countyscore
50.5
County Score
Schools 77.5Health 75.8Disaster Risk 71.4

County Report Card

About Knox County, Maine

Balanced Living Above National Median

Knox County earns a 50.5 composite score, placing it just above the national median of 50.0. This indicates a quality of life that meets or exceeds the typical American experience across multiple dimensions.

Surpassing the Maine State Average

With a score of 50.5, Knox County outperforms the Maine state average of 48.0. It offers a more resilient and educationally focused environment than many of its inland and southern neighbors.

Elite Schools and Climate Resilience

Knox shines with a school score of 77.5 and a risk score of 71.4, indicating great schools and low environmental vulnerability. Its health score of 75.8 and income score of 71.2 round out a very strong profile.

High Costs and Tax Burdens

Affordability is the main drawback, as the cost score sits at a low 19.1. A tax score of 23.1 and a median home value of $290,800 make the county one of the more expensive places to settle in Maine.

A Top Choice for Families

Knox County is a premier destination for families who prioritize education and safety above all else. It is an excellent fit for those with the financial flexibility to handle higher coastal home prices and taxes.

Score breakdown

Tax23.1Cost19.1Safety57.2Health75.8Schools77.5Income71.2Risk71.4Water20.8Weather57.5
🏛23.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠19.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼71.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡57.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤75.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓77.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡71.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧20.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤57.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱47.4
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Lincoln County
Maine
54.2
Waldo County
Maine
53.9
Kennebec County
Maine
40.2
Sagadahoc County
Maine
54.7
Hancock County
Maine
51.2
Androscoggin County
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Cumberland County
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47.4
Penobscot County
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38.7

Deep Dives

Knox County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Knox County

via TaxByCounty

Knox taxes above national average

Knox County's 1.253% effective tax rate significantly exceeds the national median of 1.1%, placing it in the 65th percentile nationally. Residents pay $3,643 annually on a median home value of $290,800—slightly above the national median home value—making Knox one of America's higher-taxed counties. This coastal county charges premium rates for scenic coastal living.

Second-highest tax rate in Maine

Knox's 1.253% effective rate ranks second-highest among Maine's 16 counties, trailing only Androscoggin (1.256%). The median property tax of $3,643 exceeds Maine's state median of $2,598 by $1,045 annually, a 40% premium. Knox combines high tax rates with coastal appeal and above-average home values.

Highest taxes on Maine's midcoast

Knox's 1.253% rate substantially exceeds neighboring Lincoln (0.931%) and Hancock (0.878%), the state's most tax-friendly coastal counties. On a median $290,800 home, Knox residents pay roughly $1,040 more annually than Hancock residents on comparable properties. Knox's higher taxes reflect its exclusive island and peninsula communities.

Premium rates for premium coastal location

A median Knox home valued at $290,800 carries an estimated annual property tax of $3,643, among Maine's highest. Homeowners with mortgages pay approximately $3,599, while those without mortgages pay around $3,709 annually. Over 30 years, that totals roughly $109,000 in property taxes on a median-priced home.

High-value properties need assessment accuracy

With homes valued at $290,000-plus and tax rates above 1.25%, even modest assessment errors cost significant money annually. Knox homeowners should carefully review their assessments against recent comparable sales, especially after market activity. Successful appeals on coastal properties often recover hundreds in annual overages.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Knox County

via CostByCounty

Knox's coastal rents exceed national standard

Knox renters spend 18.0% of income on rent, above both Maine's state average (17.4%) and the national average. The county's median household income of $71,903 sits above state peers but still yields a notable housing cost burden reflective of coastal demand.

Knox ranks in Maine's pricier half

Knox places 11th among Maine's 16 counties for affordability, with a rent-to-income ratio notably above the state average. The county's coastal location and scenic appeal command housing premium that affects both renters and homeowners.

Mid-coast pricing between markets

Knox's $1,079 rent exceeds Hancock ($1,000) to the north but remains well below Cumberland ($1,492) to the south, establishing mid-coast positioning. Median home values of $290,800 reflect solid coastal demand, second only to Cumberland statewide.

Homeownership carries higher burden here

Renters spend $1,079 monthly while homeowners invest substantially more at $1,246, with the county's $71,903 median income pressed by both housing costs. At 18.0% of income devoted to rent, Knox households face tighter budgets than most Maine counties.

Knox rewards those valuing scenic appeal

If you're relocating to Maine's scenic mid-coast—home to Rockland's arts scene and island access—expect moderate coastal premium. Compare Knox's prices against Hancock's more affordable coastal option or Franklin's inland value before committing to the mid-coast lifestyle.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Knox County

via IncomeByCounty

Knox County approaches national income standard

Knox County's median household income of $71,903 comes within $2,852 of the national median of $74,755, placing it in the upper-middle tier nationally. The county reflects coastal Maine's stronger economic positioning.

