countyscore
49.7
County Score
Cost of Living 62.3Health 60.1Safety 58.5

County Report Card

About Piscataquis County, Maine

Piscataquis County Meets the National Mark

Piscataquis County achieves a composite score of 49.7, essentially matching the national median of 50.0. This puts it in the middle of the pack for overall quality of life across the United States.

Leading the Maine State Average

At 49.7, the county outperforms the Maine state average of 48.0. This ranking establishes Piscataquis as a high-performing rural option within the state.

Exceptional Value and Safety

Housing affordability is a major draw with a cost score of 62.3 and home values averaging $153,300. The county also boasts strong health and safety scores of 60.1 and 58.5.

Low Incomes and Water Infrastructure

Income remains a challenge with a score of 25.4 and a median household income of $55,234. Furthermore, the water score of 11.6 suggests significant infrastructure needs for local residents.

Safe, Affordable, and Rugged Living

This county is perfect for families seeking a safe, low-cost environment where they can build home equity quickly. It appeals to those who don't mind a modest income in exchange for peace and quiet.

2040608010040.462.358.560.136.225.447.711.649.9Tax40.4Cost62.3Safety58.5Health60.1Schools36.2Income25.4Risk47.7Water11.6Weather49.949.7/100
This county
National avg
2 above average4 below average

Piscataquis County DNA

Foverall

How Piscataquis County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Piscataquis County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (62.3/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (11.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
40.4-11.600000000000001
Cost
62.3+14.299999999999997
Safety
58.5
Health
60.1+10.100000000000001
Schools
36.2-17.799999999999997
Income
25.4-25.6
Risk
47.7
Water
11.6-46.4
Weather
49.9
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$153,300

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$807/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$153,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$32,280/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $55,234/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

35.0

per 100K

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

Explore this county

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Nearby counties

Somerset County
Maine
41.3
Penobscot County
Maine
38.7
Franklin County
Maine
54.8
Aroostook County
Maine
48.7
Waldo County
Maine
53.9
Kennebec County
Maine
40.2
Hancock County
Maine
51.2
Washington County
Maine
52.8

Deep Dives

Piscataquis County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Piscataquis County

via TaxByCounty

Piscataquis offers lowest tax rates

Piscataquis County's effective tax rate of 0.970% is among the lowest in the nation, well below the U.S. median of 1.1%. The county's median property tax of just $1,487 is less than 55% of the national median of $2,690, reflecting both low tax rates and more modest property values.

Maine's most tax-friendly county

Piscataquis County boasts Maine's lowest effective tax rate at 0.970%, significantly below the state average of 1.107%. With a median tax of $1,487 against the state median of $2,598, Piscataquis is clearly the most affordable option for Maine property owners.

Clear winner in regional comparison

Piscataquis County's 0.970% rate substantially undercuts Oxford (1.094%), Penobscot (1.256%), and Somerset (1.159%) counties. This makes Piscataquis an outlier—the most tax-efficient county in central Maine.

Annual taxes of just $1,487

On a median home value of $153,300, Piscataquis County's 0.970% rate results in approximately $1,487 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages pay around $1,684 annually, making this the most affordable tax environment in Maine.

Verify assessments for additional savings

Even with Maine's lowest tax rates, Piscataquis homeowners should ensure their assessments reflect current market values. An appeal could uncover additional savings, however modest.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Piscataquis County

via CostByCounty

Piscataquis Keeps Housing Affordable

Piscataquis County renters spend 17.5% of income on rent, holding close to Maine's state average of 17.4% and well below national stress levels. Median household income of $55,234 is lower than the U.S. average, but housing costs scale proportionally, keeping affordability manageable.

Piscataquis Ranks Among Maine's Most Affordable

With a rent-to-income ratio of 17.5%, Piscataquis sits right at the state median, making it one of Maine's more affordable counties overall. This balance reflects both low housing costs and a cost-of-living structure suited to rural Maine's economic reality.

Piscataquis Ties Oxford in Affordability

Piscataquis and Oxford County both charge $807 in median rent, making them the most affordable options in the state's interior. Home values are lowest here at $153,300—$40,000 below Oxford—giving this remote county an edge for buyers on tight budgets.

Rents and Mortgages Both Low

Renters spend $807 monthly on a median income of $55,234, while homeowners pay just $738 in mortgage costs—the lowest in the region. Combined, housing accounts for roughly 18% of household income, a sustainable level for this rural Maine county.

Piscataquis: Maine's Best-Kept Bargain

If affordability is your priority and you embrace rural living, Piscataquis delivers the lowest home values and rents tied with Oxford County. This is Maine's sweet spot for relocating families seeking maximum housing stability on modest incomes.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Piscataquis County

via IncomeByCounty

Piscataquis County significantly below national norm

At $55,234, Piscataquis County's median household income trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by 26.1%—one of the widest gaps among Maine counties. This reflects the county's small population and limited job diversity.

