Waterville, Maine Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Waterville, Maine is 16,704 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 12th-largest city in Maine. The median household income is $47,489, the median home value is $173,700, and the median age is 34.5.
The population has grown 10.3% since 2010 (15,722 → 17,336).
16,704
Population
1234
People / sq mi
$47,489
Median Income
$173,700
Median Home Value
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Waterville covers 13.5 sq mi of land at 1234 people per square mile.
About Waterville, ME
What sets Waterville apart is money: median household income runs $47,489, below the US median of $78,538. Waterville is a city in Maine with a population of 16,704. It ranks #12 among cities in Maine by population.
Household earnings sit near the bottom of the range at $47,489, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 17.0%, above the national 12.4%. Property is affordable here, the median home worth $173,700, with typical rent around $957.
32.2% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. Around 15.7% of workers work from home, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 17 minutes each way.
Waterville city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Waterville city had a population of 15,722 in 2010 and 17,336 in 2024, a 10.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 17,348 in 2022. Average annual growth rate: 0.71%.
17,336
Population (2024)
15,722
Population (2010)
17,348
Peak (2022)
0.71%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 15,722 |
| 2011 | 15,747 |
| 2012 | 15,820 |
| 2013 | 15,972 |
| 2014 | 16,209 |
| 2015 | 16,455 |
| 2016 | 16,619 |
| 2017 | 16,676 |
| 2018 | 16,582 |
| 2019 | 16,558 |
| 2020 | 16,694 |
| 2021 | 16,711 |
| 2022 | 17,348 |
| 2023 | 17,325 |
| 2024 | 17,336 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 90.2% |
| Black or African American | 1.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$47,489
Median Household Income
$29,156
Per Capita Income
17.0%
Poverty Rate
3.1%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$173,700
Median Home Value
$957
Median Rent
45.8%
Owner-Occupied
Education
91.3%
High School+
32.2%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.1%
Drive Alone
67.4%
Public Transit
15.7%
Work From Home
16.7 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
31.7%
Foreign Born
92.9%
Non-English at Home
4.9%
Veterans
16.0%
With Disability
91.9%
Health Insurance
89.9%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 40.3% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 10.5% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 8.3% |
| Manufacturing | 5.3% |
| Construction | 5.2% |
| Information | 4.4% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 4.2% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 2.7% |
| Retail Trade | 1.6% |
| Public Administration | 1.3% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.2% |
Largest cities in Maine
Largest counties in Maine
Part of Maine
Metro areas in Maine
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Waterville, Maine has a population of 16,704 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 12th-largest city in Maine.
The median household income in Waterville, Maine is $47,489, with 17.0% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Waterville, Maine is $173,700, with median monthly rent at $957 and a homeownership rate of 45.8%.
The median age in Waterville, Maine is 34.5 years. The population is 47.8% male and 52.2% female.
The population has grown 10.3% since 2010 (15,722 → 17,336).
Where to stay in Waterville
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Statewide data for Maine
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Maine
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.