Waldo County's score of 68.5 places it in the 69th percentile nationally, outperforming nearly seven in ten U.S. counties. It's a strong performer by national livability standards.
2 / 5
Waldo tops Maine's average
Waldo scores 68.5, exceeding Maine's state average of 66.9, making it a consistently strong Maine county. It ranks comfortably in the upper tier statewide.
3 / 5
Health and tax benefits lead
Waldo's health score of 72.8 and tax score of 71.8 (1.085% effective rate) are among its best assets. Affordable housing with a cost score of 75.3 and median rent of $969 rounds out its livability strengths.
4 / 5
Income and environmental risk modest
Waldo's income score of 28.1, while not exceptional, reflects a median household income of $68,441—solid but not exceptional for the region. Its risk score of 59.4 suggests moderate exposure to climate and economic shifts.
5 / 5
Balanced choice for middle-income professionals
Waldo County suits professionals and growing families seeking good health care, reasonable taxes, and manageable housing costs without moving far from the coast. It's the sweet spot for those wanting Maine charm with economic stability.
Waldo County's score of 68.5 places it in the 69th percentile nationally, outperforming nearly seven in ten U.S. counties. It's a strong performer by national livability standards.
Waldo tops Maine's average
Waldo scores 68.5, exceeding Maine's state average of 66.9, making it a consistently strong Maine county. It ranks comfortably in the upper tier statewide.
Health and tax benefits lead
Waldo's health score of 72.8 and tax score of 71.8 (1.085% effective rate) are among its best assets. Affordable housing with a cost score of 75.3 and median rent of $969 rounds out its livability strengths.
Income and environmental risk modest
Waldo's income score of 28.1, while not exceptional, reflects a median household income of $68,441—solid but not exceptional for the region. Its risk score of 59.4 suggests moderate exposure to climate and economic shifts.
Balanced choice for middle-income professionals
Waldo County suits professionals and growing families seeking good health care, reasonable taxes, and manageable housing costs without moving far from the coast. It's the sweet spot for those wanting Maine charm with economic stability.
Score breakdown
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🏛71.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
Waldo County renters spend 17.0% of income on rent, slightly below Maine's state average of 17.4% and well below national stress thresholds. With median household income at $68,441—about 8% below the U.S. average—this county maintains solid affordability through moderate rent levels.
Waldo Sits Comfortably Mid-Tier
At 17.0%, Waldo's rent-to-income ratio beats the state average, placing it in the upper half of Maine counties for affordability. This position reflects balanced housing costs and reasonable wage levels that haven't yet shifted dramatically upward.
Waldo Matches State Rent Benchmarks
Waldo's median rent of $969 mirrors Maine's state average, making it neither expensive nor bargain-priced relative to neighbors. Home values at $239,100 position it between affordable interior counties like Piscataquis and the premium coastal markets of York and Sagadahoc.
Balanced Housing Against Income
Renters here spend $969 monthly on a median income of $68,441, consuming 17.0% of household earnings—a comfortable ratio. Homeowners face $1,022 monthly mortgage costs, meaning combined housing costs for both renters and owners hover just under 18%.
Waldo Offers Steady Middle Ground
If you're seeking a middle path between Maine's most and least affordable counties, Waldo delivers consistency and moderate costs. This county offers reasonable access to jobs and housing without the premium prices of York or the wage pressures of Somerset.
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.
Waldo County's life expectancy of 76.5 years nearly matches the U.S. average of 76.4 years, showing this midcoast Maine county holds its own nationally. The 14.2% poor or fair health rate is below national averages, suggesting effective local health management despite rural challenges.
Slightly Below Maine's Average Health
At 76.5 years, Waldo County's life expectancy sits 0.2 years below Maine's state average of 76.7, placing it solidly in the middle of the state's health rankings. The 14.2% poor or fair health rating is among Maine's better-performing counties, reflecting relatively stable community health.
Mid-Range Health Outcomes
Waldo County's 76.5-year life expectancy edges ahead of Somerset (74.4) and Piscataquis (75.4) but trails Sagadahoc (80.1) and York (78.6), placing it firmly in Maine's middle tier. With 80 primary care providers per 100,000, Waldo's access is stronger than small rural counties but below state leaders.
Higher Uninsured Rate Concerns
Waldo County's 10.4% uninsured rate exceeds Maine's 9.4% state average, meaning more than 1 in 10 residents lack health coverage. The county has 80 primary care and 325 mental health providers per 100,000—moderate capacity that could be better utilized if more residents had insurance.
Waldo County: Close the Coverage Gap
With 10.4% of Waldo County residents uninsured—above the state average—now is the time to secure coverage and improve your health outcomes. Explore Maine's marketplace and local health centers in Belfast and Searsport to find affordable plans tailored to your family.
Waldo County's composite risk score of 40.62 places it in the very low category, well below both the national average and Maine's state average of 56.75. The coastal county benefits from geographic characteristics and development patterns that minimize overall disaster vulnerability. Despite its oceanfront location, Waldo County ranks among Maine's safest communities from a natural hazard perspective.
Among Maine's lowest-risk counties
Waldo County's 40.62 composite score ranks it third-lowest in Maine, behind only Sagadahoc (23.35) and Piscataquis (52.35), making it one of the state's most naturally resilient areas. The county sits 16 points below Maine's state average, reflecting minimized exposure across most major hazard categories. This favorable profile contrasts sharply with higher-risk counties like Penobscot and York.
Safer than all surrounding counties
Waldo County's 40.62 score ranks it significantly lower than neighboring Penobscot County (78.02) to the north and Oxford County (65.90) to the west. Among its closest peers, only Sagadahoc County (23.35) to the south approaches comparable safety levels. Waldo's favorable risk profile places it in the safest tier of Maine coastal communities.
Hurricanes and floods are minimal concerns
Hurricane risk at 82.81 is Waldo County's highest hazard threat, but still represents minimal overall danger given the county's very low composite score. Flood risk at 58.80 affects localized areas near waterways and low-lying neighborhoods but poses limited community-wide risk. Earthquake (42.72), tornado (15.30), and wildfire (17.62) risks all remain negligible, making Waldo one of Maine's safest communities overall.
Basic insurance adequate for this county
Standard homeowners insurance provides sufficient coverage for Waldo County given the 40.62 very low risk profile, eliminating the need for specialized earthquake or comprehensive flood policies in most neighborhoods. Residents in documented flood zones should consider standalone flood insurance as a precaution, while basic wind coverage addresses minimal hurricane exposure. The county's exceptional safety makes it economical for homeowners to focus on maintenance and prevention rather than comprehensive multi-hazard coverage.