countyscore
54.1
County Score
Safety 86.5Income & Jobs 68.6Soil Quality 65.7

County Report Card

About Waldo County, Maine

Waldo County Ranks High Nationally

With a composite score of 53.9, Waldo County is well above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a well-rounded and stable quality of life for its residents.

Exceeding the Maine Average

Waldo's 53.9 score beats the Maine average of 48.0 by a significant margin. It stands out as one of the more desirable mid-coast counties in the state.

Unmatched Safety and Solid Earnings

The county boasts an incredible safety score of 86.5 and a healthy income score of 62.7. Median household income is strong at $68,441, supporting a high standard of living.

Addressing Water and Tax Pressure

A water score of 10.3 is the county's primary concern, indicating potential issues with local supply or quality. Cost and tax scores are also moderate at 30.6 and 32.2, respectively.

Secure and Prosperous Rural Life

Waldo County is a perfect match for those seeking safety and financial stability in a beautiful coastal setting. It offers a rare combination of security and economic opportunity for growing families.

2040608010032.529.786.565.256.668.659.410.353.3Tax32.5Cost29.7Safety86.5Health65.2Schools56.6Income68.6Risk59.4Water10.3Weather53.354.1/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

Waldo County DNA

Foverall

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

Waldo County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Safety (86.5/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (10.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
32.5-19.5
Cost
29.7-18.3
Safety
86.5+31.5
Health
65.2+15.200000000000003
Schools
56.6
Income
68.6+17.599999999999994
Risk
59.4+12.399999999999999
Water
10.3-47.7
Weather
53.3
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Compare mortgage rates in Waldo County

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$257,700

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,021/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$257,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$40,840/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $72,782/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

15.0

per 100K

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

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Counties with similar scores

Franklin County
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Median income: $64,105
54.1
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Decatur County
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Rice County
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Jefferson Davis County
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Miller County
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Median income: $56,736
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Nearby counties

Kennebec County
Maine
40.5
Knox County
Maine
50.8
Lincoln County
Maine
54.9
Hancock County
Maine
51.3
Sagadahoc County
Maine
55.3
Androscoggin County
Maine
38.5
Penobscot County
Maine
39.2
Cumberland County
Maine
47.7

Deep Dives

Waldo County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Waldo County

via TaxByCounty

Waldo balances rates and values well

Waldo County's effective tax rate of 1.085% sits just below the national median of 1.1%, placing it in favorable territory nationally. The county's median property tax of $2,593 is nearly equal to the national median of $2,690, reflecting a good balance between moderate tax rates and property values approaching the national average.

Competitive rates within Maine

Waldo County's effective rate of 1.085% ranks it just below Maine's state average of 1.107%, placing it squarely in the middle of Maine's counties. The county's median tax of $2,593 nearly matches the statewide median of $2,598, making it a representative Maine experience.

Mid-range among coastal counties

Waldo County's 1.085% rate is lower than Sagadahoc (1.121%) and York (1.033%), positioning it as a moderate-tax coastal community. With median home values of $239,100, Waldo offers reasonable property taxes for the coastal Maine market.

Balanced tax burden for $239K homes

On Waldo County's median home value of $239,100, the 1.085% rate produces approximately $2,593 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay around $2,649, reflecting a stable, predictable tax environment.

Verify your assessment today

Even in fairly-taxed Waldo County, overassessment is possible and worth checking. A simple appeal could lower your annual taxes without any cost.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Waldo County

via IncomeByCounty

Waldo County approaches national income parity

At $68,441, Waldo County's median household income trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by just 8.4%, performing better than most Maine counties. The coastal location and regional connectivity support more robust earning potential.

Above-average income within Maine

Waldo County earns $1,569 more than Maine's state median of $66,872, ranking in the upper half of the state's 16 counties. Only Sagadahoc and York counties report significantly higher medians.

Regional income leader among peers

Waldo's $68,441 median substantially exceeds inland counties—Oxford ($57,933), Somerset ($56,199), Piscataquis ($55,234)—and edges Penobscot ($63,248). It ranks notably below only the wealthier coastal counties.

Housing affordable, though values rising

Waldo County's 17.0% rent-to-income ratio comfortably meets affordability standards, though median home values of $239,100 represent substantial appreciation. Residents enjoy flexibility for savings and other expenses.

Build wealth through consistent investing

Waldo County earners at $68,441 can commit 10-15% of income to retirement and investment accounts while maintaining lifestyle. Consistent monthly contributions to diversified funds compound significantly over working lifespans.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Waldo County

via CrimeByCounty

Waldo County is incredibly safe

Waldo County achieves a near-perfect safety score of 99.5. Its total crime rate of 301.7 per 100,000 is nearly eight times lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Leading the state in safety

Waldo's total crime rate of 301.7 is a fraction of the Maine average of 1,084.3. It stands as one of the safest counties in Maine, far exceeding the state safety average of 98.3.