Among Maine's highest-income counties

Knox County ranks 3rd among Maine's 16 counties with a median household income of $71,903, exceeding the state average of $66,872 by $5,031. The county's rockland-based economy supports professional and creative sectors.

Above neighbors in regional income ranking

Knox's $71,903 edges past Hancock County ($69,630) and significantly outpaces Franklin County ($58,522), positioning it as a coastal income leader. The county benefits from tourism, arts, and education economies.

Strong income supports housing costs

Knox County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.0% keeps housing comfortably affordable, and median home values of $290,800 are reasonable relative to median earnings. The county offers solid housing access and opportunity.

Build substantial wealth through diversified investing

Knox County households earning $71,903 have the income foundation to invest aggressively in stocks, bonds, and real estate. Strategic tax-advantaged investing can generate significant long-term wealth growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Knox County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Midcoast Safety

Knox County boasts a safety score of 98.4, positioning it as a very secure region nationally. Its total crime rate of 984.6 per 100,000 is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Aligned with State Norms

The safety score of 98.4 is nearly identical to the Maine state average of 98.3. Knox County consistently delivers the high level of public safety that residents expect across the state.

Midcoast Safety Comparison

Knox's rate of 984.6 is slightly higher than Hancock's 974.0 but remains far safer than Kennebec County. It sits in a pocket of high safety between the central and coastal regions.

Low Violent Crime Rates

Violent crime in Knox is very low at 51.6 per 100,000, which is much better than the state average of 82.4. Property crime accounts for 933.0 incidents per 100,000 residents.

Secure Seasonal Residences

While physical safety is high, property theft is the most likely issue residents face. Use smart locks and motion sensors to protect homes, especially during quieter winter months.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Knox County

via HealthByCounty

Knox leads national life expectancy

At 78.9 years, Knox residents live 2.5 years longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years, placing the county in America's top tier for longevity. Only 12.4% report poor or fair health, matching Cumberland County's elite standard and far exceeding national norms. These figures reflect a coastal Maine advantage in economic stability and health resources.

Second healthiest county in Maine

Knox's 78.9-year life expectancy ranks second in Maine, trailing only Cumberland County's 79.5 years and exceeding all other counties by significant margins. Its 12.4% poor/fair health rate ties Cumberland for the state's best, signaling exceptional population health. At 107 primary care providers per 100K, Knox delivers strong frontline care access.

Coastal health advantage evident

Knox's 78.9-year life expectancy rivals Lincoln County (78.8 years) and exceeds Hancock County (78.1 years), confirming a coastal Maine health advantage. Its 12.4% poor/fair health rate beats all three neighbors, positioning Knox as Maine's second-healthiest county. Yet its 10.3% uninsured rate exceeds both Lincoln (10.1%) and trails Hancock (11.5%), suggesting that strong community fundamentals buffer coverage gaps.

Strong health despite coverage challenges

Knox's 10.3% uninsured rate represents roughly 1 in 10 residents without health coverage, yet population health outcomes remain among Maine's strongest. The county provides 107 primary care providers per 100K and 549 mental health providers per 100K, supporting accessible, continuous care. Community stability and economic resilience appear to offset insurance gaps for many residents.

Close the final coverage gaps

While Knox County leads in health outcomes, the 10.3% of uninsured residents remain vulnerable to catastrophic medical costs. Visit maine.gov/dhhs or healthcare.gov to explore coverage that protects your family's financial and physical health. Even in a healthy county, insurance protection matters.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Knox County

via SchoolsByCounty

High-Performing Schools on the Midcoast

Knox County manages 21 public schools across 12 districts, serving a student population of 4,304. The system is elementary-heavy, with 14 schools dedicated to primary education. This coastal network is designed to support a series of distinct waterfront and inland communities.

Top-Tier Graduation Rates and Funding

Knox County is a state leader with a 91.6% graduation rate, significantly higher than the 87.0% national average. This success is backed by a robust $11,353 per-pupil expenditure, one of the highest in Maine. The county’s composite school score of 63.8 reflects this strong investment in student outcomes.

RSU 40 and RSU 13 Anchor the Coast

RSU 40 is the largest provider in the county, educating 1,800 students, followed closely by RSU 13 with 1,538 students. These two districts manage the majority of the county's enrollment across 13 schools. There are no charter schools in Knox, with all students served by local public districts.

Small-Scale Learning in Rural Settings

With an average school size of 215 students, Knox County offers an intimate academic experience. While Camden Hills Regional High School is a large outlier with 719 students, most schools are much smaller. The mix of 15 rural and 6 town-based schools provides a classic New England educational atmosphere.

Settle Near Award-Winning Coastal Schools

Knox County's exceptional graduation rates and high funding make it a premier destination for families. Real estate in the Camden-Rockport area is especially sought after due to the reputation of the Five Town CSD. Explore homes where the quality of life is matched by the quality of the local schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Knox County

via RiskByCounty

Knox County is Maine's safest

Knox County's composite risk score of 28.59 ranks among the lowest in the nation, reflecting minimal exposure to tornado, earthquake, and wildfire threats. Despite coastal location, the county's hurricane risk (82.90) is offset by exceptional performance on other hazard types.