Second-lowest income in Maine

Piscataquis County ranks among Maine's poorest counties, earning $11,638 less than the state median of $66,872. Only Washington County reports lower median household income statewide.

Struggling compared to surrounding counties

Piscataquis's $55,234 median ranks lowest among its regional peers—Oxford ($57,933), Somerset ($56,199), and Penobscot ($63,248) all report higher incomes. Economic opportunity concentrates in larger regional centers.

Housing remains affordable despite low wages

Piscataquis County's 17.5% rent-to-income ratio and low median home value of $153,300 make housing costs manageable relative to earnings. However, limited income leaves little margin for other essential expenses.

Every dollar counts in wealth building

Piscataquis County residents earning $55,234 should prioritize emergency savings first—even $50 monthly builds resilience against income shocks. Once stabilized, micro-investing platforms allow small regular contributions to grow over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Piscataquis County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional safety in Piscataquis County

Piscataquis County earns an elite safety score of 98.5. Its total crime rate of 956.5 per 100,000 is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

Safer than the Maine average

The county's total crime rate of 956.5 is lower than the Maine state average of 1,084.3. This ranks Piscataquis as one of the safer regions within the state, exceeding the state safety score average of 98.3.

Piscataquis leads neighbors in safety

Piscataquis County is considerably safer than neighboring Penobscot County, where the crime rate reaches 1,756.5. It also maintains a lower rate than Somerset County's 1,531.9 reports per 100,000.

Violent crime is rare locally

The county reports just 41.3 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, roughly half the state average of 82.4. Property crimes make up the majority of incidents at 915.2 per 100,000, but still remain low by national standards.

Keep your rural home secure

Low crime rates offer peace of mind, but residents should still secure outbuildings and seasonal properties. Basic measures like sturdy locks and property markings help maintain the county's high safety standards.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Piscataquis County

via SchoolsByCounty

Piscataquis County's Focused School System

Piscataquis County operates a compact system of 8 schools across 4 districts, serving 1,967 students. This intimate setup includes 4 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and 2 high schools.

Efficiency and Success in Rural Maine

The county achieves a strong 86.7% graduation rate, which actually exceeds the Maine state average of 86.1%. This success comes despite a lower per-pupil expenditure of $7,127 compared to the national average of $13,000.

RSU 68 and Local District Leadership

RSU 68/MSAD 68 is the largest district by enrollment, serving 668 students across 2 schools. The county does not host any charter schools, maintaining a traditional district-based approach to education.

The Ultimate Rural School Experience

Every single school in the county is located in a rural setting, fostering a tight-knit community feel. Average school size is 246 students, with Se Do Mo Cha Elementary leading at 373 pupils.

Rural Living Near Local Schools

For those seeking a small-town atmosphere, Piscataquis County offers some of the most intimate learning environments in Maine. Research local schools in Dover-Foxcroft to find a home in a high-performing rural district.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Piscataquis County

via RiskByCounty

Piscataquis is Maine's lowest-risk county

Piscataquis County's composite risk score of 52.35 places it in the relatively low category and actually falls below the Maine state average of 56.75. This northern inland county benefits from geographic isolation from coastal hazards and lower population density that reduces overall exposure to natural disasters. However, residents still face meaningful hurricane exposure (75.80) that can affect the region through tropical storm systems.

Among Maine's safest counties

Piscataquis County ranks near the bottom of Maine's natural disaster risk profile at 52.35, placing it among the state's lowest-risk areas alongside Sagadahoc and Waldo counties. Its composite score sits nearly 5 points below Maine's average, reflecting minimal exposure to tornadoes (8.87), earthquakes (40.62), and wildfires (9.16). The county's remote, forested character and limited urban infrastructure create a naturally resilient environment.

Safer than all surrounding counties

Piscataquis's 52.35 score ranks it as the lowest-risk county in its region, well below Penobscot County (78.02) to the east and Somerset County (67.94) to the south. Washington County (47.55) is the only northeastern Maine neighbor approaching similar risk levels, though Piscataquis's flood risk of 35.18 remains lower than Washington's 74.60. The county's inland location and forest-dominated landscape create a natural buffer against most major hazards.

Hurricanes present the main threat

Hurricane risk at 75.80 is Piscataquis County's primary natural disaster concern, though tropical storm impacts are less severe than in coastal Maine. Flood risk of 35.18 is relatively modest for Maine, making water damage less common than in downstream counties. Tornado (8.87) and wildfire (9.16) risks are negligible, allowing residents to concentrate preparedness efforts on wind and precipitation-related hazards from Atlantic storms.

Hurricane prep and basic insurance suffice

Standard homeowners insurance provides adequate coverage for Piscataquis County given the low composite risk of 52.35, though wind and hail endorsements strengthen hurricane preparedness. Flood insurance is less urgent than in coastal counties but may still benefit residents in river valleys and flood-prone neighborhoods. Regular maintenance, tree trimming, and roof reinforcement address the county's primary hurricane exposure more cost-effectively than comprehensive specialized coverage.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Piscataquis County

via WaterByCounty

Piscataquis County Drinking Water Snapshot

Piscataquis County faces significant compliance challenges, earning a Grade F with 23 health violations over five years. The county's violation rate of 277.4 per 100,000 residents is nearly double the Maine state average of 150.7.

