typically sees around 4.38 inches of rain over approximately 8 rainy days (as reported by WorldWeatherOnline). Precipitation in Orono, ME, can include rain, snow, or a mix, with rain being the most common form for most of the year.

Orono, Minnesota, experiences a wetter climate, with a significant amount of rainfall, particularly in June, which averages 4.3 inches. The rainy season in Orono, MN, lasts for about 9 months, from March to December. The chance of a wet day exceeds 24% from April to October, with January being the driest month (as reported by Weather Spark).

Education in Orono

School District Performance

The Orono Public School District in Minnesota is highly regarded, consistently ranking among the top school districts in the state. It is recognized for its strong academic performance, with average math proficiency scores of 70% and reading proficiency scores of 73%, significantly exceeding the state averages (as reported by Orono Public School District). The district’s graduation rate is also exceptionally high, at 98% (as reported by Orono Public School District).

Orono Senior High School is a top-performing institution, ranking 20th out of 450 high schools in Minnesota and receiving a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger. Orono Middle School is ranked 13th out of 519 middle schools, and Orono Intermediate Elementary School ranks 27th out of 872 elementary schools in the state (as reported by SchoolDigger).

Academic Achievement

Students in the Orono Public School District demonstrate strong academic achievement across various metrics. For instance, Orono Intermediate Elementary boasts exceptional math test scores, with over 81% of students proficient or better (as reported by SchoolDigger). Orono Senior High School students show strong performance on standardized tests, with over 56% proficient in Math and 66% in Reading among 11th graders (as reported by SchoolDigger).

The district also has a high participation rate in Advanced Placement (AP) courses, with 79% of AP exams taken resulting in a score of 3 or higher. Orono High School has received the Platinum level on the Advanced Placement (AP) School Honor Roll, indicating high student achievement in AP courses (as reported by Orono Independent School District).

Demographics of Orono

Population and Diversity

Orono, Maine, has a population of approximately 11,902 people, making it the 18th most populated city in Maine (as reported by Orono Demographics). The demographic makeup is predominantly White, at 86.4%, followed by those identifying with Two or More races (4.5%) and Hispanic (4.1%) (as reported by Orono Demographics). The presence of the University of Maine contributes to a more diverse population compared to surrounding areas.

Orono, Minnesota, is home to a smaller population of about 8,195 residents (as reported by Orono, MN | Data USA). In this Orono, the population is overwhelmingly White (Non-Hispanic) at 97.5%, with Asian residents being the second-largest group. The median age in Orono, MN, is 47 (as reported by Orono, MN | Data USA).

Age and Household Composition

In Orono, Maine, seniors (those 65 and older) have been steadily growing as a share of the population. In 2020, children under 18 made up 10.4% of the population, while seniors comprised 10.4% as well, indicating a shift towards an older demographic (as reported by Orono Demographics). The average household size in Orono, ME, is 2.27 persons per household (as reported by Orono Demographics).

Orono, Minnesota, has a median age of 47, with a notable portion of its population in the older age brackets: 35.4% are between 45 and 64, and 17.6% are 65 or older (as reported by Orono, MN | Data USA). Orono, MN has 3,052 households, with an average of 3 members per household, and 72.6% of these are families (as reported by Orono, MN | Data USA).