CountyScore

York County

Maine · ME

#15 in Maine
63.8
County Score

County Report Card

About York County, Maine

York performs above national midpoint

York County scores 63.8, above the national median of 50.0 and in the 64th percentile nationwide. While solid, it underperforms several peer Maine counties on this composite measure.

York lags Maine's average

At 63.8, York falls below Maine's state average of 66.9 despite being Maine's most populous and economically dynamic county. Its composite score masks significant disparities across livability dimensions.

Highest incomes and excellent health

York County leads this group with an income score of 37.5 and median household income of $82,904, alongside exceptional health outcomes (78.9). Its low risk score of 18.5 signals economic and environmental resilience.

Housing costs severely strain budgets

York's cost score of 63.4 is the lowest in this county set, with median home values of $357,200 and rent at $1,239 monthly. These southern Maine coastal prices are among the state's steepest, limiting affordability.

For high-earners near Portland

York County suits affluent professionals, executives, and established families who earn high incomes and can afford premium coastal Maine prices for access to economic opportunity, excellent health care, and vibrant communities. It's Maine's most economically prosperous but pricey region.

Score breakdown

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

Tax73.2Cost63.4SafetyComing SoonHealth78.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome37.5Risk18.5WaterComing Soon
🏛73.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠63.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼37.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤78.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡18.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare York County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Mobile County
Alabama
63.8
Median income: $58,119
Tuolumne County
California
63.8
Median income: $72,259
Colquitt County
Georgia
63.8
Median income: $49,691
Ford County
Illinois
63.8
Median income: $60,782
Penobscot County
Maine
63.8
Median income: $63,248

Deep Dives

York County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in York County

via TaxByCounty

York balances rates and premium values

York County's effective tax rate of 1.033% is the lowest among all eight counties examined and well below the national median of 1.1%. However, the county's median home value of $357,200 is 27% higher than the national average, resulting in a median property tax of $3,691—the second-highest nationally.

Maine's lowest rates, highest values

York County's 1.033% effective rate is the lowest in Maine, substantially below the state average of 1.107%. Yet the county's median home value of $357,200 is Maine's highest, producing a median tax of $3,691 that tops most Maine counties.

Premium coastal property market

York County's median home value of $357,200 far exceeds Sagadahoc ($300,200) and Waldo ($239,100), reflecting southern Maine's robust real estate market. At 1.033%, York has the state's lowest tax rate, but premium valuations still drive the steepest taxes.

Highest tax bills despite lowest rates

On York County's median home value of $357,200, the lowest state tax rate of 1.033% produces approximately $3,691 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay around $3,769, reflecting the county's premium real estate market.

High values demand careful review

With York County's premium home prices, a single percentage-point assessment error translates to thousands in annual taxes. Professional assessment review and appeals are especially worthwhile in this high-value market.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in York County

via CostByCounty

York's Premium Prices, Supported Incomes

York County renters spend 17.9% of income on rent, above Maine's state average but driven by both high housing costs and strong median household income of $82,904 (11% above the U.S. average). This coastal-adjacent premium market balances expensive rents with wages sufficient to absorb them.

York Leads Maine in Absolute Prices

At 17.9%, York's rent-to-income ratio places it near the middle of Maine's affordability rankings, but its median rent of $1,239 and home values of $357,200 are the highest statewide. Strong household incomes of $82,904 offset these premium prices, but York remains the state's most expensive market.

York Dominates Regional Price Charts

York's median rent of $1,239 is $242 higher than Sagadahoc County ($1,050) and $471 above Oxford ($807). Home values at $357,200 dwarf every other county—$57,000 more than Sagadahoc's $300,200—reflecting York's status as Maine's most sought-after residential market.

Maine's Highest Costs, Highest Incomes

Renters here pay $1,239 monthly on a median income of $82,904, consuming 17.9% of earnings. Homeowners face the steepest $1,470 monthly mortgage payments in the state, but the county's wage premium makes these costs proportionally manageable.

York for Well-Compensated Relocators

If you're moving to Maine with a household income above $80,000, York offers coastal access and strong job markets despite premium housing costs. This is Maine's economic engine—worth the higher prices if you have the income to match.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in York County

via IncomeByCounty

York County exceeds national income benchmark

At $82,904, York County's median household income surpasses the U.S. median of $74,755 by 10.9%, making it Maine's wealthiest county by household income. Southern Maine's growth corridor drives robust earning potential.

