Oxford County's composite score of 66.5 sits well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 67th percentile nationally. That means this county ranks better than two-thirds of all U.S. counties on overall livability measures.
2 / 5
Right at Maine's midline
Oxford scores 66.5, nearly matching Maine's state average of 66.9, putting it squarely in the middle of Maine's county rankings. It's a reliable performer without major standouts or significant gaps.
3 / 5
Housing and taxes shine here
Oxford excels in affordability, with a cost score of 80.6 and median home values under $193,000. The county also maintains reasonable taxes at 1.094% effective rate and solid health outcomes (68.8), making it attractive for budget-conscious families.
4 / 5
Income and resilience lag
Oxford's income score of 21.2 is notably low, reflecting a median household income of just $57,933—well below state and national comparisons. The risk score of 34.1 also suggests moderate vulnerability to economic or environmental shocks.
5 / 5
Best for affordability seekers
Oxford County appeals to retirees, remote workers, and families prioritizing low housing costs and reasonable taxes over high earning potential. Its stable health and moderate risk profile make it a sensible choice for those valuing steady, affordable living in a traditional Maine setting.
Oxford County's composite score of 66.5 sits well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 67th percentile nationally. That means this county ranks better than two-thirds of all U.S. counties on overall livability measures.
Right at Maine's midline
Oxford scores 66.5, nearly matching Maine's state average of 66.9, putting it squarely in the middle of Maine's county rankings. It's a reliable performer without major standouts or significant gaps.
Housing and taxes shine here
Oxford excels in affordability, with a cost score of 80.6 and median home values under $193,000. The county also maintains reasonable taxes at 1.094% effective rate and solid health outcomes (68.8), making it attractive for budget-conscious families.
Income and resilience lag
Oxford's income score of 21.2 is notably low, reflecting a median household income of just $57,933—well below state and national comparisons. The risk score of 34.1 also suggests moderate vulnerability to economic or environmental shocks.
Best for affordability seekers
Oxford County appeals to retirees, remote workers, and families prioritizing low housing costs and reasonable taxes over high earning potential. Its stable health and moderate risk profile make it a sensible choice for those valuing steady, affordable living in a traditional Maine setting.
Score breakdown
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🏛71.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Oxford County's effective tax rate of 1.094% sits well below the national median of 1.1%, putting homeowners in a favorable position. The county's median property tax of $2,103 is substantially lower than the national median of $2,690, reflecting both lower tax rates and more modest home values.
Middle-ground rates within Maine
Oxford County's 1.094% effective rate ranks it just slightly below Maine's state average of 1.107%, placing it squarely in the middle of Maine's 16 counties. The county's median tax of $2,103 is notably lower than the statewide median of $2,598, making it a relatively affordable option for Maine homeowners.
Competitive among western Maine counties
Oxford County's tax rate of 1.094% is lower than neighboring Penobscot County (1.256%) but slightly higher than Piscataquis County (0.970%). Among the region's mid-sized counties, Oxford offers a balanced tax burden with median home values around $192,300.
What $2,103 means in real terms
On Oxford County's median home value of $192,300, the effective rate of 1.094% translates to approximately $2,103 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay closer to $2,293 annually, while those without pay around $1,867.
Challenge your assessment today
Many Oxford County homeowners are unknowingly overassessed, paying more than their property is worth. Filing an appeal with your assessor's office costs nothing and could result in substantial savings on your annual tax bill.
Oxford County renters spend 16.7% of income on rent, well below the national benchmark and more affordable than most of the country. With median household income at $57,933—about 23% below the U.S. average of $74,755—residents here still find housing more manageable than their national counterparts.
Middle Ground in Maine
At 16.7%, Oxford's rent-to-income ratio beats Maine's state average of 17.4%, placing it in the middle tier of Maine counties for affordability. This modest advantage reflects the county's balance of lower housing costs and decent wage levels relative to its peers.
Oxford Undercuts Western Rivals
Oxford County's median rent of $807 is $162 cheaper than Penobscot County ($997) and undercuts Somerset County ($887) by $80 monthly. Home values tell a similar story: Oxford median homes cost $192,300, below Somerset's $155,200 but more affordable than larger regional centers.
Rent Eats 16.7%, Mortgages Take More
Renters in Oxford County devote roughly $807 monthly to rent on a median income of $57,933, while homeowners face steeper monthly costs of $875. Together, housing consumes about 18% of household income for renters—a manageable share compared to national stress points above 30%.
