| City: | Beals, Maine |
| County: | Washington County |
| Timezone: | Eastern (GMT -05:00) |
| Local Time: | 9:03:03 PM |
| Population: | 443 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 207 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 44.4849, -67.5918 |
| Land Area: | 5.617 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Beals sits on a cluster of islands in Washington County, Maine, where water (21.9 square miles) covers twice the area of land (5.6 square miles). This isn't a vacation resort in the traditional sense. It's a working coastal community with seasonal elements, where 443 year-round residents share space with summer visitors drawn to Downeast Maine's rugged shoreline.
The Beals post office maintains 257 PO Boxes for 209 occupied homes. That's a 1.23 adoption rate, meaning PO Boxes serve not just local residents but also seasonal homeowners and surrounding coastal properties. This is a PO Box Only Zone. There's no carrier delivery to individual addresses across the island geography. Rural route R001 handles the mail distribution, but everyone picks up at the post office or a PO Box.
Of the 342 total housing units, 83 are used seasonally (24%). The median age of 51.8 years and the $259,500 median home value point to an established community, not a high-end resort. Street names tell the story of a maritime place: Bayview Drive, Black Duck Cove Road, Barney Cove Road, Alleys Bay Road, and Cranberry Cove. These are working waterfront roads, not resort addresses.
Employment data shows the island's character: 76 workers in agriculture (likely fishing and aquaculture), 113 in transportation (fishing vessels, ferries, marine transport), and 101 federal workers (possibly Coast Guard or other maritime services). Some 17% work from home, typical for remote coastal Maine where internet has opened opportunities. The bachelor's degree attainment rate of 40% is surprisingly high for a small island community.
Beals is connected by bridge to Jonesport, its larger neighbor, but maintains its own post office and identity. The island's 33 named streets serve a scattered population across coves, points, and shoreline. Mail service here works like it does across coastal Maine: the post office is the hub, PO Boxes are the standard, and the rural carrier knows every family.
Street names emphasize coastal geography with multiple coves, bays, and waterfront references typical of Maine island communities.
ZIP Code 04611 has 443 residents and 209 households (average 2.12 persons per household). The median age is 51.8 years, older than the state (45.1) and significantly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 51.5% male and 48.5% female, which is slightly higher than the state male share (49.0%), making this a male-majority area. Largest groups are White (97.5%, much higher than the national average of 61.6%) and Black or African American (0.2%, much lower than the national average of 12.4%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 0.0%, which is much lower than the national average (18.7%).
Explore More: Population Over Time By Age & Gender By Race By Gender Nativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 443Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 451Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 78.9 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $68,125Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 209Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $259,500Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 2.12Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 2.72Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 507 | 453 | 416 | 485 | 413 | 405 | 405 | 447 | 384 | 414 | 467 | 513 | 451 |
| Decennial Census | 508 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 443 | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 51.8
Male Median Age: 48
Female Median Age: 55.1
| Group | < 5 | 5-9 | 10-14 | 15-19 | 20-24 | 25-29 | 30-34 | 35-39 | 40-44 | 45-49 | 50-54 | 55-59 | 60-64 | 65-69 | 70-74 | 75-79 | 80-84 | 85+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 14 | 4 | 15 | 11 | 7 | 15 | 11 | 15 | 20 | 8 | 10 | 19 | 20 | 8 | 28 | 13 | 6 | 4 |
| Female | 3 | 5 | 15 | 4 | 5 | 13 | 10 | 5 | 13 | 13 | 21 | 19 | 19 | 16 | 23 | 12 | 11 | 8 |
| Total | 17 | 9 | 30 | 15 | 12 | 28 | 21 | 20 | 33 | 21 | 31 | 38 | 39 | 24 | 51 | 25 | 17 | 12 |
| White: | 432 | 99.31% |
| Black: | 1 | 0.23% |
| Hispanic:* | 0 | 0% |
| Asian: | 1 | 0.23% |
| American Indian: | 1 | 0.23% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 0 | 0% |
| Total: | 435 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 228 | 51.47% | 48.0 years |
| Females: | 215 | 48.53% | 55.1 years |
| Total: | 443 | 100% | 51.8 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 433 | 96.01% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 16 | 3.55% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 2 | 3.99% |
| Total Population: | 451 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 433 | 96.01% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 18 | 3.99% |
In 2023, the Median household income is $68,125, which is much lower than the national median ($78,538), is up $35,417 (108.3%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $17,684. Family households earn a median of $66,250 versus $0 for nonfamily households (a difference of $66,250). By gender, male median income is $58,631 and female is $51,346, which is lower than the national female median ($53,445), with a current gap of $7,285 that has widened from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 68.1%, which is higher than the state rate (62.1%). The unemployment rate is 4.1%, which is generally lower than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (43.0%).
