RentData

Average Rent in Knox County, ME Rents rising 5.2% YoY

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 40,860

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

Market Overview

Knox County, ME has rental prices ranging from $808/month to $1,798/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $997/month — 29% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $71,903/year, spending $997/month on a 1-bedroom represents 17% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Knox County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,178/month, Knox County ranks #11 most expensive of the 19 cities tracked in Maine — pricier than 81% of all US cities in our data.

The Knox County Rental Market

The Knox County, ME area has a population of about 40,860 and 22% 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 Knox County, ME have risen by $58/month (5.2%) over the past year, from $1,120 to $1,178. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Knox County, ME without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $39,880. The local median household income of $71,903 exceeds that threshold by $32,023, making Knox County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Knox County, ME has an unemployment rate of 2.8%, 1.1 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
$808
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$997
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,178
5.2% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,471
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,798
Average
🔔
Get Rent Alerts
Be notified when rents change in Knox County

Is Knox 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
$47,120/year
Local median income: $71,903
To buy a median home
/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,178/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 Knox County?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Knox County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$1,178/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: $1,178/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Knox County

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

Moving Cost Estimator

Estimate your moving costs based on FMCSA public mover data

Select your origin state to see the estimate

Estimates based on FMCSA average mover rates. Get at least 3 binding quotes from licensed movers. Protect your move →

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore More

🏘️Neighborhoods in Knox County

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Knox County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in ME

See how Knox County ranks statewide

⚖️Compare Knox County

Side-by-side rent & cost of living with any city

📋ME Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections