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
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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).
Waterville city, ME Climate
Waterville city, ME has an average annual temperature of 6.9°C (44°F) and receives about 1048 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
6.9°C
Avg Temp
1048
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -8° / 18° | 72 mm |
| February | -6° / 21° | 66 mm |
| March | -1° / 31° | 82 mm |
| April | 6° / 43° | 88 mm |
| May | 13° / 55° | 93 mm |
| June | 18° / 64° | 91 mm |
| July | 21° / 69° | 86 mm |
| August | 20° / 67° | 91 mm |
| September | 15° / 58° | 84 mm |
| October | 9° / 47° | 96 mm |
| November | 3° / 37° | 106 mm |
| December | -4° / 24° | 93 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Waterville city, ME
The most comfortable months to visit Waterville city, ME are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 27°C high). The coldest is January (near -14°C low). November is usually the wettest month.
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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.