South Paris, Maine Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, South Paris, Maine had a total population of 2,210, the 63rd largest community in Maine, with a median household income of $55,074, which is 26% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 26.5%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- More than 1 in 4 residents live below the poverty line (26.5%), well above the national average of 12.4%.
South Paris Quick Facts
How South Paris 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 | 2,570 | 2,210 | -14.0% |
| Median household income | $56,823 | $55,074 | -3.1% |
| Median home value | $186,300 | $219,700 | +17.9% |
How South Paris 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+)
South Paris Rankings in Maine
Explore Maine Rankings
Other Cities in Oxford County
Cities Similar to South Paris
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mexico | 2,142 | $50,972 | $108,700 | 13.8% | 24.8% |
| Fairfield | 2,356 | $52,409 | $139,600 | 13.5% | 16.8% |
| Thomaston | 2,055 | $52,133 | $269,500 | 28.7% | 8.9% |
| Fort Kent | 2,398 | $50,513 | $152,900 | 34.0% | 11.9% |
| Farmingdale | 2,064 | $62,006 | $239,200 | 50.4% | 16.8% |
Population Overview
South Paris is a small community located in Maine, within Oxford County. The total population is 2,210. It ranks as the 63rd most populous out of 155 Census-designated places in Maine.
Age Demographics
The median age in South Paris is 48.3 years. This is 8% higher than the state median of 44.8 years. 19.7% 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 South Paris is $55,074. This is 26% lower than the state median of $74,733. It is also 32% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 26.5%. This is 147% higher than the state poverty rate of 10.8%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The survey records no unemployed residents in South Paris, which reflects the size of the sample rather than a labor market without joblessness. The median home value is $219,700. Housing costs are 26% lower than the state median of $296,600. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.0x. 51.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 30% lower than the state average of 74.3%.
Race & Ethnicity
South Paris has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 95.5% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 3.5%. The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (3.5% vs 2.2%).
Education
18.7% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 48% 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 97.4%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for South Paris, 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 South Paris, Maine?
South Paris, Maine has a population of 2,210 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in South Paris, ME?
The median household income in South Paris is $55,074, which is 32% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in South Paris, ME?
The poverty rate in South Paris is 26.5%. This means approximately 557 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of South Paris, Maine?
South Paris's population is 95.5% White, 0.0% Black, 3.5% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in South Paris, ME?
The median home value in South Paris is $219,700. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.0x.
How educated is South Paris, Maine?
18.7% of adults (25+) in South Paris hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 4.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.