Searsmont, Maine Population, Hospitals, Airports, and Schools

Searsmont is a small town located in Waldo County, Maine with a population of 1,637 people according to the 2010 census. The town is situated on the southern edge of Penobscot Bay, near Belfast and Camden. The geography of Searsmont is varied, with rolling hills and valleys. The climate is mild, with warm summers and cold winters.

The history of Searsmont dates back to 1797 when it was incorporated as a town from portions of Montville and Appleton. Over the years, Searsmont has become an important destination for tourists who come to experience its natural beauty and small-town charm.

The politics of Searsmont have traditionally leaned towards conservatism; however, the town has recently seen an increase in support for progressive candidates in local elections.

The economy of Searsmont is largely supported by the tourism industry due to its proximity to several popular attractions such as Camden Hills State Park and Penobscot Bay. In addition, several businesses have been established in recent years that provide goods and services to local residents as well as visitors from outside the area.

Searsmont is served by two schools: a public elementary school (K-8) and an independent high school (9-12). Both schools are known for their commitment to quality education and their focus on providing students with a well-rounded educational experience.

Several landmarks can be found throughout Searsmont that help define its character including: the historic Town Hall built in 1836; Fort Knox State Historic Site; the old Town Pound built in 1820; and many other historic buildings that remain intact today.

Population: 1,174. Estimated population in July 2024: 1,341 (+14.2% change)
Males: 589 (50.2%), Females: 585 (49.8%)

Waldo County

Demographics

Median resident age: 37.5 years
Median household income: $36,708
Median house value: $89,300

Population by Race

Races in Searsmont:

• White Non-Hispanic (97.9%)
• American Indian (1.0%)
• Hispanic (0.7%)
• Two or more races (0.5%)

Ancestries: English (27.3%), Irish (15.2%), United States (10.5%), German (7.2%), French (7.0%), Scottish (5.5%).

Elevation: 227 feet

Population by Education

Searsmont, Maine is a small town located in the heart of Waldo County. It is a rural area with a population of just over 1,200 people. The town has a low cost of living compared to the rest of the state. The median home price in Searsmont is $157,000, which is well below the state average of $231,000. Rent for a two-bedroom apartment averages around $800 per month. Utilities are also inexpensive in Searsmont with electricity averaging around $90 per month and natural gas at about $50 per month. Groceries are also relatively inexpensive with an average grocery bill of around $50 per week for one person. Taxes are also low in Searsmont with no sales tax and an income tax rate of 5%.

The population in Searsmont is largely white with 95% being Caucasian and 4% being African American or Hispanic/Latino. There are also small percentages of Native Americans, Asians and Pacific Islanders living in the area. The unemployment rate in Searsmont is low at 2%, which is well below the national average of 3%. Most people who live here are employed by local businesses such as farms, restaurants or stores. Many residents commute to nearby towns such as Belfast or Camden for work as well. The median household income in Searsmont is slightly above the state average at approximately $48,000 annually while poverty levels remain below that of Maine’s other rural areas at 8%.

For population 25 years and over in Searsmont

• High school or higher: 87.0%
• Bachelor’s degree or higher: 20.3%
• Graduate or professional degree: 4.3%
• Unemployed: 6.2%
• Mean travel time to work: 28.5 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Searsmont town

• Never married: 24.2%
• Now married: 56.8%
• Separated: 0.5%
• Widowed: 4.7%
• Divorced: 13.8%

1.5% Foreign born

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Searsmont:

• WALDO COUNTY GENERAL HOSPITAL (about 14 miles; BELFAST, ME)
• PENOBSCOT BAY MEDICAL CENTER (about 15 miles; ROCKPORT, ME)
• MILES MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (about 31 miles; DAMARISCOTTA, ME)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Searsmont:

• BANGOR INTL (about 40 miles; BANGOR, ME; Abbreviation: BGR)
• BRUNSWICK NAS (about 61 miles; BRUNSWICK, ME; Abbreviation: NHZ)
• PORTLAND INTL JETPORT (about 92 miles; PORTLAND, ME; Abbreviation: PWM)

Other public-use airports nearest to Searsmont:

• BELFAST MUNI (about 14 miles; BELFAST, ME; Abbreviation: BST)
• ISLESBORO (about 21 miles; ISLESBORO, ME; Abbreviation: 57B)
• KNOX COUNTY REGIONAL (about 23 miles; ROCKLAND, ME; Abbreviation: RKD)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Searsmont:

• UNIVERSITY OF MAINE AT AUGUSTA (about 40 miles; AUGUSTA, ME; Full-time enrollment: 3,172)
• UNIVERSITY OF MAINE (about 59 miles; ORONO, ME; Full-time enrollment: 8,590)
• UNIVERSITY OF MAINE AT FARMINGTON (about 68 miles; FARMINGTON, ME; Full-time enrollment: 2,229)
• UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MAINE (about 89 miles; PORTLAND, ME; Full-time enrollment: 7,381)
• SAINT JOSEPHS COLLEGE (about 104 miles; STANDISH, ME; Full-time enrollment: 2,376)
• UNIVERSITY OF NEW ENGLAND-UNIVERSITY CAMPUS (about 107 miles; BIDDEFORD, ME; Full-time enrollment: 2,251)
• UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE-MAIN CAMPUS (about 149 miles; DURHAM, NH; Full-time enrollment: 12,586)

Public primary/middle school in Searsmont:

• AMES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 124; Location: HC 81 BOX 160; Grades: 03 – 05)

Libraries

Library in Searsmont:

• SEARSMONT TOWN LIBRARY (Operating income: $24,335; Location: ROUTE 131; 8,860 books; 140 audio materials; 152 video materials; 30 serial subscriptions)