Presque Isle
RANK #134 / 996 NAT · POP 67,237
1YR FORECAST: +0.6%
5YR OUTLOOK: +34%
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.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
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 |
|---|---|---|
|
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 ranks #134 out of 996 U.S. counties on the Boom Town Index with a score of 86/100, putting it in the top tier nationally. Job growth of +1.1% and a median household income of $50,843 point to a county with active economic momentum.
By national standards, Aroostook County is quite affordable. Homes here have a median value of $125,400, and the income-to-home-value ratio of 0.41 is well above the U.S. average — especially with median rent at just $681/month. Residents can generally buy a home without being cost-burdened.
Employers in Aroostook County are hiring — job growth of +1.1% — but the population is close to flat (-0.1% YoY). Home values moved -0.1% over the past year. Labor demand is outpacing local population growth, which tends to tighten wages and housing.
Not particularly — 0.84% of Aroostook County's population moved in from another state, which is below the national average. Most residents are long-term locals rather than recent transplants.