Somerset County scores 65.8, above the national median of 50.0 and in the 66th percentile nationally. It's a solid-performing county with above-average livability by national standards.
2 / 5
Just shy of Maine's average
At 65.8, Somerset falls slightly below Maine's state average of 66.9, ranking in the lower-middle tier of Maine counties. The small gap indicates room for targeted improvements.
3 / 5
Affordability and reasonable taxes
Somerset delivers attractive housing costs with an 80.5 score, median homes at $155,200, and an effective tax rate of 1.159%. It's one of Maine's most affordable counties for homebuyers and renters alike.
4 / 5
Low incomes limit growth potential
Somerset's income score of 20.1 reflects a median household income of just $56,199, among the state's lowest. The 32.1 risk score also suggests moderate vulnerability to economic disruptions.
5 / 5
Home for budget-first families
Somerset County suits retirees, artists, and families for whom low housing costs and small-town character matter more than local job prospects or high incomes. It's a quiet, affordable Maine hideaway for those with external income sources.
Somerset County scores 65.8, above the national median of 50.0 and in the 66th percentile nationally. It's a solid-performing county with above-average livability by national standards.
Just shy of Maine's average
At 65.8, Somerset falls slightly below Maine's state average of 66.9, ranking in the lower-middle tier of Maine counties. The small gap indicates room for targeted improvements.
Affordability and reasonable taxes
Somerset delivers attractive housing costs with an 80.5 score, median homes at $155,200, and an effective tax rate of 1.159%. It's one of Maine's most affordable counties for homebuyers and renters alike.
Low incomes limit growth potential
Somerset's income score of 20.1 reflects a median household income of just $56,199, among the state's lowest. The 32.1 risk score also suggests moderate vulnerability to economic disruptions.
Home for budget-first families
Somerset County suits retirees, artists, and families for whom low housing costs and small-town character matter more than local job prospects or high incomes. It's a quiet, affordable Maine hideaway for those with external income sources.
Score breakdown
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🏛69.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Somerset County's effective tax rate of 1.159% exceeds the U.S. median of 1.1%, placing it in the higher-tax category nationally. However, the county's median home value of $155,200 is far below the national average of $281,900, so the median property tax of $1,798 remains well below the national median of $2,690.
Above Maine average, below median tax
Somerset County's 1.159% effective rate ranks it above Maine's state average of 1.107%, positioning it in the upper tier of Maine tax rates. Yet the county's median tax of $1,798 falls below the state median of $2,598 due to more modest home values.
Higher rates, lower home values
Somerset County's tax rate of 1.159% is elevated compared to Oxford (1.094%) and Piscataquis (0.970%), but its median home value of $155,200 is among the state's lowest. This makes Somerset's effective burden relatively moderate despite above-average rates.
Modest tax bills despite high rates
On Somerset County's median home value of $155,200, the 1.159% rate translates to approximately $1,798 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay around $1,982, keeping the overall burden manageable.
Appeal high-rate assessments today
Somerset County's above-average tax rates make it especially important to verify your assessment accuracy. Even modest reductions can result in meaningful annual savings.
Somerset County renters spend 18.9% of income on rent—exceeding Maine's state average of 17.4% and approaching national stress levels. With median household income at $56,199 (nearly 25% below the U.S. average), housing cost pressure here rivals some of the nation's least affordable rural markets.
Somerset Struggles With Affordability
At 18.9%, Somerset's rent-to-income ratio ties Penobscot County for the worst affordability in Maine. This western county faces a wage-versus-housing-cost mismatch that leaves renters with limited breathing room in tight household budgets.
Somerset Rents Underscore Rural Challenges
Somerset's median rent of $887 falls between Oxford ($807) and Penobscot ($997), but the lower household income of $56,199 makes this moderate rent consume nearly 19% of earnings. Home values at $155,200 match Piscataquis, but wage levels are notably lower.
Tight Budgets, Limited Flexibility
Renters spend $887 monthly on a median income of $56,199, consuming 18.9% of household earnings—pushing against affordability limits. Homeowners pay $782 in mortgage costs, but combined housing costs near 20% of income leave little margin for other necessities.
Somerset Requires Careful Financial Planning
Somerset offers lower absolute housing costs than coastal Maine, but tight affordability ratios mean you'll want a strong emergency fund and stable income. If relocating here, prioritize remote work or jobs in regionallead employers to ensure housing costs don't overwhelm your budget.
