countyscore
38.7
County Score
Health 60.1Lawn Care 57.8Schools 55.2

County Report Card

About Penobscot County, Maine

Penobscot County in the National Landscape

With a composite score of 38.7, Penobscot County ranks significantly below the national median score of 50.0. This reflects a unique set of regional pressures that distinguish it from the national average.

A Notable Gap from State Averages

Penobscot's score of 38.7 is nearly ten points lower than the Maine state average of 48.0. This gap highlights a distinct economic profile compared to the state's more prosperous southern counties.

Healthcare and Education are Regional Assets

The county's strongest dimensions are health at 60.1 and schools at 55.2. These figures demonstrate a robust public infrastructure for families and those requiring consistent medical care.

Addressing High Costs and Environmental Risk

Environmental risk and tax scores are low at 22.0 and 22.9, respectively, indicating a high effective tax rate of 1.256%. Safety and cost scores also trail at 27.5 and 31.2, suggesting localized urban challenges.

Supportive Infrastructure for Civic-Minded Residents

Penobscot County is best for those who value strong school systems and healthcare access despite higher tax burdens. It serves as a regional service hub that provides essential amenities to Central Maine.

Score breakdown

Tax22.9Cost31.2Safety27.5Health60.1Schools55.2Income49Risk22Water45.6Weather50.5
🏛22.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠31.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼49
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡27.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤60.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓55.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡22
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧45.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤50.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱57.8
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

Piscataquis County
Maine
49.7
Hancock County
Maine
51.2
Washington County
Maine
52.8
Waldo County
Maine
53.9
Somerset County
Maine
41.3
Kennebec County
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40.2
Knox County
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50.5
Franklin County
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Deep Dives

Penobscot County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Penobscot County

via TaxByCounty

Penobscot taxes higher than U.S. median

Penobscot County's effective tax rate of 1.256% exceeds the national median of 1.1%, placing it in the higher half of American counties. Despite lower home values than the national median, the county's tax rate of 1.256% results in a median property tax of $2,435, which is lower than the national figure of $2,690.

Penobscot rates rank above state average

At 1.256%, Penobscot County's effective tax rate is notably higher than Maine's state average of 1.107%, placing it in the upper tier of Maine counties. The county's median tax of $2,435 exceeds the statewide median of $2,598 when adjusted for home value differences.

Among Maine's highest tax counties

Penobscot County's 1.256% rate is the highest among the central Maine counties examined, exceeding Oxford (1.094%) and significantly higher than Piscataquis (0.970%). This elevated rate reflects the regional economic and municipal service structures of Maine's population center.

Higher rates push tax bills up

On a median home value of $193,800, Penobscot County's 1.256% rate translates to approximately $2,435 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay around $2,718 annually, making Penobscot among the costlier counties in Maine.

Assessment appeals worth exploring

With Penobscot County's relatively high tax rates, homeowners should verify their assessments are accurate. Even small reductions in assessed value can yield significant annual savings given the county's elevated effective rate.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Penobscot County

via CostByCounty

Penobscot Faces Rising Affordability Strain

Penobscot County renters spend 18.9% of their income on rent, exceeding both Maine's state average (17.4%) and the national benchmark. With median household income at $63,248—15% below the U.S. average of $74,755—housing cost growth is outpacing wage growth here.

Affordability Weakens in Central Maine

Penobscot County ranks near the bottom of Maine counties for housing affordability, with a rent-to-income ratio of 18.9% significantly above the state average. This positions it among Maine's least affordable regions, driven by rising rents that haven't kept pace with wage stagnation.

Penobscot Rents Lead the Pack

At $997 monthly, Penobscot rents are the highest among its peers—$190 above Oxford County ($807) and $110 above Somerset County ($887). Only York County ($1,239) and Sagadahoc County ($1,050) command higher rents, making this a tight rental market.

Nearly One-Fifth Goes to Rent

Renters here spend $997 monthly on rent against a median income of $63,248, consuming 18.9% of household earnings. Homeowners face $968 monthly mortgage costs, meaning combined housing costs for both renters and owners near the stress threshold of 20%.

Weigh Penobscot Against Regional Options

Penobscot's rising rents and tight affordability make it worth comparing to less-pressured neighbors like Oxford or Washington counties. If you're relocating to central Maine, scout surrounding areas where housing costs haven't yet reached Penobscot's premium levels.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Penobscot County

via IncomeByCounty

Penobscot County income lags U.S. average

Penobscot County's median household income of $63,248 falls 15.4% short of the national median of $74,755. Despite being Maine's most populous county, it reflects the state's rural and post-industrial economic reality.

Middle-ranking income across Maine counties

Penobscot County earns $3,624 less than Maine's state median of $66,872, placing it in the middle tier of the state's 16 counties. It exceeds six lower-income counties but trails eight wealthier ones.

Competitive with regional peers

Penobscot's $63,248 median outpaces Washington ($52,237), Piscataquis ($55,234), and Somerset ($56,199) counties, but trails Waldo ($68,441) and significantly lags coastal York ($82,904) and Sagadahoc ($82,080). The gap widens toward Maine's more affluent southern regions.

