countyscore
41.7
County Score
Lawn Care 57.4Schools 53.7Cost of Living 50.5

County Report Card

About Somerset County, Maine

Somerset County's Place in America

Somerset County holds a composite score of 41.3, placing it below the national median of 50.0. While it offers affordability, it trails the broader national economic trends.

A Rural Standard in Central Maine

The county's score of 41.3 sits below the Maine state average of 48.0. It represents a more traditional, rural lifestyle compared to the state's coastal economic engines.

Strong Schools and Low Entry Costs

Somerset provides solid education with a school score of 53.7 and approachable housing at a cost score of 50.4. Median home values are among the most affordable in the state at $155,200.

Income and Infrastructure Gaps

The water score is quite low at 16.7, and the income score sits at 28.1 with a median household income of $56,199. These metrics suggest a need for broader economic development and utility investment.

Value-Focused Living for Families

Somerset is best suited for families looking for affordable homeownership and decent schools. It is a practical choice for those who value community stability over rapid economic growth.

2040608010030.250.534.150.253.728.532.116.749.6Tax30.2Cost50.5Safety34.1Health50.2Schools53.7Income28.5Risk32.1Water16.7Weather49.641.7/100
This county
National avg
5 below average

Somerset County DNA

Foverall

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

Somerset County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Water Quality (16.7/100), though Cost of Living (50.5/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
30.2-21.8
Cost
50.5
Safety
34.1-20.9
Health
50.2
Schools
53.7
Income
28.5-22.5
Risk
32.1-14.899999999999999
Water
16.7-41.3
Weather
49.6
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Somerset County?

Many homeowners in Somerset County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$166,900

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$910/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$166,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$36,400/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $58,179/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

33.4

per 100K

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

Deep Dives

Somerset County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Somerset County

via TaxByCounty

Somerset's rates exceed national average

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.

Income & Jobs in Somerset County

via IncomeByCounty

Somerset County income below U.S. average

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.

Safety in Somerset County

via CrimeByCounty

Somerset County maintains secure profile

Somerset County features a safety score of 97.6, indicating a high level of security. Its total crime rate of 1,531.9 is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Higher rates compared to Maine averages

Somerset's total crime rate of 1,531.9 per 100,000 exceeds the state average of 1,084.3. Its violent crime rate of 106.6 is also higher than the Maine average of 82.4.

Regional crime comparisons for Somerset

Somerset County has a higher crime rate than neighboring Piscataquis County (956.5) but is safer than Penobscot County (1,756.5). Its violent crime rate is higher than many surrounding rural areas.

Property crime accounts for most reports

The county sees 1,425.3 property crimes per 100,000 residents, which drives the overall crime statistic. While the violent crime rate of 106.6 is high for Maine, it is still well below the national rate of 369.8.

Secure your property and belongings

Focusing on property security is essential in Somerset County to prevent theft. Implementing well-lit entryways and securing vehicles can significantly lower your risk of becoming a statistic.

Weather & Climate in Somerset County

via WeatherByCounty

Somerset's extreme northern chill

Somerset County averages just 40.7°F annually, sitting over 13 degrees below the national median. This represents one of the most rigorous continental climates in the continental U.S.

Maine's most frigid interior

Somerset is more than 3 degrees colder than the Maine state average of 43.8°F. Its inland, northern position creates a climate far colder than the coastal counties.

The coldest in the region

At 40.7°F, Somerset is noticeably colder than neighboring Piscataquis (41.8°F) and Oxford (42.6°F). It also faces the state's highest snow loads, averaging 97.0 inches annually.

Sustained winter and brief summers

January is exceptionally cold with an average of 13.2°F, driving nearly 100 inches of snow. July is the only truly warm month, averaging 66.1°F with only 2 days of extreme heat.

Winter readiness is mandatory

Residents require high-BTU heating systems to handle the 16.4°F average winter temperature. Preparing for 97 inches of snow requires professional-grade equipment and advanced home insulation.

Soil Quality in Somerset County

via SoilByCounty

Somerset's Deeply Acidic Earth

Somerset's soil typically mirrors the state's acidic profile, which averages a pH of 3.88. This is significantly more acidic than the national 6.5 median, directly impacting which nutrients are accessible to growing plants.

Soil Texture and Particle Mix

Without specific sand or clay percentages on record, growers must rely on physical touch to judge the soil's texture. The mix of particles determines how well the ground breathes and how it holds onto summer rains.

High-Carbon Soil Potential

Maine leads the way in organic matter with a 35.77% average, providing a massive reservoir of nutrients compared to the 2.0% national norm. Somerset likely benefits from this high-carbon legacy, which aids in overall crop resilience.

Navigating Local Water Drainage

Data on drainage classes is not currently available for this region, so observant land management is required. Watch for standing water during the spring thaw to understand your soil's natural hydrologic behavior.

Garden Staples for Zone 5a

In Zone 5a, you can successfully grow hardy staples like potatoes, onions, and various brassicas. Use the county’s natural fertility to jumpstart a productive home vegetable patch this season.

Lawn Care in Somerset County

via LawnByCounty

Success in Somerset County Lawns

Somerset County is a standout for lawn success with a difficulty score of 57.4, much higher than the state average of 49.8. Homeowners in this Zone 5a region find it significantly easier to grow grass than the national median of 50.0.

Mild Summers and Ideal Rainfall

The county receives 43.0 inches of rain per year, which is perfectly aligned with the needs of healthy turf. With only 2 extreme heat days, cool-season grasses remain green and active without the need for constant summer irrigation.

Understanding Your Local Soil Needs

Local soil data is not currently recorded, but standard Maine lawn care involves monitoring for high acidity. Adding a layer of topsoil or compost before seeding can provide the initial boost needed for a thick, healthy lawn.

High Drought Stress in Somerset

Severe drought affects 78.3% of the county right now, presenting a challenge despite the overall high lawn score. Homeowners should utilize mulch-mowing to return moisture to the soil and combat the 31 weeks of drought typical of the last year.

Planting Windows for Somerset County

Plan to seed your lawn between the May 13th spring frost and the September 30th fall frost. Hardiness Zone 5a favors Kentucky Bluegrass and Tall Fescue, which provide excellent winter survival and early spring green-up.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Somerset County's county score?
Somerset County, Maine has a composite county score of 41.7 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 Somerset County rank among counties in Maine?
Somerset County ranks #13 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 Somerset County, Maine?
The median annual property tax in Somerset County is $1,798, with an effective tax rate of 1.08%. This earns Somerset County a tax score of 30.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Somerset County?
The median household income in Somerset County, Maine is $58,179 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Somerset County earns an income score of 28.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Somerset County, Maine a good place to live?
Somerset County scores 41.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #13 in Maine. The best way to evaluate Somerset 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 Somerset 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.