Somerset County's median household income of $56,199 falls 24.8% below the national median of $74,755. Like much of rural Maine, the county experiences economic headwinds from limited job sectors.
Third-lowest income statewide
Somerset County earns $10,673 less than Maine's state median of $66,872, ranking among the state's economically challenged counties. Only Washington and Piscataquis counties report lower median household income.
Lowest-earning inland county cluster
Somerset's $56,199 median ranks slightly above Piscataquis ($55,234) but well below Oxford ($57,933) and significantly trails Penobscot ($63,248). Western Maine's interior counties face shared economic constraints.
Rental burden approaches critical threshold
At 18.9%, Somerset County's rent-to-income ratio matches Penobscot's and signals housing stress for renters. Combined with low per-capita income of $32,452, unexpected expenses quickly deplete household reserves.
Focus on financial stability first
Somerset County residents should establish three-month emergency reserves before aggressive investing, given income volatility common in rural areas. Credit unions and community banks often offer accessible savings and loan products designed for modest-income households.
Somerset County's life expectancy of 74.4 years trails the U.S. average of 76.4 years by two full years, indicating significant health challenges in this western Maine region. The 17.5% poor or fair health rate is notably above national norms, reflecting a population facing multiple health stressors.
Maine's Lowest Life Expectancy
Somerset County ranks last in Maine with a life expectancy of 74.4 years—2.3 years below the state average of 76.7—making it the state's health priority county. The 17.5% poor or fair health rating also underperforms most Maine counties, signaling urgent need for health interventions.
Poorest Outcomes in Region
Somerset County's 74.4-year life expectancy is the lowest among rural peers, trailing Piscataquis (75.4) by one year and Oxford (76.1) by 1.7 years. With only 57 primary care providers per 100,000, Somerset has the fewest in its peer group and struggles with both access and outcomes.
Coverage Gap Compounds Health Crisis
Somerset County's 9.7% uninsured rate slightly exceeds Maine's 9.4% state average, and its provider drought—just 57 primary care providers per 100,000—limits access for those with coverage. This combination of uninsurance and provider scarcity creates a double barrier to care in a rural county already facing life expectancy challenges.
Somerset County Needs Action Now
With Maine's lowest life expectancy at 74.4 years and 9.7% of residents uninsured, Somerset County residents should prioritize getting covered immediately. Visit maine.gov or call regional health centers in Skowhegan and Fairfield to explore affordable insurance and preventive care options today.
Somerset County's composite risk score of 67.94 places it in the relatively low category but above the national average, reflecting meaningful exposure to multiple natural hazards. The county experiences elevated risks across earthquakes (59.35), hurricanes (85.90), and floods (61.80), creating a diverse disaster profile typical of inland New England. This regional pattern reflects Somerset's location in a seismic zone vulnerable to Atlantic tropical storm influence.
Mid-range risk among Maine counties
Somerset County's 67.94 composite score ranks it fourth among Maine's 16 counties, exceeding the state average of 56.75 by 11 points. The county sits between lower-risk peers like Waldo (40.62) and higher-risk neighbors like Penobscot (78.02), positioning it as a moderate-concern area requiring balanced disaster preparedness. Its risk profile is comparable to Oxford County (65.90), its geographic neighbor to the south.
Slightly riskier than Oxford to the south
Somerset's 67.94 score marginally exceeds neighboring Oxford County (65.90) to the south, reflecting comparable but distinct hazard patterns. The county faces similar hurricane (85.90 vs. 86.11) and earthquake exposure (59.35 vs. 60.27) but greater flood risk (61.80 vs. 73.25). To the north, Piscataquis County (52.35) presents substantially lower risk, primarily due to its inland location and lower flood exposure.
Hurricanes and earthquakes are priorities
Hurricane risk at 85.90 represents Somerset County's most significant natural hazard threat, with tropical storms capable of affecting the region through direct wind and precipitation impacts. Earthquake risk at 59.35 poses a secondary but substantial concern, particularly for older structures not designed to withstand seismic forces. Flood risk at 61.80 rounds out the top three hazards, affecting river valleys and areas with poor drainage infrastructure.
Earthquake and hurricane protection essential
Earthquake insurance becomes important in Somerset County given the 59.35 score, protecting against foundation damage and structural failure that standard policies exclude. Wind and hail coverage is critical for the 85.90 hurricane risk, and flood insurance should cover properties in river valleys and low-lying areas. Seismic retrofitting of foundations and roof reinforcement provide cost-effective complements to comprehensive insurance coverage.