RANK #523 / 996 · POP 67,237 · ME
PROJECTED GROWTH: +0.6%
Aroostook County, often called "The County" by locals, is Maine's northernmost and largest county, exceeding the combined size of Connecticut and Rhode Island. This expansive region, bordering Canada, is known for its vast woodlands, over 2,000 lakes, rivers, and streams, and the 92-mile Allagash Wilderness Waterway. While remote, with a drive from Portland taking around 4-5 hours, it offers a distinct, slower pace of life. Presque Isle is the largest city, and Houlton serves as the county seat. The area provides extensive outdoor recreation, including snowmobiling on over 2,000 miles of trails, ATVing, hunting, fishing, and cross-country skiing. Life in Aroostook County is characterized by a strong sense of community and a connection to the land, with many residents owning their homes. The region's culture reflects Franco-American, Acadian, Native American, and Scandinavian influences. Public schools in Aroostook County are a focus, with institutions like the Maine School of Science and Mathematics receiving national recognition. The economy, historically tied to potato cultivation, is diversifying. Recent developments include investments in agricultural technology, with a new potato research lab at the University of Maine's Aroostook Farm, and expansion in potato processing. The aerospace sector is also emerging, with an aerospace research park under development at the Presque Isle International Airport. Additionally, niche small businesses, including eateries and creative ventures, have seen growth.
Prices declining
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks undervalued at 3.0x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
King Pine Wind Farm
Longwood Energy
|
$2,000M | Planned |
|
Number Nine Wind Farm
EDP Renewables
|
$1,100M | Operating |
|
Loring LiquidCool Data Center Campus
Loring LiquidCool Data Center (LiquidCool Solutions / Green 4 Maine)
|
$500M | Under Construction |
|
Timberland Solar Project (Hersey)
Next Phase Energy Services
|
$100M | Proposed |
|
Presque Isle Bypass Phase 2
Maine Department of Transportation
|
$84M | Planned |
|
Taste of Maine Potato Chip Co. Plant
Taste of Maine Potato Chip Co.
|
$65M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Aroostook County has a Boom Town Index score of 48/100, ranking #523 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +1.1% and a median household income of $50,843, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Aroostook County is $125,400 with median rent at $681/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.4054, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: -0.1% year-over-year. Job growth: +1.1%. Home values changed -0.1% in the past 12 months.