Pristine Local Watershed Conditions

None of the 36 water bodies assessed in the 2022 ATTAINS cycle are classified as impaired. This 0% impairment rate indicates that Piscataquis County maintains superior surface water quality compared to the 18.3% state average.

Sparse Monitoring Activity Levels

With 433 measurements taken at 42 sites over five years, monitoring density is lower than in neighboring counties. Current efforts prioritize physical data and nutrient levels to track the health of these largely pristine waters.

High Flow on the Piscataquis River

The Piscataquis River at Medford is currently discharging 3,170 cfs, which is a robust 131% of its long-term mean. High flow volumes like this can sometimes lead to increased turbidity in untreated source water.

Focusing on Distribution Safety

The primary threat to water security here is drinking water compliance rather than watershed health. Residents should prioritize high-quality home filtration to protect against the specific contaminants that triggered the county's 23 health violations.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Piscataquis County

via WeatherByCounty

Deep northern cold in Piscataquis

Piscataquis County’s average annual temperature of 41.8°F is more than 12 degrees lower than the national median. This makes it one of the coldest inhabited regions in the eastern United States.

One of Maine's coldest counties

At 41.8°F, the county is significantly colder than the state average of 43.8°F. Only a few other interior counties share this level of sustained annual chill.

Slightly warmer than Somerset

Piscataquis is about one degree warmer than Somerset County’s 40.7°F average. However, it experiences more extreme winter cold than neighboring Penobscot County to the south.

A winter of long snows

The county averages 89.9 inches of snow per year with January temperatures dipping to 14.3°F. Summer brings just 3 days of extreme heat, keeping the July average at a pleasant 66.8°F.

Surviving the interior highlands

Backup power generators are a wise investment for rural residents during heavy snow events averaging 90 inches. Residents need high-performance winter gear to stay active during the 17.8°F winter average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Piscataquis County

via SoilByCounty

Wilderness Soils and High Acidity

As a heartland of Maine’s wilderness, Piscataquis likely shares the state’s sharp average pH of 3.88. This level is starkly acidic compared to the national 6.5 median and defines the native plant communities found here.

Physical Traits of Northern Soils

Composition data for sand and clay is not currently available for this remote county. However, the stony nature of the northern woods often dictates the drainage and workability of the land for any prospective project.

Nutrient-Dense Organic Horizons

Maine’s soils are exceptionally rich in organic matter, averaging 35.77% compared to just 2.0% nationwide. This organic legacy provides a strong foundation for plant growth once the natural acidity is balanced with appropriate amendments.

Observing Seasonal Water Movement

With specific drainage classes unrecorded, local land use depends on carefully observing how water moves across your property. Identifying your hydrologic group is a vital first step for any sustainable development or farm plan.

Short-Season Success in Zone 5a

Situated in Hardiness Zone 5a, the county is perfect for cold-hardy berries and short-season crops. Embrace the northern climate by planting varieties specifically bred for shorter growing windows.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Piscataquis County

via LawnByCounty

Lawn Care in the North Woods

Piscataquis County scores a 55.5 for lawn difficulty, making it easier to grow grass here than in many other Maine counties. This Zone 5a region offers a more favorable growing environment than the national median score of 50.0.

Cool Summers and Abundant Rain

Annual precipitation of 46.4 inches keeps the landscape hydrated, while only 3 extreme heat days per year protect grass from wilting. The mild July average of 66.8°F is perfect for cool-season turf varieties.

Establishing a Strong Soil Base

Specific soil data for this area is not currently available, so testing your own yard is essential for success. Most local lawns require regular fertilization and pH adjustments to compensate for the naturally acidic forest soils of the region.

Strong Drought Resilience Scores

Only 29.6% of the county is currently experiencing severe drought, though 100% of the area remains abnormally dry. The 29 weeks of drought over the past year suggest that keeping a rain gauge is a smart move for precision watering.

Seeding Tips for Piscataquis County

Plant your seeds between the May 15th spring frost and the October 1st fall frost to ensure proper root development. Kentucky Bluegrass is highly recommended for its ability to go dormant and survive the cold 14.3°F January winters.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Piscataquis County's county score?
Piscataquis County, Maine has a composite county score of 49.7 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 Piscataquis County rank among counties in Maine?
Piscataquis County ranks #8 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 Piscataquis County, Maine?
The median annual property tax in Piscataquis County is $1,487, with an effective tax rate of 0.97%. This earns Piscataquis County a tax score of 40.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Piscataquis County?
The median household income in Piscataquis County, Maine is $55,234 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Piscataquis County earns an income score of 25.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Piscataquis County, Maine a good place to live?
Piscataquis County scores 49.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #8 in Maine. The best way to evaluate Piscataquis 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 Piscataquis County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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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.