Somerset
Maine

What stands out

Three things set Somerset County apart from the other 3,142 counties: the average temperature is in the bottom 2% of American counties (41°F), the overdose death rate is in the top 8% of American counties (37 per 100,000), and home internet speed is in the top 15% of American counties (272 Mbps). Within Maine it ranks 4th of 16 counties for the average temperature, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Somerset County, Maine. 50,656 people live here with you. The population grew 0.4% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +458).

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 $53,527 a year, lower than 71% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $55,148. Unemployment runs 4.1%, higher than 73% of American counties. 10% of workers work from home.

Maine takes 6.3% of that median income in state income tax, about $3,353 a year.

Home

The median home costs $234K, pricier than 50% of American counties, about 2.1 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $836 a month. Property tax is 1.22% of home value, roughly $1,836 a year on that median home, higher than 73% of American counties. 77% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.9 per 1,000 residents, higher than 51% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 37 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 75.3 years, shorter than 56% of American counties. There are 70 active physicians in the county, about 13.8 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 2.0 of 5 stars. 9.1% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.77 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 79% of American counties. 92% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 38 points. 69% 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 41°F, highs near 51 and lows near 31, colder than 98% of American counties. About 37 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 68 out of 100, riskier than 68% of American counties; the county has had 172 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 272 Mbps down, faster than 85% of American counties. There are 11 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.7 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 1 brewery.