Very low risk statewide

At 28.59, Knox ranks as Maine's second-safest county after Lincoln (31.81), nearly 50% below the state average of 56.75. This exceptional safety profile makes Knox one of New England's lowest-risk counties overall.

Safest county on the coast

Knox's 28.59 score is dramatically lower than coastal peers like Cumberland (77.00) and Hancock (55.03), making it a coastal safety anomaly. The county's island and peninsular geography creates unique protection against many hazard types.

Hurricane is the only significant threat

Hurricane risk (82.90) stands as Knox's sole major concern, while flood (69.20), earthquake (45.93), tornado (12.82), and wildfire (16.79) all score well below state averages. This unusual profile—high hurricane, low everything else—defines Knox's risk landscape.

Windstorm coverage is your main focus

Knox's 82.90 hurricane risk demands solid windstorm and hurricane coverage in your homeowners policy. You can confidently minimize or skip earthquake, wildfire, and tornado riders—your county's exceptional safety on these hazards means those premiums are unnecessary expenses.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Knox County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate maritime climate on the coast

Knox's 46.0°F annual average is well above the Maine average but remains cooler than the national median. The ocean keeps the air stable and prevents extreme temperature peaks.

Moderate temperatures by Maine standards

At 46.0°F, Knox is warmer than the state average of 43.8°F. It ranks among the warmer coastal counties, benefiting from the Atlantic's thermal mass.

Less snow than the inland interior

Knox receives 60.9 inches of snow, which is notably less than the 78.3 inches in neighboring Androscoggin. Its 46.0°F average keeps it in line with other coastal peers like Lincoln.

Very few hot days and steady winters

The county records only 1 day of extreme heat per year on average. Winters are relatively mild for Maine, with a December-February average of 26.5°F.

Plan for moisture over extreme heat

With 51.9 inches of annual precipitation and only 1 extreme heat day, dehumidification is more important than air conditioning. Durable winter tires are still needed for the 60.9 inches of snow.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Knox County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Bay-Side Horizons

Knox County’s soil profile is dictated by its coastal location and rocky Penobscot Bay heritage. These soils are generally much more acidic than the national median of 6.5, a result of the region's dominant conifer forests.

Diverse Coastal Sediments

Precise sand, silt, and clay percentages are not available in the current dataset. Local soils vary from sandy coastal deposits to heavier silts found in the sheltered inland valleys.

Productive Small-Farm Soils

Although specific local organic matter data is missing, the state’s high 35.77% average is a good indicator of the rich growing potential here. This biological richness supports the county's vibrant small-scale farming scene.

Monitoring Bedrock Runoff

Mapped drainage and hydrologic data are unavailable for this county. Gardeners should check for bedrock proximity, as shallow soils along the coast can lead to rapid runoff or localized pooling.

Temperate Growth in Zone 6a

Hardiness Zone 6a offers a relatively mild coastal climate for Maine growers. The area is famous for its berries and hardy perennials that can handle the salt air and acidic forest soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Knox County

via LawnByCounty

Coastal Ease and Hardiness in Knox

Knox County matches the mid-state difficulty level with a score of 47.4. The 6a hardiness zone allows for a broader selection of grass species, though the coastal humidity can influence how these varieties perform.

Cool Breezes and Heavy Rain

Knox receives a high 51.9 inches of annual precipitation but stays remarkably cool with only 1 extreme heat day per year. This temperate 1877 growing degree day climate is ideal for cool-season grasses that prefer moderate temperatures.

Prioritize Your Soil's Natural Balance

Specific soil metrics are not currently available for Knox County, making on-site testing the best first step. Focus on ensuring your drainage can handle the heavy 51-inch rainfall to prevent moss and weeds from taking over thin spots.

Responding to Widespread Drought Conditions

Like much of coastal Maine, 100% of Knox County is in severe drought after 35 weeks of dryness this past year. To protect your lawn, avoid over-fertilizing during dry spells, which can cause salts to build up and further stress thirsty grass.

Maximized Growth Windows

An early spring frost date of April 27 and a late fall frost of October 25 provide one of the longest growing windows in the state. This extended season is perfect for establishing deep-rooted fescues that can handle both the moisture and the dry spells.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Knox County's county score?
Knox County, Maine has a composite county score of 50.5 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Knox County rank among counties in Maine?
Knox County ranks #7 among all counties in Maine on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Knox County, Maine?
The median annual property tax in Knox County is $3,643, with an effective tax rate of 1.25%. This earns Knox County a tax score of 23.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Knox County?
The median household income in Knox County, Maine is $71,903 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Knox County earns an income score of 71.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Knox County, Maine a good place to live?
Knox County scores 50.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #7 in Maine. The best way to evaluate Knox County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Knox County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

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