Key Economic Benchmarks
Median Household Income
$72,744$6,062 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-YearFair market rent & 30% rule in Hancock County, ME
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Hancock County, ME
Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Hancock County, ME. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.
| Unit Size | Monthly Rent | Annual Rent | 30% Rule Min. Income | % of Median Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / Efficiency | $1,227 | $14,724 | $49,080 | 20.2% |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $1,234 | $14,808 | $49,360 | 20.4% |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark | $1,501 | $18,012 | $60,040 | 24.8% |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $2,047 | $24,564 | $81,880 | 33.8% |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $2,055 | $24,660 | $82,200 | 33.9% |
50/30/20 Living Budget in Hancock County, ME
Based on the local median household income of $72,744/year ($6,062/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:
Take-Home Pay & Tax Explorer in Maine
Explore net income after federal income tax, FICA, and Maine state income tax based on the local median baseline.
Related Regional & Financial Profiles
Compare earnings and living costs across Maine with official federal datasets:
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Hancock County, ME
What is the median household income in Hancock County, ME?
According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Hancock County, ME is $72,744 per year (approximately $6,062 per month).
What is the average rent in Hancock County, ME?
According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Hancock County, ME are $1,227 for a studio, $1,234 for 1 bedroom, $1,501 for 2 bedrooms, $2,047 for 3 bedrooms, and $2,055 for 4 bedrooms.
How does the cost of living in Hancock County, ME compare to the national average?
Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Hancock County, ME is 97.0 (3% lower than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).
How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Hancock County, ME?
Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($1,501/month) in Hancock County, ME requires a minimum gross household income of $60,040 per year ($5,003 per month).
What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Hancock County, ME?
For a typical household earning the median income of $72,744/year ($6,062/month) in Hancock County, ME, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $3,031/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,819/month to discretionary spending, and $1,212/month to savings and debt repayment.
What are typical electricity and utility costs in Hancock County, ME?
Residential electricity rates in Maine average 29.6¢ per kWh according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). For an average home using 900 kWh per month, the estimated electric bill is approximately $266 per month.