ZIP Code 04538 in Boothbay Harbor, ME

Data Last Updated: February 1, 2026
City:Boothbay Harbor, Maine
City Alias:Boothbay Hbr, Capitol Is, Capitol Island
County:Lincoln County
Timezone:Eastern (GMT -05:00)
Local Time:8:03:42 PM
Population:1,729 [See All]
Area Code:207
Classification:Standard [Normal Street Delivery]
Coordinates:43.8522, -69.6187
Land Area:4.527 sq mi
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Population & Demographics


ZIP Code 04538 has 1,729 residents and 930 households (average 1.81 persons per household). The median age is 61.5 years, significantly older than the state (45.1) and significantly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 46.2% male and 53.8% female, which is slightly lower than the national male share (49.1%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are White (93.1%, much higher than the national average of 61.6%) and Asian (1.3%, lower than the national average of 6.0%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 0.9%, which is much lower than the national average (18.7%).

Explore More: Population Over Time By Age & Gender By Race By Gender Nativity & Citizenship

Source: U.S. Census 2020 Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC) and U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates.
2020 Population:1,729Source: Census DHC
2024 ACS Population Estimate:1,810Source: Census ACS
2026 ZC Population Estimate:1,983Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Population Density:381.9 people per sq mile
Average Income:$56,500Source: Census ACS
Households:930Source: Census DHC
Average House Value:$388,100Source: Census ACS
Persons Per Household:1.81Source: Census DHC
Average Family Size:3.56Source: Census ACS

Population Over Time (with 2010 & 2020 Census Benchmarks)


Group201020112102201320142015201620172018201920202021202220232024
Census ACS Population Estimate--2,1472,0411,9731,9571,7921,9341,9211,9421,9071,9701,7721,7371,6881,810
Decennial Census2,080------------------1,729--------
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP05. DEMOGRAPHIC AND HOUSING ESTIMATES

Population by Age & Gender (Total, Male, Female)


Median Age: 61.5

Male Median Age: 60.2

Female Median Age: 62.8

Group< 55-910-1415-1920-2425-2930-3435-3940-4445-4950-5455-5960-6465-6970-7475-7980-8485+
Male2521192623243538244644717284100682751
Female21172426283235422728508110610297845774
Total463843525156708051749415217818619715284125
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Population by Race


White:1,60996.23%
Black:120.72%
Hispanic:*160.96%
Asian:231.38%
American Indian:90.54%
Hawaiian:10.06%
Other:20.12%
Total:1,672100%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)
* NOTE: Hispanic or Latino is an ethnicity, not a race. This means individuals who identify as Hispanic will also be included in one of the race categories (such as White or Black). As a result, the totals shown here may exceed 100% when Hispanic is displayed alongside racial groups.

Gender Breakdown


GenderCount%Median Age
Males:79846.15%60.2 years
Females:93153.85%62.8 years
Total:1,729100%61.5 years
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Nativity & Citizenship


Native, born in the United States:1,66591.99%
Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad:744.09%
Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen:653.59%
Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen:63.92%
Total Population:1,810100%
Total Native Population:1,73996.08%
Total Foreign-born Population:713.92%
Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS
Note: Nativity and Citizenship derived from American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. Total Population listed here will not match official ZIP Code population totals, which are based on the Decennial Census.

Income & Employment


In 2024, the Median household income is $56,500, which is much lower than the national median ($78,538), is up $9,750 (20.9%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $8,025. Family households earn a median of $91,667 versus $37,143 for nonfamily households (a difference of $54,524). By gender, male median income is $49,167 and female is $47,557, which is far less than the national female median ($53,445), with a current gap of $1,610 that has narrowed from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 39.2%, which is far less than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 2.0%, which is much lower than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (50.2%).

Explore More: Income Over Time Household Income Employment Status By Occupation

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Tables DP02, DP03, DP04 and DP05.

Median Income Over Time (Household, Family, Nonfamily, Male, Female)


Income Type20112012201320142015201620172018201920202021202220232024
Median Household Income$46,750$44,148$45,841$45,795$42,366$43,977$44,013$48,000$48,475$53,836$56,196$63,375$60,000$56,500
Median Family Income$74,327$75,000$78,438$71,458$67,000$59,861$60,588$56,607$59,038$69,375$85,000$87,269$91,434$91,667
Median NonFamily Income$30,469$29,833$25,313$23,929$22,961$23,611$23,631$26,399$26,250$26,855$33,929$38,250$36,250$37,143
Median Male Income$40,750$42,656$42,589$39,413$39,886$36,696$36,417$36,379$38,750$43,750$53,750$54,479$62,644$49,167
Median Female Income$33,523$34,265$35,000$32,875$32,625$32,240$34,803$34,196$35,966$41,367$42,199$47,159$48,077$47,557
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Average Household Income


Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Employment Status


Employed:63338.41%
Unemployed:130.79%
Not In Labor Force:1,00260.80%
Total:1,648100%
Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Employment by Occupation (Civilian Employed Population, 16 and Over)


Management, business, science, and arts:31850.24%
Service:8313.11%
Sales and Office:12018.96%
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance:579.00%
Production, transportation, and material moving:558.69%
Total Civilian Employed Population:633100%
Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS.

