Kennebec
Maine

What stands out

Against every county in America, Kennebec County is unusual in three ways: home internet speed is in the top 6% of American counties (296 Mbps), high-school completion is in the top 9% of American counties (95%), and the overdose death rate is in the top 10% of American counties (34 per 100,000). Within Maine it ranks 2nd of 16 counties for home internet speed.

Where you are

You live in Kennebec County, Maine. 124,003 people live here with you. The population grew 0.6% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +1,092).

Maine has the oldest population of any state, a graduated income tax that reaches 7.15% at moderate incomes, and an estate tax with a $7 million exemption. It does not tax Social Security and exempts a portion of pension income. Coastal property from Portland to Bar Harbor carries prices closer to Massachusetts than to the inland counties, where homes remain inexpensive.

Money

The typical household here brings in $62,118 a year, higher than 55% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $60,846. Unemployment runs 2.8%, lower than 72% of American counties. 12% of workers work from home.

Maine takes 6.3% of that median income in state income tax, about $3,933 a year.

Home

The median home costs $320K, pricier than 73% of American counties, about 2.4 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $958 a month. Property tax is 1.23% of home value, roughly $2,443 a year on that median home, higher than 74% of American counties. 72% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.3 per 1,000 residents, lower than 78% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 34 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 76.8 years, longer than 62% of American counties. There are 420 active physicians in the county, about 33.9 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 4.0 of 5 stars. 7.2% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.00 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 51% of American counties. 95% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 29 points. 75% of eligible voters turned out. Under Maine law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is protected by state law, and marijuana is legal for adults.

Weather and risk

The year averages 46°F, highs near 56 and lows near 36, colder than 90% of American counties. About 39 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 78 out of 100, riskier than 78% of American counties; the county has had 25 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 296 Mbps down, faster than 94% of American counties. There are 4 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.7 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 3 breweries, 8 museums.