Sagadahoc County

Maine · ME

#4 in Maine
69.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Sagadahoc County, Maine

Sagadahoc in the top quartile

Sagadahoc County scores 69.3, placing it in the 69th percentile nationally and in the upper quartile of all U.S. counties. It ranks among Maine's most livable regions by composite measures.

Maine's second-tier performer

Sagadahoc's 69.3 score exceeds Maine's average of 66.9, placing it among the state's top-tier counties. It delivers above-average livability across most dimensions.

Income and health excel

Sagadahoc boasts the highest income score (37.0) in this county set, with median household income of $82,080, and exceptional health outcomes (78.5). Its risk score of 76.7 is also the strongest, signaling economic and environmental resilience.

Housing costs bite hardest

Sagadahoc's cost score of 67.5 is the lowest in this group, with median home values at $300,200 and rent at $1,050 monthly. These premium prices reflect the county's location near Portland and coastal demand.

For affluent families seeking balance

Sagadahoc County appeals to higher-income professionals and families willing to pay for excellent health infrastructure, economic stability, and southern Maine convenience. It's the place for those who value earning power and community resilience over bargain housing.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax70.7Cost67.5SafetyComing SoonHealth78.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome37Risk76.7WaterComing Soon
🏛70.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠67.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼37
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
78.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
76.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Sagadahoc County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

ByCounty Network

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