Consider Oxford for Balanced Living
If you're weighing Maine counties, Oxford offers an affordable middle path: lower rent than Penobscot and York, but with incomes stable enough to make payments manageable. Start your search here if you value small-town access without the premium price tags of coastal Maine.
At $57,933, Oxford County's median household income sits 22.5% below the U.S. median of $74,755. This places the county near the lower end of national income distribution, reflecting Maine's broader economic patterns of smaller towns and rural employment.
Below-average income within Maine
Oxford County ranks in the lower half of Maine's 16 counties, earning $8,939 less than the state median of $66,872. Only five Maine counties report lower household incomes than Oxford's current level.
Moderate income compared to nearby counties
Oxford County's $57,933 median exceeds Washington ($52,237) and Piscataquis ($55,234) counties but trails Waldo County's $68,441. Among rural central Maine peers, Oxford holds middle ground in earning potential.
Housing costs manageable but tight
With a rent-to-income ratio of 16.7%, Oxford County households spend a reasonable share of earnings on housing—well below the 30% affordability threshold. However, median home values of $192,300 require substantial savings discipline for homeownership.
Build financial security starting today
Oxford County residents earning $57,933 can benefit from automatic savings plans and employer retirement matching—even modest contributions compound significantly over time. Starting a dedicated investment account now, even with small amounts, bridges the gap between current income and long-term wealth.
At 76.1 years, Oxford County's life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 76.4 years by just three months—a solid baseline for this rural Maine community. The county's 17.7% poor or fair health rating sits slightly above national norms, suggesting room for health improvement across the population.
Middle of Maine's Health Rankings
Oxford County's 76.1-year life expectancy falls 0.6 years below Maine's state average of 76.7 years, placing it in the middle tier of the state's 16 counties. With 17.7% reporting poor or fair health, the county tracks closely to statewide patterns for this rural region.
Oxford Outperforms Some Neighbors
Oxford County's life expectancy of 76.1 years edges ahead of Somerset County (74.4) and Piscataquis County (75.4), but trails neighboring Waldo County (76.5) by half a year. For primary care access, Oxford's 67 providers per 100,000 residents sits between smaller rural counties and better-served areas like Penobscot.
Healthcare Access Challenges Linger
Oxford County's 11.0% uninsured rate exceeds Maine's state average of 9.4%, leaving roughly 1 in 9 residents without coverage. The county has 67 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, below Penobscot's 136 but better served for mental health with 306 providers per 100,000.
Explore Your Coverage Options Today
With 11% of Oxford County residents uninsured, now is the time to explore available health plans through Maine's marketplace and community health centers. Visit maine.gov/portal/health or call local providers to learn about affordable coverage options tailored to your needs.
Oxford County's composite risk score of 65.90 places it in the relatively low category, but it exceeds the typical U.S. county baseline. This reflects elevated exposure to coastal hazards—particularly hurricane and flood risks—that characterize Maine's natural disaster profile. While tornado and wildfire threats remain minimal, the county's overall vulnerability merits proactive preparation.
Moderate risk among Maine counties
Oxford County's 65.90 score ranks it in the middle range of Maine's 16 counties, sitting above the state average of 56.75. This places it as a moderate-concern area compared to lower-risk counties like Sagadahoc and Waldo, but below higher-risk neighbors like York. The county's position reflects its mixed exposure to multiple hazard types across its rural and suburban landscapes.
Higher risk than western neighbors
Oxford's 65.90 score exceeds nearby Somerset County (67.94, actually slightly higher) and significantly surpasses Piscataquis County to the north at 52.35. Among its peers, Oxford carries elevated risk primarily due to hurricane exposure (86.11) and flood vulnerability (73.25), which outpace the inland counties of western Maine. Residents share similar coastal storm exposure as much of southern Maine.
Hurricanes and floods dominate here
Hurricane risk in Oxford County reaches 86.11, making tropical storms the leading natural hazard threat to homes and infrastructure. Flood risk at 73.25 compounds this danger, particularly in river valleys and low-lying areas where water accumulation after heavy precipitation is common. Tornado and wildfire risks remain minimal (16.70 and 27.23 respectively), allowing residents to focus preparedness efforts on storm and water damage protection.
Prioritize flood and storm coverage
Standard homeowners insurance typically excludes flood damage; Oxford County residents should strongly consider standalone flood insurance given the 73.25 flood risk score. Wind and hail coverage becomes essential with a hurricane risk of 86.11, and reviewing policy limits ensures adequate protection against storm damage that exceeds typical deductibles. Elevation, proper drainage, and reinforced roofing are equally important investments for long-term protection.