Androscoggin County

Maine · ME

#13 in Maine
64.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Androscoggin County, Maine

Above-average livability, well ahead of nation

Androscoggin's composite score of 64.6 sits 29% above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper tier of U.S. counties. This ranking reflects a county where housing, taxes, and health outcomes substantially outperform typical American communities.

Slightly below Maine's median livability

At 64.6, Androscoggin ranks just below Maine's state average of 66.9, positioning it solidly in Maine's middle tier. The county holds its own among its peers in New England, though peers to the north and coastal areas show modest advantages.

Health and affordability shine brightest

Androscoggin excels in health outcomes (73.4) and housing affordability (71.6), with median home values of $232,000 and rents at $966/month that remain accessible to working families. The county's effective tax rate of 1.256% is reasonable, creating a stable financial environment for homeowners.

Income growth lags, risks need attention

The county's income score of 27.3 is its weakest dimension, with median household income of $67,298 trailing wealthier Maine counties by 20-40%. A risk score of 40.9 suggests moderate exposure to environmental or economic vulnerabilities that warrant closer monitoring.

Smart choice for budget-conscious families

Androscoggin is ideal for working families and retirees who prioritize affordable housing and good health care over high incomes. The county offers solid Maine living—good schools, manageable taxes, and community stability—at a price point that doesn't demand six-figure household earnings.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax67Cost71.6SafetyComing SoonHealth73.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome27.3Risk40.9WaterComing Soon
🏛67
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠71.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼27.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
73.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
40.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Androscoggin County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Androscoggin County

via TaxByCounty

Androscoggin taxes above the national norm

Androscoggin County's 1.256% effective tax rate exceeds the national median of 1.1%, placing it in the 65th percentile nationally. Homeowners here pay $2,913 annually on a median-value home, compared to the national median of $2,690. This means Androscoggin residents shoulder a slightly heavier tax burden than most Americans.

Third-highest rate in Maine

At 1.256%, Androscoggin's effective tax rate ranks third-highest among Maine's 16 counties, above the state average of 1.107%. The county's median property tax of $2,913 also exceeds Maine's state median of $2,598 by $315 annually. This positions Androscoggin among the more heavily taxed regions in the state.

Higher taxes than regional peers

Androscoggin's 1.256% rate significantly exceeds neighboring Kennebec County (1.141%) and Franklin County (1.074%). On a median $232,000 home, Androscoggin residents pay roughly $120 more annually than Kennebec residents on comparable properties. The county's tax burden is most similar to Knox County (1.253%) along the coast.

What a typical home costs annually

A home valued at the Androscoggin median of $232,000 carries an estimated annual property tax of $2,913. For homeowners with mortgages, the tax increases slightly to $2,997, while those without mortgages pay roughly $2,742. Over a 30-year mortgage, that's nearly $90,000 in property taxes on a median-priced home.

Many assessments deserve a second look

Property assessment errors are common nationwide, and Androscoggin homeowners should verify their home's assessed value against recent comparable sales. If your assessment appears too high, filing an appeal costs nothing and can reduce your annual tax burden. Many homeowners recover hundreds or thousands in overdue refunds through successful tax assessment appeals.

Cost of Living in Androscoggin County

via CostByCounty

Androscoggin's rent bite matches the nation

Androscoggin renters spend 17.2% of household income on rent, slightly below the national average and nearly identical to Maine's state median of 17.4%. The county's median household income of $67,298 trails the national median by $7,457, yet housing costs remain relatively moderate for a northeastern county.

Ranked middle of Maine's affordability scale

Androscoggin ranks fourth among Maine's 16 counties for housing affordability, with a rent-to-income ratio that meets the state average. The county offers a balanced housing market compared to coastal peers like Cumberland, which struggles with much higher ratios.

Cheaper than the coast, pricier inland

Androscoggin's $966 monthly rent sits comfortably between Aroostook County ($736) to the north and the pricier coastal counties like Knox ($1,079). Home values at $232,000 reflect a middle-ground position in Maine's regional housing market.

Rent and mortgages divide the budget

Renters spend $966 monthly while homeowners shoulder $1,268 in monthly costs, with the county's $67,298 median income supporting both paths. At 17.2% of income going to rent, households retain solid purchasing power for other necessities.

Consider Androscoggin for stable affordability

If you're relocating to Maine, Androscoggin offers rent and homeownership costs below the coastal premium while maintaining reasonable income levels. The county's middle-market position makes it worth comparing against pricier Cumberland or more rural Aroostook to find your fit.

