countyscore
55.3
County Score
Income & Jobs 88.7Water Quality 86Health 82.6

County Report Card

About Sagadahoc County, Maine

Sagadahoc Outshines the National Median

With a score of 54.7, Sagadahoc County comfortably exceeds the national median of 50.0. This ranking indicates a superior quality of life compared to the majority of American counties.

A Top Performer in Maine

Sagadahoc's score of 54.7 is much higher than the state average of 48.0. It represents a premier destination for those seeking the best of what Maine has to offer.

Wealth, Health, and Pure Water

The county posts elite scores for water quality at 86.0 and income at 85.8, with median earnings of $82,080. Health and risk resilience also score high at 82.6 and 76.7, respectively.

The High Price of Quality Living

Success comes at a premium, as seen in the cost score of 17.2 and median home values of $300,200. Residents also face a tax score of 29.9, reflecting a 1.121% effective tax rate.

Premier Coastal Living for Professionals

Sagadahoc County is the ideal choice for high-earning professionals and families who prioritize safety and public health. It offers a refined lifestyle for those who have the means to navigate a tighter housing market.

2040608010032.517.671.282.65788.776.78654Tax32.5Cost17.6Safety71.2Health82.6Schools57Income88.7Risk76.7Water86Weather5455.3/100
This county
National avg
5 above average2 below average

Sagadahoc County DNA

Foverall

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

Sagadahoc County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (88.7/100) but notably weak in Cost of Living (17.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
32.5-19.5
Cost
17.6-30.4
Safety
71.2+16.200000000000003
Health
82.6+32.599999999999994
Schools
57
Income
88.7+37.7
Risk
76.7+29.700000000000003
Water
86+28
Weather
54
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Compare mortgage rates in Sagadahoc County

Whether buying or refinancing in Sagadahoc County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$333,300

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,098/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$333,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$43,920/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $87,806/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

29.7

per 100K

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

Deep Dives

Sagadahoc County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Sagadahoc County

via TaxByCounty

Higher values drive bigger tax bills

Sagadahoc County's effective tax rate of 1.121% slightly exceeds the national median of 1.1%, but its median home value of $300,200 far surpasses the national average of $281,900. This combination produces a median property tax of $3,365, which is 25% higher than the national median of $2,690.

Slightly above Maine's tax average

Sagadahoc County's effective rate of 1.121% marginally exceeds Maine's state average of 1.107%, placing it just above the middle of Maine counties. The county's median tax of $3,365 is notably higher than the statewide median of $2,598, reflecting stronger property values in the region.

Highest-value homes in coastal Maine

Sagadahoc County's median home value of $300,200 is substantially higher than neighboring Waldo ($239,100) and York ($357,200) counties. The combination of moderately high tax rates and premium property values makes Sagadahoc's tax bills among Maine's steepest.

Premium homes, premium tax bills

On Sagadahoc County's median home value of $300,200, the 1.121% rate translates to approximately $3,365 in annual property taxes. This is the second-highest median tax burden among Maine's 16 counties, reflecting both strong valuations and solid tax rates.

High values mean big appeal potential

With Sagadahoc's elevated property valuations, assessment errors can cost thousands annually. A professional appeal or reassessment challenge could recover substantial funds for homeowners.

Income & Jobs in Sagadahoc County

via IncomeByCounty

Sagadahoc County exceeds national income standard

At $82,080, Sagadahoc County's median household income surpasses the U.S. median of $74,755 by 9.7%, making it one of Maine's most affluent counties. This coastal county benefits from higher-wage employment and proximity to growth regions.

Top earner among Maine counties

Sagadahoc County ranks second-highest in Maine, earning $15,208 more than the state median of $66,872. Only York County—Maine's wealthiest—reports higher median household income.

Clear income advantage in region

Sagadahoc's $82,080 median significantly exceeds neighboring Waldo ($68,441), Oxford ($57,933), and all inland counties, matching only York County ($82,904). The coastal location unlocks economic opportunities unavailable inland.

Strong income covers rising housing costs

Sagadahoc County's 15.3% rent-to-income ratio is the state's lowest, providing comfortable affordability despite median home values of $300,200. Higher wages insulate households from housing cost volatility.

Leverage income advantage for long-term growth

Sagadahoc County residents earning $82,080 can aggressively fund retirement accounts and diversified investment portfolios beyond employer plans. Consider working with a financial advisor to optimize tax efficiency and wealth accumulation strategies.

Safety in Sagadahoc County

via CrimeByCounty

Sagadahoc among the nation's safest counties

Sagadahoc County boasts an impressive safety score of 98.9. Its total crime rate of 688.9 per 100,000 is roughly 71% lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Exceeding Maine's high safety standards

With a total crime rate of 688.9, Sagadahoc is much safer than the state average of 1,084.3. Its safety score of 98.9 is significantly higher than the Maine average of 98.3.

