RANK #428 / 996 · POP 152,640 · ME
PROJECTED GROWTH: +1.0%
Penobscot County, Maine, is defined by the Penobscot River, the longest river entirely within the state, which flows through its heart. The county seat, Bangor, sits on the river's west bank, approximately 23 miles from the Atlantic Ocean. Orono, another notable town, is home to the University of Maine, the state's flagship institution, situated on Marsh Island between the Penobscot and Stillwater rivers. The region offers extensive outdoor recreation, including whitewater rafting on the Penobscot River, with rapids ranging from Class III to Class V, and numerous trails for hiking, biking, and snowshoeing in areas like the Bangor City Forest and Penobscot River Trails. Life in Penobscot County reflects a blend of community-focused living and access to natural landscapes. Public transportation options are available, with services connecting towns throughout the county. The University of Maine in Orono contributes to a youthful atmosphere and provides educational opportunities. The economy has transitioned from a resource-based model, particularly forest products, to a modern services economy, with growth in sectors like healthcare, professional, and technical services. Recent economic developments include investments in research and development at the University of Maine and federal funding for rural hospitals.
Above national median
Below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Housing looks undervalued at 3.6x — 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 →
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Penobscot County has a Boom Town Index score of 57/100, ranking #428 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +2.2% and a median household income of $59,438, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Penobscot County is $176,700 with median rent at $932/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3364, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.3% year-over-year. Job growth: +2.2%. Home values changed +0.9% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 2.7% of Penobscot County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.