Explore More: Income Over Time Household Income Employment Status By Occupation
| Income Type | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $32,708 | $26,667 | $32,500 | $33,750 | $33,750 | $37,813 | $50,192 | $46,806 | $50,441 | $50,804 | $53,750 | $58,438 | $68,125 |
| Median Family Income | $41,071 | $42,500 | $49,375 | $52,188 | $61,042 | $61,667 | $63,438 | $64,167 | $66,875 | $52,054 | $54,911 | $59,063 | $66,250 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $16,538 | $16,500 | $15,313 | $14,135 | $16,250 | $15,625 | $23,750 | $21,250 | $0 | $0 | $43,750 | $0 | $0 |
| Median Male Income | $23,611 | $26,563 | $25,000 | $35,625 | $41,875 | $50,417 | $55,417 | $54,583 | $58,750 | $48,125 | $51,382 | $56,369 | $58,631 |
| Median Female Income | $25,781 | $26,458 | $26,319 | $26,354 | $34,750 | $44,375 | $50,833 | $39,792 | $39,722 | $40,208 | $42,222 | $47,841 | $51,346 |
| Employed: | 256 | 65.31% |
| Unemployed: | 11 | 2.81% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 125 | 31.89% |
| Total: | 392 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 110 | 42.97% |
| Service: | 15 | 5.86% |
| Sales and Office: | 17 | 6.64% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 80 | 31.25% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 34 | 13.28% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 256 | 100% |
In 2023, the median home value is $259,500, which is considerably lower than the national median ($303,400), is up $115,200 (79.83%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $80,000. The median gross rent is $829, which is much lower than the national median ($1,348), is up $91 (12.33%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $21. Of occupied housing, owners make up 83.42% (51.20% with a mortgage, 48.80% free-and-clear) and renters 16.58% - making this ZIP Code more home ownership than the state and under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 37.81%, which is far higher than the national rate (10.43%).
Explore More: Compare Home Value Home Value Over Time Rent & Over Time Housing Occupancy
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $144,300 | $120,500 | $99,500 | $125,000 | $119,500 | $120,000 | $159,600 | $156,300 | $179,500 | $181,300 | $256,000 | $255,400 | $259,500 |
| Less than $500: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $500 to $999: | 18 | 54.55% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 8 | 24.24% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $2,000 to $2,499: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $2,500 to $2,999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $3,000 or more: | 0 | 0.00% |
| No Rent: | 7 | 21.21% |
| Total: | 33 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $738 | $821 | $725 | $288 | $775 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $850 | $648 | $695 | $807 | $829 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 85 | 42.71% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 81 | 40.70% |
| Renter Occupied: | 33 | 16.58% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 199 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 199 | 62.19% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 121 | 37.81% |
| Total Housing Units: | 320 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 281 | 87.81% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 19 | 5.94% |
| Other Units: | 20 | 6.25% |
| Total Housing Units: | 320 | 100% |
In 2023, 40.20% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is comparable to the national rate (35.00%). High school or higher is 86.20%, which is markedly below the state rate (94.50%). The uninsured rate is 11.10%, which is on par with the state rate (6.60%). The share of people in poverty is 5.70%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.70%), down 8.10 percentage points since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 0.60 percentage points. This points to a pronounced improvement in local conditions - rising incomes, firmer consumer demand, and a stronger tax base. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is elementary (53.33%). College enrollment is 31.11%, 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
| Less than 9th grade: | 34 | 9.37% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 16 | 4.41% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 96 | 26.45% |
| Some college, no degree: | 48 | 13.22% |
| Associate's degree: | 23 | 6.34% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 87 | 23.97% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 59 | 16.25% |
| Total: | 363 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 313 | 86.23% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 146 | 40.22% |
| Private Insurance: | 290 | 53.51% |
| Public Insurance: | 202 | 37.27% |
| No Insurance: | 50 | 9.23% |
| Total: | 542 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 492 | 90.77% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 13.8% | 13.0% | 5.0% | 3.7% | 1.9% | 1.9% | 4.5% | 4.8% | 5.1% | 4.7% | 7.0% | 5.1% | 5.7% |
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.
| Nursery School, Preschool: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Kindergarten: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 48 | 53.33% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 14 | 15.56% |
| College or graduate school: | 28 | 31.11% |
| Total: | 90 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 0 | 0.00% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 62 | 68.89% |
ZIP Code 04611 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 19 business establishments, employing about 88 people with an annual payroll of $5,061,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 334Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 19Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $1,070,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $5,061,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 88Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 04611 is located in Washington County, Maine, within the Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA ) and Maine's 2nd Congressional District. This area has a population of 0 people, about 0.00% of whom live in ZIP Code 04611. It covers 5.617 sq mi of land and a water area of 21.905 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: | 5.617 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 21.905 sq miSource: Census |
| Congressional District: | 02Source: USPS |
| Congressional Land Area: | 27557.4 sq miSource: Census |
| PMSA: | Source: Census |
| Intro Date: | < 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Place FIPS Code: | --Source: Census |
| Place Name: | --Source: Census |
ZIP Code 04611 is in the Beals, which serves grades Pre-Kindergarten thru 8th. There are 1 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.
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 January 1, 2026.