Fort Kent, Maine Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Fort Kent, Maine had a total population of 2,398, the 58th largest community in Maine, with a median household income of $50,513, which is 32% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 11.9%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 32% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 1.8%.
Fort Kent Quick Facts
How Fort Kent Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,453 | 2,398 | -2.2% |
| Median household income | $58,750 | $50,513 | -14.0% |
| Median home value | $137,000 | $152,900 | +11.6% |
How Fort Kent Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 19 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Fort Kent Rankings in Maine
Explore Maine Rankings
Other Cities in Aroostook County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presque Isle | 8,736 | $55,768 | 15.5% | $147,200 |
| Caribou | 7,382 | $53,709 | 15.5% | $134,100 |
| Houlton | 5,082 | $59,236 | 17.4% | $129,600 |
| Madawaska | 3,022 | $55,666 | 15.2% | $158,300 |
| Van Buren | 1,634 | $38,851 | 24.2% | $97,900 |
| Fort Fairfield | 1,533 | $56,452 | 10.7% | $158,300 |
| Limestone | 1,079 | $52,607 | 13.8% | $97,100 |
| Washburn | 888 | $49,250 | 12.0% | $99,300 |
| Mars Hill | 841 | $51,932 | 13.9% | $125,000 |
| Mapleton | 705 | $81,146 | 12.2% | $137,900 |
Cities Similar to Fort Kent
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fairfield | 2,356 | $52,409 | $139,600 | 13.5% | 16.8% |
| Mexico | 2,142 | $50,972 | $108,700 | 13.8% | 24.8% |
| South Paris | 2,210 | $55,074 | $219,700 | 18.7% | 26.5% |
| Thomaston | 2,055 | $52,133 | $269,500 | 28.7% | 8.9% |
| Oakland | 2,710 | $44,848 | $167,000 | 20.9% | 13.7% |
Population Overview
Fort Kent is a small community located in Maine, within Aroostook County. The total population is 2,398. It ranks as the 58th most populous out of 155 Census-designated places in Maine.
Age Demographics
The median age in Fort Kent is 46.9 years. This is 5% higher than the state median of 44.8 years. Only 13.6% of residents are under 18, indicating fewer families with children. 15.0% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Fort Kent is $50,513. This is 32% lower than the state median of $74,733. It is also 37% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 11.9%. This is 11% higher than the state poverty rate of 10.8%. The unemployment rate is 1.8%. This is 53% lower than the state rate of 3.8%. The median home value is $152,900. Housing costs are 48% lower than the state median of $296,600. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x. 65.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 11% lower than the state average of 74.3%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Fort Kent is White (non-Hispanic), making up 84.2% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 5.6%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (5.6% vs 1.8%).
Education
34.0% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 6% lower than the state rate of 36.2%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 89.9%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Fort Kent, Maine is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against Maine state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 155 Census-designated places in Maine. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Fort Kent, Maine?
Fort Kent, Maine has a population of 2,398 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Fort Kent, ME?
The median household income in Fort Kent is $50,513, which is 37% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Fort Kent, ME?
The poverty rate in Fort Kent is 11.9%. This means approximately 249 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Fort Kent, Maine?
Fort Kent's population is 84.2% White, 5.6% Black, 1.8% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Fort Kent, ME?
The median home value in Fort Kent is $152,900. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x.
How educated is Fort Kent, Maine?
34.0% of adults (25+) in Fort Kent hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 7.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.