Aroostook County

Maine · ME

#11 in Maine
65.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Aroostook County, Maine

Nationally competitive on livability index

Aroostook's score of 65.4 exceeds the national median by 31%, ranking it well above the typical American county. This achievement is particularly noteworthy given the county's rural character and geographic isolation in northern Maine.

Maine's most affordable county by far

At 65.4, Aroostook ranks just below Maine's state average of 66.9, but its real story is cost: median home values of just $131,700 and rents of $736/month are the lowest in the state. This affordability advantage is unmatched among Maine's 16 counties.

Unbeatable housing costs and low risk

Aroostook's cost score of 83.7 is among the highest in Maine, reflecting housing prices that are 60-70% below coastal counties. With a risk score of 19.6, the county shows exceptional stability and resilience against economic or environmental shocks.

Income and health outcomes need growth

The income score of 18.8 is Maine's weakest, with median household income of only $54,254—nearly $40,000 below Cumberland County. Health outcomes score just 69.3, suggesting room for improvement in medical services and preventive care access.

Perfect for frugal homesteaders and remote workers

Aroostook rewards those who can earn elsewhere and settle here—remote workers, retirees on fixed incomes, and homesteading enthusiasts will find unmatched affordability. The trade-off is lower income opportunities and thinner medical infrastructure, making it best suited to those prioritizing low cost of living above all else.

Score breakdown

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

Tax67.9Cost83.7SafetyComing SoonHealth69.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome18.8Risk19.6WaterComing Soon
🏛67.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠83.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼18.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
69.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
19.6
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

Aroostook County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Aroostook County

via TaxByCounty

Aroostook taxes track near national average

Aroostook County's 1.223% effective tax rate sits slightly above the national median of 1.1%, placing it in the 60th percentile nationally. The median property tax of $1,611 is notably lower than the national median of $2,690, reflecting Aroostook's lower median home value of $131,700 versus the national $281,900. This county's lower-valued homes soften the impact of a moderately high tax rate.

Mid-range tax burden for Maine

Aroostook's 1.223% effective rate ranks fifth among Maine's 16 counties, slightly above the state average of 1.107%. The median property tax of $1,611 falls well below Maine's state median of $2,598, a difference of nearly $1,000 annually. This reflects Aroostook's distinctly more affordable housing market in Maine.

Higher rate than most northern counties

Aroostook's 1.223% rate exceeds Franklin County (1.074%) to the south but trails Androscoggin (1.256%) further south. On a median $131,700 home, Aroostook residents pay substantially less in absolute dollars than neighboring counties despite a comparable or higher tax rate. The county's lower home values, not lower tax rates, explain the smaller annual tax bills.

Affordable annual tax on median homes

A median-priced Aroostook home valued at $131,700 carries an estimated annual property tax of $1,611, the lowest median in Maine. Homeowners with mortgages pay $1,808, while those without pay $1,396 annually. Over 30 years, that's roughly $48,000 in property taxes—significantly less than higher-value counties despite the moderately high tax rate.

Assessment appeals protect your bottom line

Even in affordable housing markets, overassessments occur and cost homeowners money year after year. Aroostook residents can appeal their property assessments at no cost if they believe the valuation exceeds fair market value. A successful appeal reduces your taxable assessment and delivers ongoing savings throughout your ownership.

Cost of Living in Aroostook County

via CostByCounty

Aroostook offers Maine's best rent affordability

Aroostook renters spend just 16.3% of income on rent, below both Maine's state average of 17.4% and the national average. The county achieves this advantage despite a median household income of $54,254—the lowest among Maine's counties—through genuinely low rents at $736 monthly.

Most affordable county in all of Maine

Aroostook ranks first statewide for housing affordability, with the lowest rent-to-income ratio and lowest median rent among Maine's 16 counties. This northern county offers a rare combination: genuine affordability without sacrificing quality of life.

North country rents beat southern rivals

Aroostook's $736 rent is substantially cheaper than Franklin County ($759) to the south and dramatically lower than coastal counties like Hancock ($1,000) or Knox ($1,079). Home values at $131,700 represent the most accessible entry to homeownership in Maine.

Income stretches further in the north

Renters pay $736 monthly while homeowners invest $762, both remarkably low for the nation, with a median income of $54,254 supporting both housing paths. Just 16.3% of income goes to rent, leaving substantial room for savings and other expenses.