Housing & Affordability


In 2024, the median home value is $388,100, which is much higher than the national median ($303,400), is up $129,300 (49.96%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $142,800. The median gross rent is $1,058, which is far less than the national median ($1,348), is up $349 (49.22%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $326. Of occupied housing, owners make up 73.01% (38.80% with a mortgage, 61.20% free-and-clear) and renters 26.99% - making this ZIP Code under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 48.31%, which is considerably higher than the national rate (10.43%).

Explore More: Compare Home Value Home Value Over Time Rent & Over Time Housing Occupancy

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Table DP03, SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS.

Median Home Value (Comparison)


Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Median Home Value Over Time


Group20112102201320142015201620172018201920202021202220232024
Median Home Value$258,800$236,800$245,000$248,000$237,200$240,900$249,400$237,700$245,300$250,500$284,000$362,200$369,600$388,100
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Gross Rent Paid


Less than $500:3412.88%
$500 to $999:7628.79%
$1,000 to $1,499:8933.71%
$1,500 to $1,999:93.41%
$2,000 to $2,499:93.41%
$2,500 to $2,999:00.00%
$3,000 or more:3513.26%
No Rent:124.55%
Total:264100%
Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Median Gross Rent Over Time


Group20112102201320142015201620172018201920202021202220232024
Median Rent$709$756$720$730$686$719$717$756$732$694$617$688$727$1,058
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Housing Occupancy


Owner Occupied (with mortgage):27728.32%
Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage):43744.68%
Renter Occupied:26426.99%
Total Occupied Housing Units:978100%

Occupied Housing Units:97851.69%
Vacant Housing Units (not graphed):91448.31%
Total Housing Units:1,892100%
Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Housing Type (Single-Family, Multi-Family, Other)


Single-Family Units:1,49679.07%
Multi-Family Units:34218.08%
Other Units:542.85%
Total Housing Units:1,892100%
Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Education, Health & Community


In 2024, 42.40% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is far higher than the national rate (35.00%). High school or higher is 92.10%, which is comparable to the national rate (89.40%). The uninsured rate is 5.70%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.60%). Public coverage is 60.00%, which is far higher than the national rate (36.30%). The share of people in poverty is 12.60%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.70%), up 7.60 percentage points since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 5.70 percentage points. This signals a sharp increase in hardship - a shrinking consumer base, heavy pressure on public services, and job-market contraction risks. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is elementary (49.46%). College enrollment is 13.98%, which is comparable to the national rate (26.70%), meaning the community mirrors broader higher-education participation.

Explore More: Educational Attainment Health Insurance Poverty Over Time School Enrollment

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Tables DP02 and DP03.

Educational Attainment of Adults (25 and Older)


Less than 9th grade:161.07%
9th to 12th grade, no diploma:1036.86%
High school graduate (includes equivalency):41827.85%
Some college, no degree:20713.79%
Associate's degree:1207.99%
Bachelor's degree:39326.18%
Graduate or professional degree:24416.26%
Total:1,501100%
High school or higher:1,38292.07%
Bachelor's degree or higher:63742.44%
Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

Health Insurance Coverage by Type (Private, Public, Uninsured)


Private Insurance:1,19250.92%
Public Insurance:1,05044.85%
No Insurance:994.23%
Total:2,341100%
Has Health Insurance:2,24295.77%
Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Percentage of People in Poverty Over Time (2011-2024)


Group20112102201320142015201620172018201920202021202220232024
% of People in Poverty3.1%3.8%4.5%4.5%7.8%6.4%5.6%4.5%5.0%1.6%2.2%2.1%10.7%12.6%
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Note: Counts of Families & People in poverty are not published at the ZIP Code level due to small sample sizes. Percentages shown are survey estimates from the American Community Survey (ACS). They may differ from official poverty statistics. The U.S. Census Bureau defines poverty status by comparing a family's or individual's total income with federal poverty thresholds that vary by family size and composition.

