Southwest Harbor Public RecordsMaine

Southwest Harbor, located in Hancock County, Maine, had a 2020 population of around 1,756. The median age was 54.3 years, reflecting an older demographic. Females made up about 52% of the population, and males 48%. The racial composition was predominantly White (over 94%), with small minorities of Asian (1.3%), African American (0.1%), Native American (0.5%), and Hispanic or Latino residents (about 1.4%). This picturesque town is characterized by an aging, mostly White population.

Southwest Harbor, Hancock, ME, has a homeownership rate of about 60%, with median home values around $430,000 as of 2023, reflecting a 7% annual increase. Median rent is approximately $1,300 per month. Housing types mainly include single-family homes and seasonal cottages, especially in neighborhoods like Manset and Seawall. The property tax rate averages $8.50 per $1,000 assessed value. Recent years have seen modest inventory, causing continued upward pressure on prices. Rental availability tends to be tight, particularly in summer, due to the town's popularity as a gateway to Acadia National Park.

Southwest Harbor, Hancock, ME, features one primary public school, Pemetic Elementary School, serving grades PK-8, with around 150 students and a GreatSchools rating of 6/10. For high school, students attend Mount Desert Island High School (approx. 550 students, 8/10 rating) in nearby Bar Harbor. About 38% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The area provides adult education through Mount Desert Island Adult Education Center. School safety standards are above average, with low incident reports. Educational programs include gifted education and STEM initiatives. No colleges are in town, but nearby Bar Harbor offers additional options.

Southwest Harbor, Hancock County, ME, relies primarily on personal vehicles, with around 70% of residents driving alone to work and vehicle ownership averaging 2 cars per household. The average commute time is approximately 16 minutes, notably lower than the national average. Public transit usage is minimal, under 1%, though the Island Explorer seasonal bus serves the area during summer. Key transportation infrastructure includes Route 102 and Route 102A. Major employment hubs are in tourism, boatbuilding, and Acadia National Park. Walking and biking are common for short-distance commutes within the small, compact community.

Southwest Harbor, Hancock County, ME, is served locally by the Mount Desert Island Hospital system, with the nearest hospital (Mount Desert Island Hospital, 10 miles away) in Bar Harbor. The town has one primary care clinic and a few private practices. About 97% of residents have health insurance, in line with Maine’s high coverage rate. The population skews older (median age 58), leading to high prevalence of chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. Access to specialized care often requires travel to Ellsworth or Bangor. Common providers include family physicians, nurse practitioners, and visiting specialists.