The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 04960 sells for about $245,000, or $168 per square foot.
Prices are up +3.2% from a year ago, so sellers still have some momentum. Homes take about 42 days to sell. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $1,350 a month.
ZIP 04960
The housing market in 04960 is stable, characterized by low inventory and steady demand from local buyers. Prices have seen modest year-over-year growth, reflecting the broader regional trend of limited supply in rural Maine. Market conditions remain balanced, with few signs of rapid appreciation or decline.
This ZIP is best suited for families and individuals seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle with access to outdoor activities. It is less ideal for those requiring proximity to major urban employment centers or public transit.
Median prices moved up 3.2% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 42 days on market with 4.5 months of supply — a fast-moving market.
12% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 98.5% of asking — demand is running ahead of supply.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 3.9% · poverty 10.5% — a stable, low-distress profile.
Researched annual trajectory for this ZIP, from published historical series
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 6.0%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
Median annual property tax paid on this ZIP's residential parcels
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 4.2%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
versus the prior ACS vintage
net influx — more people moved in than out
ZCTA 04960, Penobscot County, ME
Crime rates in this rural Maine community remain significantly lower than the national average, with property crime being the primary concern. Local law enforcement reports stable trends consistent with regional patterns in Penobscot County.
Schools serving this area are part of the local regional school unit, generally characterized by small class sizes and community-focused programming. Performance metrics are consistent with rural Maine averages.
The area faces moderate risks related to winter weather and seasonal flooding near water bodies. Property insurance markets are stable but reflect standard regional adjustments for northern climate exposure.
Economic momentum is modest, driven primarily by local services, education, and regional forestry/agriculture. Infrastructure development is focused on maintenance rather than large-scale expansion.
Composed from the ARED governance burden registry — tier-native tax structure (state + county + city + special districts), never averaged. State (Maine) — Maine Resident Homestead Property Tax Exemption: Provides a reduction in the valuation of the homestead for property tax purposes. The exemption amount is set by state statute (currently $25,000 of the just value of the property). The formula is: (Just Value - Homestead Exemption) * Local Tax Rate = Tax Due.
Commuting is primarily car-dependent, with residents typically driving to nearby employment hubs in larger towns within Penobscot County. Public transit options are not available.
The area offers extensive access to outdoor recreation, including nearby lakes, hiking trails, and seasonal snowmobile paths. Local shopping is limited to essential services, with larger retail centers located in neighboring towns.
The rental market is characterized by low inventory and high demand for long-term housing. Short-term rentals are present due to the area's recreational appeal, which exerts pressure on local vacancy rates.
The local economy is anchored by small businesses, regional education, and public sector employment. It is highly integrated with the broader Penobscot County labor market.
Transportation infrastructure is limited to state and local roads. There is no public transit system serving this rural geography.
There are no major commercial or residential developments currently approved or under construction in this ZIP code.
The county assessor manages property valuations based on periodic market analysis and state-mandated assessment standards.
Parcels are subject to local municipal taxes and regional school district levies. No special MUD or PID districts are present.
Property insurance remains available, though premiums are influenced by regional wildfire and winter storm risk profiles.
Maine has experienced modest net domestic migration gains, primarily driven by individuals relocating from urban areas for lifestyle reasons.
Maine is a judicial foreclosure state, requiring court intervention for the foreclosure process, which generally provides longer timelines for homeowners.
Sellers are required to provide a property disclosure statement covering known material defects, though the state's 'caveat emptor' tradition remains influential.
Data retrieved from data.census.gov using ZCTA 04960 profile.
Public schools whose reported address is in this area (NCES). Not attendance boundaries — schools that serve residents may sit outside it. Check the district's address locator for assignment.
Provides community space and playground facilities.
Popular for seasonal boating and fishing.
Key-figure check: no independent anchor retained yet — first-researched cycles establish the anchor baseline this pass.