Aroostook welcomes those seeking real affordability

If Maine's coastal prices feel out of reach, Aroostook delivers genuine affordability with the state's lowest rents and home values. The county's northern location rewards remote workers and retirees willing to embrace Maine's quieter landscape.

Income & Jobs in Aroostook County

via IncomeByCounty

Aroostook County lags well behind national median

Aroostook County's median household income of $54,254 trails the national median by $20,501, placing it in the bottom quartile nationally. The gap reflects rural economic challenges and limited high-wage employment hubs.

Lowest income county in Maine

Aroostook County ranks dead last among Maine's 16 counties with a median household income of $54,254, sitting $12,618 below the state average of $66,872. The county faces significant income headwinds compared to peers statewide.

Income gap with nearby Franklin County

Aroostook's $54,254 median trails Franklin County ($58,522) to the south by over $4,000, one of the steeper disparities in the state. Both counties reflect rural Maine's economic challenges, but Aroostook faces the steeper climb.

Affordability advantage in lower-cost market

Despite lower incomes, Aroostook's rent-to-income ratio of 16.3% remains healthy, and median home values of $131,700 are the lowest in Maine, making homeownership highly achievable. Housing costs don't strain household budgets here as they do in wealthier regions.

Strategic saving unlocks long-term wealth

Even on $54,254, Aroostook residents can build wealth through consistent saving and low-cost investment vehicles like IRAs and employer retirement plans. Starting small with automatic contributions compounds significantly over decades.

Health in Aroostook County

via HealthByCounty

Aroostook faces significant health headwinds

Aroostook's 75.0-year life expectancy matches the national low and falls 1.4 years short of the U.S. average of 76.4 years. With 16.7% of residents reporting poor or fair health—among the highest rates in Maine—the county faces substantial health challenges. These figures reflect economic and geographic barriers that limit health outcomes across northern Maine.

Lowest health ranking in Maine

Aroostook's 75.0-year life expectancy ranks it among Maine's lowest performers, 1.7 years below the state average of 76.7 years. The county's 10.4% uninsured rate exceeds Maine's 9.4% average, leaving more than 1 in 10 residents without health coverage. Its 16.7% poor/fair health rate is the highest in the state, signaling urgent intervention needs.

Healthiest in its economic league

Despite its statewide struggles, Aroostook matches Androscoggin's 75.0-year life expectancy and outperforms it on uninsured rates and provider density. The county's 112 primary care providers per 100K exceeds most inland neighbors, reflecting efforts to serve dispersed populations. However, its 16.7% poor/fair health rate remains the worst in Maine, indicating that provider availability alone cannot address root causes.

Provider access masks deeper barriers

Aroostook residents benefit from 112 primary care providers per 100K—above state norms—and robust mental health resources at 658 per 100K, yet 10.4% remain uninsured. Geographic distances and rural poverty continue to limit real access despite provider density statistics. For many Aroostook families, affording care and traveling to it remain daily obstacles.

Coverage matters in Aroostook

With 10.4% of your neighbors uninsured, Maine's health programs are designed to reach rural families like yours. Call 2-1-1 or visit maine.gov/dhhs to explore low-cost or no-cost coverage options in your area. Health coverage is a first step toward better outcomes for you and your family.

Disaster Risk in Aroostook County

via RiskByCounty

Aroostook faces above-average natural hazards

Aroostook County's composite risk score of 80.41 places it well above the national average, though still rated as relatively low overall. The score is driven primarily by flood risk (76.08) and earthquake risk (77.74), making it one of Maine's higher-risk counties.

Highest risk county in Maine

At 80.41, Aroostook ranks as Maine's riskiest county—42% above the state average of 56.75. This elevated score reflects the county's exposure to multiple hazard types, particularly flooding and seismic activity, both scoring above 76.

Aroostook stands out regionally

Aroostook's 80.41 score significantly exceeds nearby Penobscot County peers and Franklin County inland (43.64). The county's extreme northeastern location and terrain contribute to higher flood vulnerability compared to much of Maine.

Flooding is your primary concern

Flood risk dominates Aroostook's hazard profile at 76.08, the highest single risk factor in the county—much higher than the state average. Earthquake risk (77.74) and hurricane exposure (83.06) round out your top three threats, requiring comprehensive risk planning.

Flood insurance is essential here

Given Aroostook's 76.08 flood risk score, flood insurance should be your top priority—don't assume standard homeowners policies cover water damage. Bundle flood coverage with earthquake and hurricane policies to address all three major threats in the county.

ByCounty Network

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