RANK #588 / 1001 NAT · POP 113,423
1YR FORECAST: +0.0%
5YR OUTLOOK: +27%
Androscoggin County, Maine, is characterized by its "Twin Cities" of Lewiston and Auburn, bisected by the Androscoggin River. Lewiston, the larger city, is known for its French-Canadian heritage, evident in landmarks like the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. The county, located in Southern Maine, is about 40 minutes north of Portland, offering a balance of urban amenities and natural landscapes. Commuting within the Lewiston-Auburn area is generally manageable, with local bus services available. The region boasts outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking and biking trails along the Androscoggin River, fishing in Lake Auburn, and winter sports at Lost Valley.
Life in Androscoggin County offers a blend of community-centered living and access to nature. The area attracts families and young professionals, with a significant immigrant population contributing to its cultural diversity. Local schools include Durham Community School and East Auburn Community School. The economy, historically rooted in textiles and shoe manufacturing, has diversified into sectors like healthcare, technology, and education. Recent economic developments include investments in housing and support for local businesses, with a focus on innovation and manufacturing.
Androscoggin County is one of 35 U.S. counties in this market profile — weaker than typical on the BoomTown Index. Within this cohort, its recent home-price change of +1.4% matches the profile's typical +1.4%.
See all 35 Secondary Market Surge counties →Overvalued relative to economy
Below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Below national median (15x)
Housing looks overvalued at 9.8x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Bars show trailing 12-month growth. The dashed Forecast bars are the model's next-12-month projection; the whisker marks the ±1% range (cooling–accelerating).
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Androscoggin Mill Data Center
JGT2 Redevelopment LLC (managed by Sentinel Data Centers)
|
$500M | Proposed |
|
Green Apple Solar
Undisclosed (Cleanview)
|
$179M | Planned |
|
Community Solar Portfolio (multiple projects)
Hayworth Solar Partners, LLC, Syncarpha, EDP Renewables North America
|
$50M | Operating/Under Construction |
|
Bates College Athletic Facilities Upgrade
Bates College
|
$45M | Planned |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 1001 counties.
Androscoggin County scores 41/100 on the Boom Town Index, landing in the middle of the pack among 1001 U.S. counties (#588). Median household income is $67,873 and job growth is running at -0.7%. The data points to a county with mixed signals — some positive indicators alongside areas that lag faster-growing peers.
Housing in Androscoggin County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $252,800 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.27, with rents averaging $1,010/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Androscoggin County's population is growing — up +1.0% YoY — while the job market is roughly flat (employment change of -0.7%). Home values shifted +1.4% over the past year. In-migration is outpacing local hiring, which often points to remote workers or retirees driving the headcount.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 2.73% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Androscoggin County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.