Rental costs rising relative to wages

Penobscot County's 18.9% rent-to-income ratio approaches the affordability ceiling, meaning housing consumes a growing share of household budgets. At this level, unexpected expenses or income loss creates genuine financial stress for renters.

Strategic planning offsets income constraints

Penobscot County earners can maximize employer benefits, especially 401(k) matches, to accelerate retirement savings despite moderate wages. Consider low-cost index funds and automated monthly investments to build wealth incrementally.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Penobscot County

via CrimeByCounty

Penobscot maintains strong safety score

With a safety score of 97.2, Penobscot County offers a secure environment for its residents. The total crime rate of 1,756.5 per 100,000 remains well below the national benchmark of 2,385.5.

Higher crime compared to Maine average

Penobscot's total crime rate of 1,756.5 per 100,000 is significantly higher than the Maine average of 1,084.3. This puts the county's safety score of 97.2 slightly behind the state average of 98.3.

Penobscot versus its regional neighbors

Penobscot County reports more crime than neighboring Somerset County, which has a rate of 1,531.9 per 100,000. It also sees nearly double the crime rate of Piscataquis County at 956.5 per 100,000.

Violent crime remains exceptionally low

Despite higher property crime rates of 1,698.8 per 100,000, Penobscot maintains a low violent crime rate of 57.7. This violent crime rate is significantly lower than the Maine state average of 82.4.

Stay vigilant against property crime

With property crimes representing the bulk of local reports, investing in a home security system is a wise step. Visible cameras and smart locks serve as effective deterrents against opportunistic theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Penobscot County

via HealthByCounty

Penobscot County Lags National Health

Penobscot County's life expectancy of 75.3 years falls 1.1 years below the U.S. average of 76.4, signaling persistent health challenges in Maine's third-most-populous county. The 15.9% poor or fair health rate is slightly lower than the national average, though life expectancy tells a concerning story.

Below Maine Average Despite Resources

At 75.3 years, Penobscot County's life expectancy sits 1.4 years below Maine's 76.7-year state average, placing it among the state's weaker-performing counties. This gap is noteworthy because Penobscot hosts Maine's second-largest city, Bangor, and has relatively robust healthcare infrastructure.

Strong Provider Access, Weaker Outcomes

Penobscot County leads the state with 136 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and a robust 668 mental health providers per 100,000—significantly above neighbors like Oxford (67 and 306, respectively). Yet its 75.3-year life expectancy remains below peers, suggesting access alone doesn't guarantee better health outcomes.

Uninsured Rate Slightly Below State Norm

Penobscot County's 8.8% uninsured rate is better than Maine's 9.4% average, meaning most residents have coverage—yet life expectancy remains stubbornly low. The county's strong provider networks (136 primary care, 668 mental health per 100K) suggest systemic or behavioral health factors may be limiting life expectancy gains.

Coverage Gaps Persist Despite Low Rates

While Penobscot's uninsured rate is lower than state average, 8.8% of residents still lack health insurance—leaving potential health gains on the table. Reach out to Bangor-area community health centers or maine.gov to confirm your coverage and access preventive care today.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Penobscot County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse and Large Educational Network

Penobscot County supports a massive network of 67 schools across 24 districts, educating 19,128 students. The infrastructure is robust, featuring 35 elementary schools and 14 high schools to serve a growing population.

Meeting State Benchmarks in Penobscot

The county's graduation rate of 86.1% perfectly matches the Maine state average. With per-pupil spending at $9,382, the county stays close to the state investment level of $9,738 while maintaining a solid school score of 56.6.

Bangor Public Schools Set the Pace

Bangor Public Schools is the largest district, managing 10 schools and 3,454 students. The county relies entirely on traditional public schools, as there are zero charter schools among the 67 facilities.

Urban Hubs and Rural Outposts

This county offers rare locale diversity for Maine, featuring 11 city schools and 13 suburban schools alongside 42 rural sites. Bangor High School is the largest campus with 1,107 students, while the countywide average school size is 299.

Settling Down Near Bangor Schools

Whether you prefer the amenities of Bangor or a suburban feel in Brewer, Penobscot County offers diverse school environments. Use school performance data to guide your home search in this central Maine hub.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Penobscot County

via RiskByCounty

Penobscot County faces above-average risk

Penobscot County's composite risk score of 78.02 places it in the relatively low category but well above the national average, reflecting substantial exposure to multiple natural hazards. The county experiences notably elevated risks across earthquakes (79.13), hurricanes (86.69), and floods (83.02), which collectively create a complex disaster profile. This regional vulnerability stems from Penobscot's location in a seismic zone combined with its susceptibility to Atlantic tropical storms.

Second-highest risk in Maine

Penobscot County ranks as the highest-risk county in Maine with its 78.02 score, surpassed only by York County's 81.46. This score significantly exceeds Maine's state average of 56.75, placing Penobscot among the state's most hazard-exposed communities. The county's comprehensive vulnerability across flood, earthquake, and hurricane threats distinguishes it as a regional priority for disaster preparedness.