School Enrollment by Education Level (Ages 3 and Older)


Nursery School, Preschool:42.15%
Kindergarten:52.69%
Elementary school (grades 1-8):9249.46%
High school (grades 9-12):5931.72%
College or graduate school:2613.98%
Total:186100%
Early Childhood:94.84%
K-12 (Primary & Secondary School):15683.87%
Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

Business & Employment Statistics


ZIP Code 04538 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 189 business establishments, employing about 918 people with an annual payroll of $56,867,000. USPS data shows 1,096 residential mailboxes and 111 business mailboxes, reflecting local delivery coverage.

# Residential Mailboxes:1,096Source: USPS
# Business Mailboxes:111Source: USPS
Total Delivery Receptacles:1,561Source: USPS
Single Family Delivery Units:854Source: USPS
Multi Family Delivery Units:77Source: USPS
# of Businesses:189Source: CBP
1st Quarter Payroll:$9,819,000Source: CBP
Annual Payroll:$56,867,000Source: CBP
# of Employees:918Source: CBP

Geography, Land Area, & Statistical Classifications


ZIP Code 04538 is located in Lincoln County, Maine, within the Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA ) and Maine's 1st Congressional District. This area has a population of 0 people, about 0.00% of whom live in ZIP Code 04538. It covers 4.527 sq mi of land and a water area of 1.85 sq mi.

CBSA Name:--Source: Census
CBSA Number:--Source: Census
CBSA Type:--Source: Census
CBSA Division:--Source: Census
CBSA Population:0Source: Census
MSA:Source: Census
Land Area:4.527 sq miSource: Census
Water Area:1.85 sq miSource: Census
Congressional District:01Source: USPS
Congressional Land Area:3285.52 sq miSource: Census
PMSA:Source: Census
Intro Date:< 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Place FIPS Code:2306085Source: Census
Place Name:Boothbay Harbor CDP; MaineSource: Census

Adjacent & Nearby ZIP Codes


04539 | | 04537

Schools in ZIP Code 04538


ZIP Code 04538 is in the Boothbay-Boothbay Harbor Community School District, which serves grades Pre-Kindergarten thru 12th. There are 2 public school(s) in this ZIP Code, and we have located 3 private school(s). It also has 6 colleges, universities or post secondary education institutions nearby which would be a short commute to.

Boothbay Region Elem School 238 Townsend Avenue
Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538
District: Boothbay-Boothbay Harbor Community School District
Boothbay Region High School 51 Emery Drive
Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538
District: Boothbay-Boothbay Harbor Community School District
Maine Coast Semester At Chewonki 485 Chewonki Neck Rd
Wiscasset, ME 04578
District: Private SchoolNearby
Maine Coast Semester At Chewonki 485 Chewonki Neck Rd
Wiscasset, ME 04578
District: Private SchoolNearby
Center For Teaching & Learning 119 Cross Point Rd
Edgecomb, ME 04556
District: Private SchoolNearby

Colleges & Post Secondary Schools near ZIP Code 04538


Bowdoin College 255 Maine Street
Brunswick, ME 04011
Type: Post Secondary
Unity Environmental University 70 Farm View Drive, Suite 200
New Gloucester, ME 04260
Type: Post Secondary
Unity Environmental University 70 Farm View Dr., Suite 200
New Gloucester, ME 04260-0000
Type: Post Secondary
New Gloucester-Unity College 70 Farm View Drive Suite 200
New Gloucester, ME 04960-0000
Type: Post Secondary
Capilo School Of Hair Design 43 Bridge Street
Augusta, ME 04330-0000
Type: Post Secondary
Southern Maine Community College 2 Fort Road
South Portland, ME 04106-1698
Type: Post Secondary

Sources & References


Our sources include trusted federal and licensed data from the United States Postal Service, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Geological Survey, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the National Center for Education Statistics, along with proprietary datasets created by ZIP-Codes.com. Data last updated on February 1, 2026.

  1. U.S. Postal Service [Last Updated: 2/1/2026], https://www.usps.com
  2. ZIP-Codes.com Proprietary Data Enhancements [Updated: 2/1/2026], https://www.zip-codes.com
  3. U.S. Census [Updated: Varies], https://www.census.gov
    • U.S. Census Office of Management and Budget [Updated: As Released]
    • U.S. Census 2020 Demographic & Housing Characteristics (DHC) [Decennial] [Updated: 5/25/2023]
    • U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-year estimates (ACS) [Annually] [Updated: Annually, As Released]
    • U.S. Census Business Patterns (CBD) [Annually] [Updated: Annually, As Released]
    • U.S. Census American National Standards Institute (ANSI) [Updated: As Released]
  4. U.S. Geological Survey [Updated: Varies], https://www.usgs.gov
  5. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services [Updated: Annually, As Released], https://www.cms.gov
  6. National Center for Education Statistics [Updated: 2/1/2026], https://nces.ed.gov