Sagadahoc outperforms coastal neighbors

Sagadahoc County maintains a much lower crime rate than neighboring York County, which reports 1,287.4 incidents per 100,000. It is nearly twice as safe as Oxford County based on total crime rates.

Minimal violent and property crime

Violent crime is very low at 43.4 per 100,000, while property crime stands at 645.5. These numbers reflect an environment where serious safety incidents are infrequent occurrences.

Proactive steps for home safety

Maintain your home's high safety by installing smart doorbells or basic alarm systems. These deterrents help keep Sagadahoc one of the most secure counties in the state.

Weather & Climate in Sagadahoc County

via WeatherByCounty

Coastal moderation in Sagadahoc

Sagadahoc County averages 44.6°F annually, which is nearly 10 degrees cooler than the national median. Its position along the Atlantic coast prevents the extreme temperature swings found inland.

Warmer than the Maine average

The county is notably warmer than the state average of 43.8°F due to the ocean's influence. It ranks as one of the milder regions in the state, particularly during the winter months.

Comparable to Waldo County

Sagadahoc’s 44.6°F average is very similar to Waldo County at 44.1°F. It stays warmer than inland Penobscot, which averages 43.3°F and sees more volatile seasonal shifts.

Milder winters and rare heat

Winter temperatures average 23.1°F, which is several degrees higher than the state interior. Extreme heat is rare here, with only 2 days per year reaching 90°F or higher.

Managing coastal moisture

With 48.5 inches of annual precipitation, moisture control and dehumidification are key for local homeowners. The 71.8 inches of snow is manageable, but coastal icing remains a frequent winter concern.

Soil Quality in Sagadahoc County

via SoilByCounty

Coastal Soils with Acidic Character

Sagadahoc likely follows the state's acidic trend, where the average pH of 3.88 sits far below the national 6.5 mark. This acidity is a key consideration when choosing which ornamental or crop plants to put in the ground.

Sediment and Coastal Texture

Detailed texture data for sand and silt is currently missing, though coastal influences often create unique pockets of sandy sediment. These variations determine how quickly your garden drains after a heavy Maine rainstorm.

Exceptional Organic Matter Levels

The state’s high 35.77% organic matter suggests a nutrient-dense environment for Sagadahoc growers. This far exceeds the national average of 2.0%, offering significant potential for sustainable organic gardening.

Building on Coastal Ground

Specific hydrologic groups are currently unavailable for the county, making site-specific testing important for builders. Proper drainage ensures that coastal moisture doesn't lead to saturated plant roots or unstable foundations.

Milder Planting in Zone 5b

Enjoy the slightly milder climate of Zone 5b, which allows for a broader range of fruit trees and perennials. The combination of coastal air and rich organic heritage makes this a rewarding place to start a garden.

Lawn Care in Sagadahoc County

via LawnByCounty

Coastal Lawn Care in Sagadahoc

Sagadahoc County has a lawn difficulty score of 50.5, placing it right near the national median for ease of maintenance. This Zone 5b area is slightly more manageable than the Maine state average of 49.8.

Consistent Moisture and Low Heat Stress

With 48.5 inches of annual rain and only 2 extreme heat days, the climate is very friendly to traditional grass types. The 1,918 growing degree days provide a solid window for turf to recover from winter and thicken up during the summer.

Building Your Coastal Soil Health

Data on local soil texture is limited, so homeowners should focus on identifying their specific drainage class through a simple perk test. Most coastal Maine lawns benefit from adding organic matter to help the soil retain nutrients against high annual rainfall.

Managing Widespread Severe Drought

Currently, 100.0% of Sagadahoc County is under severe drought conditions, making water conservation a top priority. After 36 weeks of drought this past year, investing in drought-resistant seed blends like Fine Fescue is a wise strategy.

Timing Your Sagadahoc Lawn Planting

The growing season begins after the May 10th frost and concludes around October 6th. For the best results in Zone 5b, seed in late August when the temperatures begin to dip but the soil remains warm for fast germination.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sagadahoc County's county score?
Sagadahoc County, Maine has a composite county score of 55.3 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 Sagadahoc County rank among counties in Maine?
Sagadahoc County ranks #1 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 Sagadahoc County, Maine?
The median annual property tax in Sagadahoc County is $3,470, with an effective tax rate of 1.04%. This earns Sagadahoc County a tax score of 32.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Sagadahoc County?
The median household income in Sagadahoc County, Maine is $87,806 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Sagadahoc County earns an income score of 88.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Sagadahoc County, Maine a good place to live?
Sagadahoc County scores 55.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #1 in Maine. The best way to evaluate Sagadahoc 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 Sagadahoc County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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