Riskiest county in northern Maine

Penobscot's 78.02 score far exceeds neighboring Piscataquis County (52.35) to the west and Washington County (47.55) to the east. The county's exposure to seismic activity (79.13 earthquake risk) sets it apart from its more rural neighbors, whose lower composite scores reflect reduced infrastructure concentration and flood exposure. Penobscot residents face measurably higher overall risk than any comparable northern Maine county.

Floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes

Flood risk peaks at 83.02 in Penobscot County, making water damage the most prevalent hazard across residential and commercial properties. Hurricanes score 86.69, creating significant storm surge and wind damage potential, while earthquake risk at 79.13 remains an often-overlooked threat that can trigger secondary flooding and infrastructure failures. Together, these three hazards account for the majority of Penobscot's elevated composite risk.

Prepare for water and seismic threats

Flood insurance is not optional in Penobscot County given the 83.02 flood risk score; standard homeowners policies do not cover flood damage from any source. Earthquake insurance should also be considered, as Penobscot's 79.13 earthquake risk is substantially higher than most U.S. counties and can cause foundation damage, structural failure, and triggering of secondary hazards. Wind and hail endorsements complement these coverages to address hurricane exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Penobscot County

via WeatherByCounty

Penobscot's brisk northern character

With an annual average of 43.3°F, Penobscot County is over 10 degrees cooler than the median U.S. county. Its climate features the sharp seasonal shifts typical of the humid continental North.

Mirroring the state average

The county's 43.3°F average closely tracks the overall Maine state average of 43.8°F. It serves as a representative middle ground between the state's frigid interior and warmer coast.

Milder than its northern neighbors

Penobscot enjoys a warmer profile than Piscataquis County, which averages only 41.8°F. It also receives about 12 inches less annual snowfall than the 89.9 inches seen in Piscataquis.

Cold winters and short heatwaves

January temperatures average 16.1°F, contributing to a substantial 77.4 inches of annual snowfall. The county typically experiences 4 days of extreme heat above 90°F during the July peak.

Equipping for the Penobscot seasons

Homeowners prioritize winterization and insulation to combat the 19.6°F average winter temperature. Reliable snow tires are essential for navigating the nearly 80 inches of annual accumulation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Penobscot County

via SoilByCounty

The Acidic Profile of Penobscot

Penobscot lacks specific pH readings, but it typically aligns with Maine's extremely acidic state average of 3.88. This acidity is a hallmark of the northern woods and sits well below the 6.5 national median pH.

Understanding Local Soil Makeup

Precise sand and silt ratios remain undocumented for the county, though the region is known for its complex glacial history. This mineral mix determines the physical structure and workability of the ground for farmers and gardeners alike.

Maine's Rich Carbon Legacy

The state boasts an incredible 35.77% average organic matter, a level that dwarfs the 2.0% national average. While Penobscot's specific water capacity is missing, the state's 0.242 in/in benchmark points to high water retention potential in most areas.

Hydrologic Groups and Drainage

Hydrologic data is currently limited, so builders should conduct on-site inspections to determine drainage speed. Identifying your soil's drainage class is essential for protecting home foundations and ensuring healthy root development.

Resilient Gardening in Zone 5a

This Zone 5a region supports hardy staples like kale, peas, and blueberries that thrive in cooler temperatures. Start your garden today to take full advantage of the county's long summer daylight hours.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Penobscot County

via LawnByCounty

Penobscot County’s High Lawn Success Score

With a lawn difficulty score of 57.8, Penobscot County is one of the easier places in Maine to maintain a yard. This Zone 5a region significantly outperforms both the state average of 49.8 and the national median of 50.0.

Productive Seasons and Plentiful Moisture

The area averages 43.8 inches of rain annually, which provides a steady supply of moisture for growing turf. A robust 1,963 growing degree days ensures that grass has enough warmth to establish firmly before the winter freeze.

Preparing Your Penobscot Soil

While specific regional soil metrics are unavailable, lawns in this part of Maine often benefit from aeration and organic compost. A site-specific test is recommended to ensure your soil provides the nutrients needed for a dense, weed-resistant lawn.

Navigating Moderate Drought Challenges

Severe drought currently affects 36.5% of the county, a more manageable figure than many neighboring coastal areas. To protect your lawn through the 31 annual weeks of drought, maintain a mowing height of at least three inches to shade the soil.

Seeding for Success in Zone 5a

The prime growing window opens after the May 8th spring frost and lasts until the first frost on October 4th. Choose Perennial Ryegrass or Tall Fescue blends for a resilient lawn that can handle the county's variable conditions.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Penobscot County's county score?
Penobscot County, Maine has a composite county score of 38.7 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 Penobscot County rank among counties in Maine?
Penobscot County ranks #15 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 Penobscot County, Maine?
The median annual property tax in Penobscot County is $2,435, with an effective tax rate of 1.26%. This earns Penobscot County a tax score of 22.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Penobscot County?
The median household income in Penobscot County, Maine is $63,248 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Penobscot County earns an income score of 49/100 on CountyScore.
Is Penobscot County, Maine a good place to live?
Penobscot County scores 38.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #15 in Maine. The best way to evaluate Penobscot 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 Penobscot County with other counties side by side.

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🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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