countyscore
45.5
County Score
Health 52.6Weather & Climate 49.9Cost of Living 49.8

County Report Card

About Oxford County, Maine

Oxford County's National Standing

Oxford County earns a composite score of 45.2, placing it just below the national median of 50.0. While it trails the national average, it maintains a solid baseline for overall livability.

Comparing Oxford to the Pine Tree State

The county's composite score of 45.2 sits slightly behind the Maine state average of 48.0. It ranks as a more affordable, rural alternative compared to the state's more populous coastal hubs.

Affordability and Health Lead the Way

Oxford excels in health with a score of 52.6 and housing affordability at 52.2. Median gross rent remains accessible at $807, significantly lower than many neighboring regions.

Navigating Economic and Environmental Hurdles

The county faces challenges in its income score of 32.6, reflected in a median household income of $57,933. Tax and risk scores of 31.5 and 34.1 also indicate room for improvement in fiscal and environmental resilience.

A Haven for the Budget-Conscious

Oxford County best suits residents prioritizing low housing costs and healthcare access over high-income potential. It is an ideal fit for retirees or remote workers looking for a quiet, affordable lifestyle.

2040608010036.149.845.952.649.834.334.135.249.9Tax36.1Cost49.8Safety45.9Health52.6Schools49.8Income34.3Risk34.1Water35.2Weather49.945.5/100
This county
National avg
4 below average

Oxford County DNA

Foverall

How Oxford County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Oxford County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Water Quality (35.2/100), though Health (52.6/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
36.1-15.899999999999999
Cost
49.8
Safety
45.9-9.100000000000001
Health
52.6
Schools
49.8
Income
34.3-16.700000000000003
Risk
34.1-12.899999999999999
Water
35.2-22.799999999999997
Weather
49.9
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Oxford County?

Many homeowners in Oxford County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$217,300

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$836/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$217,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$33,440/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $60,173/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

20.4

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Counties with similar scores

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Dubuque County
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McCracken County
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Lincoln County
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Lincoln County
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Nearby counties

Coos County
New Hampshire
41.4
Androscoggin County
Maine
38.5
Franklin County
Maine
54
Carroll County
New Hampshire
49.7
Essex County
Vermont
57.7
Cumberland County
Maine
47.7
Kennebec County
Maine
40.5
Sagadahoc County
Maine
55.3

Deep Dives

Oxford County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Oxford County

via TaxByCounty

Oxford taxes below U.S. median

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Oxford County

via IncomeByCounty

Oxford County trails national income benchmark

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Oxford County

via CrimeByCounty

Oxford County remains safer than national average

Oxford County boasts a high safety score of 98.1, outperforming most of the United States. Its total crime rate of 1,211.5 per 100,000 residents is nearly half the national average of 2,385.5.

Oxford County near Maine safety average

The county's safety score of 98.1 sits just below the Maine state average of 98.3. While it is extremely safe by national standards, its total crime rate is slightly higher than the state average of 1,084.3 per 100,000.

Comparing Oxford to its rural neighbors

Oxford County's crime rate of 1,211.5 per 100,000 is higher than nearby Piscataquis County, which reports a lower rate of 956.5. However, Oxford remains more secure than neighboring Penobscot County's rate of 1,756.5.

Property crime drives local statistics

Property crime accounts for the vast majority of local incidents with 1,139.4 reports per 100,000 people. Violent crime remains remarkably low at 72.1 per 100,000, which is less than a quarter of the national violent crime rate.

Enhance your home security today

Since property crime is the primary safety concern, residents should prioritize basic security measures like motion-sensor lighting and deadbolt locks. Simple precautions significantly reduce the risk of theft and property damage.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Oxford County

via WeatherByCounty

A rugged continental climate in Oxford

Oxford County’s average annual temperature of 42.6°F sits nearly 12 degrees below the national median. This humid continental environment is shaped by high elevations and northern latitudes.

Cooler than the Maine average

The county remains cooler than the Maine state average of 43.8°F. This gap reflects its mountainous interior geography compared to the state's more temperate coastal zones.

Warmer than Somerset, cooler than Penobscot

Oxford is significantly warmer than neighboring Somerset County, which averages just 40.7°F. However, it stays nearly a full degree cooler than Penobscot County’s 43.3°F average.

Oxford's deep snow and mild summers

Winters are intense with 95.9 inches of annual snowfall and a January average of 16.1°F. Summers are comfortable, seeing only 4 days above 90°F and a July average of 67.1°F.

Prepare for the mountain chill

Residents should invest in heavy-duty snow removal equipment to handle the nearly eight feet of annual snow. High-efficiency heating systems or wood stoves are vital for the 19.2°F winter average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Oxford County

via SoilByCounty

Oxford County's Acidic Ground

While specific taxonomic data for Oxford County is limited, its soils likely mirror the intensely acidic state average pH of 3.88. This level sits significantly lower than the national median pH of 6.5, which defines the management needs for local crops.

Glacial Origins and Soil Texture

Specific sand and clay percentages are not recorded, but the region is dominated by glacial till textures. This geologic heritage influences how easily the earth can be worked and how well it retains vital nutrients for forest and farm growth.

Massive Organic Matter Potential

Maine leads the nation with an average organic matter content of 35.77%, far exceeding the 2.0% national average. Oxford likely shares this high-carbon foundation, supported by a state average water capacity of 0.242 in/in that helps plants survive dry spells.

Managing Water on the Landscape

Detailed drainage class data is currently unavailable, requiring residents to observe local runoff patterns before building. Understanding how your specific site handles water is the first step toward successful gardening and stable construction.

Hardy Crops for Zone 5a

The county falls within USDA Hardiness Zone 5a, favoring cold-hardy perennials and short-season vegetables. You can find great success with apples and root crops if you work with the naturally acidic environment.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Oxford County

via LawnByCounty

Managing Lawns in Oxford County

Oxford County earns a 49.0 lawn difficulty score, placing it just slightly below the Maine state average of 49.8. This Zone 5a region offers a slightly more challenging environment for turf compared to the national median of 50.0.

Ample Rain and Mild Summer Heat

The county receives 47.3 inches of annual precipitation, which is ideal for maintaining lush cool-season grasses. With only 4 extreme heat days per year and 1,849 growing degree days, lawns here escape the scorching stress common in southern states.

Testing Your Mountain Soil Foundation

Local soil data is currently limited, making a professional home test the best first step for new lawns. Most Maine soils require periodic lime applications to move toward the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 pH range for healthy grass.

Combatting Severe Local Drought Conditions

Currently, 77.2% of the county faces severe drought, requiring careful water management after 41 weeks of dry spells this past year. Homeowners should focus on deep watering twice a week to build the deep root systems necessary for survival.

Best Grasses for Oxford's Climate

Kentucky Bluegrass and Fine Fescues thrive in Zone 5a if planted between the May 17th spring frost and the October 1st fall frost. These varieties provide the cold hardiness needed to survive the county's average 16.1°F January temperatures.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Oxford County's county score?
Oxford County, Maine has a composite county score of 45.5 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 Oxford County rank among counties in Maine?
Oxford County ranks #12 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 Oxford County, Maine?
The median annual property tax in Oxford County is $2,162, with an effective tax rate of 0.99%. This earns Oxford County a tax score of 36.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Oxford County?
The median household income in Oxford County, Maine is $60,173 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Oxford County earns an income score of 34.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Oxford County, Maine a good place to live?
Oxford County scores 45.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #12 in Maine. The best way to evaluate Oxford 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 Oxford County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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