countyscore
54.7
County Score
Water Quality 86Income & Jobs 85.8Health 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.

Score breakdown

Tax29.9Cost17.2Safety71.2Health82.6Schools57Income85.8Risk76.7Water86Weather54
🏛29.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠17.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼85.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡71.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤82.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓57
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡76.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤54
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱50.5
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

Lincoln County
Maine
54.2
Androscoggin County
Maine
38.2
Cumberland County
Maine
47.4
Kennebec County
Maine
40.2
Knox County
Maine
50.5
Waldo County
Maine
53.9
York County
Maine
46.8
Oxford County
Maine
45.3

Deep Dives

Sagadahoc County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Sagadahoc County

via CostByCounty

Sagadahoc's Strong Incomes Buffer Housing Costs

Sagadahoc County renters spend just 15.3% of income on rent—the lowest ratio in Maine and well below the national benchmark. With median household income at $82,080 (10% above the U.S. average), this county's wage advantage makes housing costs feel manageable despite premium prices.

Sagadahoc Leads Maine in Affordability

At 15.3%, Sagadahoc's rent-to-income ratio is the best in Maine, comfortably below the state average of 17.4%. This county's higher median income and proportional wage growth have created the strongest housing affordability position statewide.

Sagadahoc Prices Peak in This Region

Sagadahoc's median rent of $1,050 is second-highest after York County ($1,239), and its median home value of $300,200 ranks third behind York. Yet strong household incomes of $82,080 make these premium prices feel less burdensome than in lower-wage counties.

High Incomes Offset High Costs

Renters here pay $1,050 monthly against a median income of $82,080, consuming just 15.3%—well below the 20% stress threshold. Homeowners face steeper $1,437 monthly payments, but the higher household income absorbs these costs more effectively than in other Maine counties.

Sagadahoc for Higher-Earning Relocators

If you're moving to Maine with a household income above $80,000, Sagadahoc offers the best affordability ratio despite higher absolute rents and home prices. This coastal-adjacent county delivers access to better-paying jobs and manageable housing costs for higher-wage professionals.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

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.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Sagadahoc County

via HealthByCounty

Sagadahoc County Leads National Trend

Sagadahoc County's life expectancy of 80.1 years exceeds the U.S. average of 76.4 years by nearly four years, making it one of Maine's healthiest communities. Its 13.9% poor or fair health rate significantly underperforms the national average, signaling a resilient, well-functioning local health system.

Maine's Top Health Performer

At 80.1 years, Sagadahoc County's life expectancy surpasses Maine's state average of 76.7 years by 3.4 years, placing it among the state's healthiest counties. Only York County rivals this achievement, making Sagadahoc a standout for health outcomes in southern Maine.

Outperforms Regional Peers

Sagadahoc County's 80.1-year life expectancy far exceeds Oxford County (76.1) and most of rural Maine, while its 13.9% poor or fair health rating is the lowest among county peers. Though primary care provider density (65 per 100K) is modest, outcomes suggest effective care and strong community health behaviors.

Best Insured, Healthiest Outcomes

Sagadahoc County has Maine's lowest uninsured rate at just 7.8%—well below the state's 9.4% average—and strong health coverage correlates with its exceptional 80.1-year life expectancy. With 65 primary care and 237 mental health providers per 100,000, the county balances access with affordability effectively.

Sagadahoc Leads in Coverage Success

Sagadahoc County's 7.8% uninsured rate is the state's best, yet those without coverage should act now to protect their health. Contact local health systems in Bath or Brunswick to explore Maine's marketplace plans and community health services in your area.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Sagadahoc County

via SchoolsByCounty

Sagadahoc's Coastal Education Infrastructure

Sagadahoc County features 18 public schools serving 4,613 students across 4 districts. The landscape is primarily elementary-focused with 11 primary schools, supported by 3 middle and 3 high schools.

High Investment in Student Success

The county spends $10,765 per pupil, which is significantly higher than the Maine average of $9,738. This investment contributes to a high school score of 58.9, though the graduation rate of 84.7% slightly trails the state benchmark.

RSU 75 and RSU 01 Drive Enrollment

RSU 75/MSAD 75 is the largest district with 2,380 students across 7 schools, followed closely by RSU 01 with 1,761 students. There are no charter schools in the county, ensuring a focused traditional public system.

A Mix of Town and Country

Schools are divided between 11 rural locations and 7 town settings, offering families a choice of environments. Mt Ararat High School is the county's largest, enrolling 710 students.

Coastal Homes Near Top Schools

With per-pupil spending above state averages, Sagadahoc County is a prime location for education-minded homebuyers. Explore properties in Bath and Topsham to be near some of the region's largest and best-funded schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Sagadahoc County

via RiskByCounty

Sagadahoc County is very low risk

Sagadahoc County's composite risk score of 23.35 ranks it as very low—one of the safest counties in Maine and substantially below the national average. Despite its coastal location, the county benefits from geographic protection and lower population density that reduce overall disaster vulnerability. This favorable profile makes Sagadahoc one of New England's most naturally resilient communities.

Maine's safest county overall

Sagadahoc County ranks as the lowest-risk county in Maine with its 23.35 composite score, sitting 33.4 points below the state average of 56.75. This distinction reflects minimal exposure across nearly all hazard categories, with even its highest risk (flood at 74.80) remaining manageable compared to peers. The county's exceptional safety profile makes it an outlier even among Maine's generally low-risk areas.

Dramatically safer than adjacent counties

Sagadahoc's 23.35 score is dramatically lower than neighboring Waldo County (40.62) to the north and Oxford County (65.90) to the west. Even coastal and island areas adjacent to Penobscot County (78.02) show far higher risk levels than Sagadahoc proper. The county's exceptional safety stands in stark contrast to the elevated risks found in surrounding regions.

Flood risk is the only notable concern

Flood risk at 74.80 is Sagadahoc County's most significant natural hazard, though it remains more manageable than in higher-risk Maine counties. All other hazards—earthquakes (47.93), hurricanes (77.93), tornadoes (13.10), and wildfires (14.34)—fall below state averages or into negligible ranges. The county's overall vulnerability is so low that targeted precautions for flood-prone neighborhoods constitute the primary disaster preparedness need.

Targeted flood insurance in at-risk areas

Residents in flood-prone neighborhoods should secure standalone flood insurance to cover the 74.80 flood risk, while residents on higher ground can rely on standard homeowners policies. Basic wind and hail coverage addresses minimal hurricane risk (77.93), and earthquake insurance is not economically justified given the very low composite risk. Sagadahoc's exceptional safety profile means most homeowners can prioritize flood preparedness over comprehensive multi-hazard coverage.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

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.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

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.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sagadahoc County's county score?
Sagadahoc County, Maine has a composite county score of 54.7 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 Sagadahoc County rank among counties in Maine?
Sagadahoc County ranks #2 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 $3,365, with an effective tax rate of 1.12%. This earns Sagadahoc County a tax score of 29.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Sagadahoc County?
The median household income in Sagadahoc County, Maine is $82,080 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Sagadahoc County earns an income score of 85.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Sagadahoc County, Maine a good place to live?
Sagadahoc County scores 54.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #2 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.

ByCounty Network

🏛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.