RANK #493 / 996 · POP 58,276 · ME
PROJECTED GROWTH: +0.7%
Oxford County, Maine, is defined by its mountainous terrain and extensive natural beauty, bordering New Hampshire and Quebec. The town of Bethel, near the White Mountain National Forest and home to Sunday River ski resort, serves as a hub for outdoor activities and culture. The county seat, South Paris, is centrally located. Commuting within the county and to nearby urban centers like Lewiston-Auburn is common, with public transportation options available through Western Maine Transportation Services. Residents have access to numerous lakes, rivers, and trails, including parts of the Appalachian Trail, Grafton Notch State Park, and Range Pond State Park, offering opportunities for hiking, skiing, boating, and fishing.
Life in Oxford County often revolves around its natural landscape and community focus. While historically reliant on manufacturing, the economy has diversified, with tourism, healthcare, and education now playing significant roles. Ski resorts like Sunday River and Black Mountain of Maine are major employers, particularly during winter. Recent economic developments include investments in expanding manufacturing facilities, such as Hancock Lumber's new prefabricated building components plant in Oxford, and upgrades to outdoor recreation infrastructure, including new snowmaking equipment for Black Mountain. The area attracts a mix of families and retirees, with a strong sense of community often cited by locals.
Above national median (4.7x)
Well below national median
Prices declining
Moderate climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 5.2x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Oxford County has a Boom Town Index score of 51/100, ranking #493 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at -0.5% and a median household income of $54,780, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Oxford County is $176,800 with median rent at $781/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3098, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.8% year-over-year. Job growth: -0.5%. Home values changed -0.5% in the past 12 months.