RANK #601 / 996 · POP 55,851 · ME
PROJECTED GROWTH: +0.4%
Hancock County, Maine, is defined by its rugged coastline and the presence of Acadia National Park, which covers a significant portion of Mount Desert Island. This island, often referred to by locals as "MDI," is home to towns like Bar Harbor, a popular tourist destination, and quieter communities such as Northeast Harbor and Seal Harbor. The county, located in southeastern Maine, is about 50 miles southeast of Bangor, the nearest major city. Commuting within the county and to nearby areas is facilitated by Downeast Transportation, which offers year-round bus services and a seasonal shuttle for Acadia National Park. The landscape features granite peaks, including Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the U.S. Atlantic coast, and Somes Sound, a fjord-like inlet. Outdoor recreation opportunities are extensive, with over 120 miles of hiking trails, 45 miles of carriage roads for biking, kayaking, and fishing in numerous lakes and coastal waters.
Life in Hancock County blends a connection to nature with community-oriented living. The public schools in the county are rated above average. Ellsworth, the county seat, serves as a commercial hub and has seen recent growth in housing development. The economy is driven by tourism, commercial fishing, and institutions like Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor, known for cancer research. Renewable energy projects, such as the Three Rivers solar facility, also contribute to the economic landscape. While many residents own their homes, the area attracts retirees and remote workers drawn to the natural amenities and community feel.
Above national median (4.7x)
Below national median
Prices declining
Moderate climate & terrain
Prices detached from rents
Housing is fairly valued at 4.9x 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.
Hancock County has a Boom Town Index score of 40/100, ranking #601 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +1.6% and a median household income of $64,149, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Hancock County is $250,900 with median rent at $949/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2557, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.8% year-over-year. Job growth: +1.6%. Home values changed -0.8% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 2.7% of Hancock County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.