Key Economic Benchmarks
Median Household Income
$72,782$6,065 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-YearFair market rent & 30% rule in Waldo County, ME
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Waldo County, ME
Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Waldo 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 | $1,156 | $13,872 | $46,240 | 19.1% |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $1,163 | $13,956 | $46,520 | 19.2% |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark | $1,438 | $17,256 | $57,520 | 23.7% |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $1,865 | $22,380 | $74,600 | 30.7% |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $2,025 | $24,300 | $81,000 | 33.4% |
50/30/20 Living Budget in Waldo County, ME
Based on the local median household income of $72,782/year ($6,065/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 Waldo County, ME
What is the median household income in Waldo County, ME?
According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Waldo County, ME is $72,782 per year (approximately $6,065 per month).
What is the average rent in Waldo County, ME?
According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Waldo County, ME are $1,156 for a studio, $1,163 for 1 bedroom, $1,438 for 2 bedrooms, $1,865 for 3 bedrooms, and $2,025 for 4 bedrooms.
How does the cost of living in Waldo County, ME compare to the national average?
Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Waldo 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 Waldo County, ME?
Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($1,438/month) in Waldo County, ME requires a minimum gross household income of $57,520 per year ($4,793 per month).
What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Waldo County, ME?
For a typical household earning the median income of $72,782/year ($6,065/month) in Waldo County, ME, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $3,033/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,820/month to discretionary spending, and $1,213/month to savings and debt repayment.
What are typical electricity and utility costs in Waldo 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.