Waldo
Maine

What stands out

Against every county in America, Waldo County is unusual in three ways: the overdose death rate is in the top 2% of American counties (54 per 100,000), the average temperature is in the bottom 9% of American counties (45°F), and the share working from home is in the top 11% of American counties (13%). Within Maine it ranks 2nd of 16 counties for the overdose death rate.

Where you are

You live in Waldo County, Maine. 39,772 people live here with you. The population grew 0.9% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +526).

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 $62,694 a year, higher than 57% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $54,674. Unemployment runs 3.2%, lower than 59% of American counties. 13% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 22 minutes each way.

Maine takes 6.3% of that median income in state income tax, about $3,972 a year.

Home

The median home costs $345K, pricier than 78% of American counties, about 2.8 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $855 a month. Property tax is 1.19% of home value, roughly $2,499 a year on that median home, higher than 72% of American counties. 81% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.2 per 1,000 residents, lower than 82% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 54 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 77.3 years, longer than 68% of American counties. There are 77 active physicians in the county, about 19.4 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 3.0 of 5 stars. 9.0% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.79 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 82% of American counties. 93% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 25 points. 77% 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 45°F, highs near 54 and lows near 35, colder than 91% of American counties. About 41 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 53 out of 100, riskier than 53% of American counties; the county has had 28 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 154 Mbps down, slower than 69% 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, 3 museums.