Income & Jobs in Androscoggin County

via IncomeByCounty

Androscoggin ranks below national income median

Androscoggin County's median household income of $67,298 falls about $7,500 short of the national median of $74,755. This puts the county in the lower half nationally, though still competitive within its regional labor market.

Slightly above Maine's average income

At $67,298, Androscoggin County's median household income edges past Maine's state average of $66,872 by about $425. The county ranks in the middle tier among Maine's 16 counties for household earnings.

Income comparison with nearby counties

Androscoggin's $67,298 sits between Kennebec County ($65,062) to the south and Hancock County ($69,630) to the northeast. The county offers a middle-ground earning profile for the region.

Rent takes reasonable share of income

At 17.2% of median household income, Androscoggin's rent-to-income ratio remains well below the 30% affordability threshold, suggesting renters have financial breathing room. With a median home value of $232,000, homeownership is accessible for families earning near the county median.

Build wealth with solid earning foundation

Androscoggin households earning $67,298 have the income capacity to invest in retirement accounts, build emergency savings, and diversify assets. Starting early with 401(k) contributions and index funds can significantly compound wealth over time.

Health in Androscoggin County

via HealthByCounty

Androscoggin lags on life expectancy

At 75.0 years, Androscoggin residents live about 5 years shorter than the U.S. average of 76.4 years. The county's 14.6% poor/fair health rate exceeds national averages, suggesting persistent health challenges. These figures underscore the need for targeted health interventions in the region.

Below Maine's health standard

Androscoggin's 75.0-year life expectancy falls 1.7 years below Maine's state average of 76.7 years, placing it among the lower-performing counties statewide. With an 8.1% uninsured rate, the county performs better than the state average of 9.4%, but persistent health disparities remain. This gap suggests structural health challenges beyond just insurance coverage.

Struggling among regional peers

Androscoggin's 75.0-year life expectancy ranks among the lowest in western Maine, trailing nearby Franklin County (76.2 years) and significantly behind Cumberland County (79.5 years). The county's 14.6% poor/fair health rate mirrors Aroostook County's struggles, indicating shared challenges across inland rural Maine. Provider availability at 74 primary care physicians per 100K is below the regional norm, limiting access to care.

Insurance gaps persist despite relative strength

With 8.1% of residents uninsured, Androscoggin actually performs better than Maine's 9.4% state average, yet nearly 1 in 12 residents still lack coverage. The county supports 74 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 509 mental health providers per 100K, offering moderate mental health resources but limited primary care access. For many residents, finding a doctor within reasonable distance remains an ongoing challenge.

Explore your coverage options today

If you're among the 8.1% of Androscoggin residents without insurance, health coverage is within reach through Maine's marketplace and expansion programs. Visit maine.gov/dhhs or healthcare.gov to explore plans that fit your budget and health needs. Taking the first step toward coverage today protects your health and your wallet tomorrow.

Disaster Risk in Androscoggin County

via RiskByCounty

Androscoggin's risk sits just above average

With a composite risk score of 59.06, Androscoggin County ranks slightly higher than the national average, placing it in relatively low risk territory. This score reflects a mix of moderate hazards: hurricane and earthquake risks are notably elevated, while tornado and wildfire threats remain modest.

Middle of the pack in Maine

Androscoggin's 59.06 score slightly exceeds Maine's state average of 56.75, ranking it in the middle tier among the state's 16 counties. The county faces greater hurricane exposure than many inland Maine counties, reflecting its position in southern New England's coastal storm corridor.

Risk profile matches regional patterns

Neighboring Cumberland County (77.00) carries substantially higher overall risk, while inland Franklin County (43.64) faces less exposure. Androscoggin's score of 59.06 reflects a balance between coastal hurricane vulnerability and the relative stability of its inland portions.

Hurricanes and earthquakes top the list

Hurricane risk scores 86.19 in Androscoggin—your highest threat—while earthquake risk reaches 74.90, notably above many U.S. counties. Flood risk (61.58) remains moderate but present, particularly in river valleys and lower-lying areas near the Androscoggin River.

Prepare for wind and water damage

Homeowners should prioritize hurricane and wind coverage in their insurance policies, given the 86.19 hurricane risk score. Review your flood insurance needs if you live near waterways, and ensure your policy covers earthquake damage—often a separate add-on many people overlook.

ByCounty Network

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.