Maine's highest household income

York County ranks first statewide, earning $16,032 more than Maine's median of $66,872. The county's proximity to greater Portland and Boston markets fuels superior economic opportunity.

Clear income advantage over all peers

York's $82,904 median matches Sagadahoc ($82,080) and dramatically exceeds inland and eastern counties—Waldo ($68,441), Oxford ($57,933), and all others. Regional economic concentration creates stark disparities.

High income supports expensive housing market

Despite median home values reaching $357,200—Maine's highest—York County's 17.9% rent-to-income ratio keeps housing affordable relative to wages. Higher incomes absorb the premium of coastal real estate.

Aggressive wealth strategies accelerate growth

York County residents earning $82,904 can fund retirement accounts to limits and invest additional income in taxable accounts, real estate, and alternative assets. Work with financial professionals to optimize complex tax situations and estate planning.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in York County

via HealthByCounty

York County Leads National Health

York County's life expectancy of 78.6 years exceeds the U.S. average of 76.4 by more than two years, establishing it as a national health leader. The 12.8% poor or fair health rate is well below national norms, reflecting a county where health outcomes and behaviors are exceptionally strong.

Second-Best Health in Maine

At 78.6 years, York County's life expectancy surpasses Maine's state average of 76.7 by 1.9 years, making it second only to Sagadahoc County in statewide health rankings. The 12.8% poor or fair health rate is Maine's second-best, signaling excellent health management and access.

Health Leader Among Peers

York County's 78.6-year life expectancy trails only Sagadahoc (80.1) and exceeds all other Maine counties by substantial margins, placing it as a clear regional health leader. With 68 primary care and 464 mental health providers per 100,000, York balances access with affordability to deliver results.

Lowest Uninsured Rate Drives Outcomes

York County's 7.1% uninsured rate is Maine's second-lowest (after Sagadahoc at 7.8%), and strong coverage directly correlates with its 78.6-year life expectancy and 12.8% poor or fair health rate. With 68 primary care and 464 mental health providers per 100,000, the county ensures care reaches residents when needed.

York County Leads by Example

York County's 7.1% uninsured rate—Maine's second-best—shows that coverage drives health outcomes: the county leads statewide in life expectancy at 78.6 years. Even here, those without coverage should act: visit maine.gov or contact Portland and southern Maine health centers to secure your plan today.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in York County

via RiskByCounty

York County faces above-average risk

York County's composite risk score of 81.46 places it in the relatively moderate category and substantially above the national average, making it Maine's highest-risk county overall. The southernmost Maine county experiences elevated exposure across nearly all hazard categories: hurricanes (91.53), earthquakes (83.81), floods (86.60), and even tornadoes (46.47). This comprehensive vulnerability reflects York's densely populated coastal character and location in a complex geological zone.

Maine's highest-risk county

York County's 81.46 composite score ranks it as Maine's most hazard-exposed county, exceeding the state average of 56.75 by 24.7 points. The county stands as the only Maine community rated in the relatively moderate category, setting it apart from all 15 other counties that score lower. This elevated risk profile makes York County a statewide priority for disaster preparedness and mitigation.

Far riskier than all adjacent counties

York County's 81.46 score dramatically exceeds neighboring Oxford County (65.90) to the north and all other surrounding counties in southern Maine. The county's closest competitor for high risk is Penobscot County (78.02), placing York in an isolated tier of elevated vulnerability. No comparable Maine county approaches York's comprehensive exposure across multiple major natural hazards.

Hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes paramount

Hurricane risk peaks at 91.53 in York County, the highest in all of Maine, making tropical storm impact the dominant natural hazard threat. Flood risk at 86.60 compounds this danger, particularly in densely developed coastal areas and river valleys where water accumulation poses severe damage risk. Earthquake risk at 83.81 adds a third major concern, with seismic events capable of triggering secondary flooding and infrastructure collapse in aging structures.

Comprehensive multi-hazard coverage mandatory

Flood insurance is absolutely essential in York County given the 86.60 flood risk score and standard exclusions in homeowners policies. Earthquake insurance becomes a prudent investment given the 83.81 score—one of Maine's highest—and comprehensive wind/hail coverage is critical for the 91.53 hurricane exposure. Foundation retrofitting, roof reinforcement, and elevation improvements provide complementary protection for properties in York County's high-risk environment.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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