| City: | Matinicus, Maine |
| County: | Knox County |
| Timezone: | Eastern (GMT -05:00) |
| Local Time: | 8:05:33 PM |
| Population: | 53 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 207 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 43.8481, -68.8918 |
| Land Area: | 1.919 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Matinicus Island sits 20 miles off the Maine coast in the Gulf of Maine. It's one of the most remote year-round island communities in the eastern United States. With just 53 permanent residents and 170 total homes, this is a place where seasonal patterns define everything. Some 71% of homes (120 units) are used for seasonal, recreational, or occasional use. In winter, the year-round population occupies only 31 homes. In summer, the island transforms.
This is a PO Box Only Zone. There's no alternative mail delivery across the island's 2.4 square miles. The Matinicus post office maintains 45 PO Boxes for 31 year-round households, an adoption rate of 1.45. That figure captures both seasonal homeowners who maintain boxes year-round and the island's role as a mail hub for lobstermen and seasonal workers who need temporary access. Rural carrier routes serve some island addresses, but PO Boxes remain the primary method.
The island has a working waterfront economy. Nine business establishments employ four people officially, but these numbers don't capture the lobster fishery that dominates island life. Road names are simple and functional: North Rd, South Rd, W Side Rd, Condon Cove Rd. With a median age of 53.5 years, Matinicus skews older. Only 2 children under 18 live here year-round. Median home values of $425,000 and the overwhelming seasonal character (71%) mark this as summer retreat territory, though the winter community maintains a distinct lobstering identity.
Mail arrives by air and ferry, depending on weather and season. The year-round state ferry service from Rockland runs approximately once a month in winter and more frequently in summer. Mail plane service provides the reliable connection. For 53 people spread across an island 20 miles offshore, the post office isn't just a convenience. It's the communication lifeline.
Island roads follow simple directional naming (North, South, West Side) with minimal street infrastructure.
ZIP Code 04851 has 53 residents and 31 households (average 1.71 persons per household). The median age is 53.5 years, significantly older than the state (45.1) and significantly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 60.4% male and 39.6% female, which is much higher than the state male share (49.0%), making this a male-majority area. Largest groups are White (88.7%, much higher than the national average of 61.6%) and Other / Two or More Races (3.8%, lower than the national average of 8.4%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 1.9%, which is much lower than the national average (18.7%).
Explore More: Population Over Time By Age & Gender By Race By Gender Nativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 53Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 48Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 27.6 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $65,417Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 31Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $350,000Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 1.71Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 2.00Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 65 | 41 | 42 | 47 | 61 | 53 | 67 | 82 | 91 | 72 | 69 | 95 | 85 | 48 |
| Decennial Census | 75 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 53 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 53.5
Male Median Age: 59.5
Female Median Age: 43.5
| 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 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 1 |
| Female | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 2 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 1 |
| White: | 47 | 90.38% |
| Black: | 1 | 1.92% |
| Hispanic:* | 1 | 1.92% |
| Asian: | 1 | 1.92% |
| American Indian: | 0 | 0% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 2 | 3.85% |
| Total: | 52 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 32 | 60.38% | 59.5 years |
| Females: | 21 | 39.62% | 43.5 years |
| Total: | 53 | 100% | 53.5 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 48 | 100.00% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Population: | 48 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 48 | 100.00% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 0 | 0.00% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $65,417, which is considerably lower than the national median ($80,734), is up $16,806 (34.6%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $14,167. Family households earn a median of $65,833 versus $0 for nonfamily households (a difference of $65,833). By gender, male median income is $0 and female is $0, which is considerably lower than the national female median ($55,274), with a current gap of $0 that has narrowed from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 34.1%, which is considerably lower than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 0.0%, which is considerably lower than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (53.3%).
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 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $48,611 | $38,750 | $50,417 | $50,417 | $0 | $0 | $33,750 | $31,250 | $51,250 | $44,375 | $63,750 | $48,125 | $47,292 | $65,417 |
| Median Family Income | $60,625 | $54,167 | $53,750 | $57,083 | $0 | $128,125 | $93,750 | $106,250 | $95,417 | $0 | $91,875 | $64,167 | $50,625 | $65,833 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $47,083 | $31,250 | $46,667 | $11,250 | $20,833 | $21,500 | $21,429 | $16,875 | $0 | $2,499 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Median Male Income | $48,750 | $50,000 | $51,250 | $51,250 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Median Female Income | $2,499 | $2,499 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Employed: | 15 | 34.09% |
| Unemployed: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 29 | 65.91% |
| Total: | 44 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 8 | 53.33% |
| Service: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Sales and Office: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 7 | 46.67% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 15 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $350,000, which is above the national median ($332,700), is up $115,000 (48.94%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $95,500. The median gross rent is $0, which is well under the national median ($1,413), and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $0. Insufficient data for owner/renter mix. The vacancy rate is 85.27%, which is much higher than the national rate (10.12%).
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 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $235,000 | $250,000 | $170,800 | $258,300 | $221,200 | $212,500 | $218,200 | $243,800 | $254,500 | $292,500 | $288,900 | $325,000 | $425,000 | $350,000 |
| Less than $500: | 0 | 0% |
| $500 to $999: | 0 | 0% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 0 | 0% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 0 | 0% |
| $2,000 to $2,499: | 0 | 0% |
| $2,500 to $2,999: | 0 | 0% |
| $3,000 or more: | 0 | 0% |
| No Rent: | 0 | 0% |
| Total: | 0 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 6 | 31.58% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 13 | 68.42% |
| Renter Occupied: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 19 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 19 | 14.73% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 110 | 85.27% |
| Total Housing Units: | 129 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 119 | 92.25% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 5 | 3.88% |
| Other Units: | 5 | 3.88% |
| Total Housing Units: | 129 | 100% |
In 2024, 36.40% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is comparable to the national rate (35.70%). High school or higher is 97.70%, which is far higher than the national rate (89.60%). The uninsured rate is 4.20%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.40%). Public coverage is 60.40%, which is far higher than the national rate (36.70%). The share of people in poverty is 0.00%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.80%). Poverty has been broadly stable, which may reflect structural barriers or offsetting gains and setbacks. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is elementary (66.67%). College enrollment is 33.33%, 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: | 0 | 0.00% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 1 | 2.27% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 19 | 43.18% |
| Some college, no degree: | 5 | 11.36% |
| Associate's degree: | 3 | 6.82% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 7 | 15.91% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 9 | 20.45% |
| Total: | 44 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 43 | 97.73% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 16 | 36.36% |
| Private Insurance: | 31 | 50.00% |
| Public Insurance: | 29 | 46.77% |
| No Insurance: | 2 | 3.23% |
| Total: | 62 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 60 | 96.77% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
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): | 4 | 66.67% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 0 | 0.00% |
| College or graduate school: | 2 | 33.33% |
| Total: | 6 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 0 | 0.00% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 4 | 66.67% |
ZIP Code 04851 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 8 business establishments, employing about 2 people with an annual payroll of $602,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 51Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 8Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $38,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $602,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 2Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 04851 is located in Knox 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 04851. It covers 1.919 sq mi of land and a water area of 5.191 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: | 1.919 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 5.191 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: | --Source: Census |
| Place Name: | --Source: Census |
ZIP Code 04851 is in the School Administrative District 65, which serves grades Kindergarten thru 12th. 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 March 1, 2026.