Vinalhaven, ME Utility & Living Guide

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Vinalhaven, ME Utility & Living Guide

Vinalhaven is a town in Knox County, Maine, United States. Its town limits include the island of Vinalhaven, the largest of the Fox Islands, and smaller islands, some accessible from Vinalhaven Island by bridge or causeway. The population was 1,279 at the 2020 census. It is home to a thriving lobste

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$300/mo
1BR Rent$1000/mo
Sales Tax5.5%
COL Index110 (+10% above national average)
Family Score7/10
Median Home$280,000
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🌤️ Live Weather — Vinalhaven
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Vinalhaven
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$150/mo

Central Maine Power
🔥 Gas

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$50/mo

Vinalhaven Water District
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Vinalhaven Town Garbage Collection
📶 Internet

$70/mo

Combined Average Overhead$300/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1000/mo
2 Bedrooms$1400/mo
3 Bedrooms$2000/mo
Median Home Price$280,000
Property Tax Rate1.1%
Avg Childcare/mo$1200

The housing market in Vinalhaven is competitive, with a limited number of homes available for sale. Rentals are also scarce, especially during the summer months. Home prices have been increasing in recent years due to the island’s popularity.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

110

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+10% above national average

Groceries

105

Transportation

90

Healthcare

95

Childcare/mo

$1200

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax5.5%
Property Tax Rate1.1%
<p>State 5.5% + no County or City tax</p>

Maine state income tax ranges from 5.2% to 7.95%, with no local income tax in Vinalhaven

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
7/10
Safety Index

60

Higher = safer
School Rating

7/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1200/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+2% (growing)
Political Climate
Purple description, with a mix of conservative and liberal views
Business Momentum
Moderate, with key industries including tourism, fishing, and small business
Top Local Concerns
Affordability, environmental protection, tourism management
🚌 Transit for Families

Vinalhaven has limited public transportation, but the island is relatively small and walkable, making it accessible for families with strollers

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Vinalhaven Land Trust trails
  • 🎯
    Lane's Island Preserve
  • 🎯
    Vinalhaven Town Park

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The neighborhoods of Main Street and Carver's Harbor are popular with families, offering a mix of shops, restaurants, and community activities. The island's rural areas also offer a peaceful and natural environment, with many homes having ocean views.

Household Budget Calculator

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📰 Live Local News

Vinalhaven has regulations in place to protect the island’s environment and preserve its natural resources, including restrictions on development and waste management.

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📊 Vinalhaven — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Vinalhaven fluctuate with the seasons, with higher electricity costs in the summer due to air conditioning and higher heating oil costs in the winter. However, the island's mild climate means that these fluctuations are relatively moderate.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The ZIP code 04863 has a property tax millage rate of 15.5, with no local surtaxes

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

8/10, with wide sidewalks and easy access to parks and outdoor spaces, but limited elevator access in some buildings and a lack of public transportation options

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