A regional leader in low crime

Waldo County is significantly safer than neighboring Sagadahoc (688.9) and Somerset (1,531.9) counties. Its crime rate is among the lowest in the entire Northeast region.

Extremely low violent crime rates

Violent crime is almost non-existent at 12.6 per 100,000, while property crime is also minimal at 289.1. These figures indicate an exceptionally peaceful community for residents and visitors alike.

Maintaining a peaceful home environment

While crime is rare, basic home maintenance like locking doors and windows remains a good practice. High safety scores are best preserved through community awareness and simple security habits.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Waldo County

via WeatherByCounty

Waldo's temperate coastal influence

Waldo County’s 44.1°F average annual temperature is about 10 degrees lower than the national median. The Atlantic Ocean buffers the county from the severe cold found just a few miles inland.

Slightly warmer than average

Waldo sits just above the Maine state average of 43.8°F. This makes it part of a milder coastal belt that experiences less extreme winter temperatures than the interior.

Bridging the coastal gap

Waldo’s 44.1°F average is slightly cooler than Sagadahoc (44.6°F) but warmer than neighboring Washington County (43.8°F). It shares a similar snowfall profile with other coastal counties at 71.5 inches.

Mild summers and steady rain

The county receives a high 48.8 inches of annual precipitation, with winters averaging a relatively mild 22.8°F. Summers are cool and comfortable, with only 2 days per year exceeding 90°F.

Plan for wind and wet

Homeowners should prioritize wind-resistant siding and moisture barriers to combat the frequent coastal storms. While snow is moderate at 71.5 inches, ice management is a critical winter task.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Waldo County

via SoilByCounty

Waldo's Highly Acidic Soil

Waldo County reports an average pH of 3.81, which is even more acidic than the Maine state average of 3.88. This sits far below the national median of 6.5, making soil amendments a common necessity for most garden plants.

A Balanced Sand and Silt Mix

The soil contains 25.8% sand and 24.8% silt, with a very low 5.5% clay content. This composition typically allows for decent drainage while maintaining enough physical structure to support healthy plant roots.

Superior Water and Carbon Retention

Organic matter is an impressive 35.40%, vastly higher than the 2.0% national average. The county's water capacity of 0.249 in/in is better than the state benchmark of 0.242, ensuring crops stay hydrated longer.

Permeability and Site Drainage

Specific drainage class data is missing, but the high sand and silt content often indicates moderate permeability. You should verify your specific plot's drainage before installing permanent garden beds or building structures.

Thriving in Hardiness Zone 5a

Waldo falls in Zone 5a, a climate that pairs well with cold-hardy crops and northern-adapted fruit trees. With a soil score of 65.7, you have a solid foundation for a productive homestead.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Waldo County

via LawnByCounty

Tough Lawn Conditions in Waldo

Waldo County presents a significant challenge with a lawn difficulty score of 39.8, well below the Maine average of 49.8. This Zone 5a region requires more intensive management than most counties in the United States.

High Rainfall and Steady Growing Days

The area sees 48.8 inches of annual precipitation and 1,802 growing degree days, which would normally support thick growth. However, the high moisture levels can exacerbate soil issues and lead to nutrient leaching in sandy spots.

Correcting Highly Acidic Waldo Soils

The local soil is extremely acidic with a pH of 3.81, far below the preferred 6.0 range for grass. With 25.8% sand and only 5.5% clay, you must apply lime and organic matter to help your lawn hold nutrients and thrive.

Managing Total Severe Drought Coverage

Currently, 100.0% of Waldo County is in severe drought, a major hurdle for maintaining turf. Residents should prioritize drought-tolerant species to survive the 35 weeks of drought the county has experienced over the past year.

Strategic Planting in Waldo County

The frost-free window runs from May 7th to October 5th, providing a standard Maine growing season. Focus on acid-tolerant fescue blends to help overcome the naturally low pH of the local soil environment.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Waldo County's county score?
Waldo County, Maine has a composite county score of 54.1 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 Waldo County rank among counties in Maine?
Waldo County ranks #3 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 Waldo County, Maine?
The median annual property tax in Waldo County is $2,684, with an effective tax rate of 1.04%. This earns Waldo County a tax score of 32.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Waldo County?
The median household income in Waldo County, Maine is $72,782 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Waldo County earns an income score of 68.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Waldo County, Maine a good place to live?
Waldo County scores 54.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #3 in Maine. The best way to evaluate Waldo 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 Waldo County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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