Ellsworth
RANK #511 / 996 NAT · POP 55,851
1YR FORECAST: +0.3%
5YR OUTLOOK: +23%
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.
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 →
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Hancock County scores 48/100 on the Boom Town Index, landing in the middle of the pack among 996 U.S. counties (#511). Median household income is $64,149 and job growth is running at +1.6%. The data points to a county with mixed signals — some positive indicators alongside areas that lag faster-growing peers.
Housing in Hancock County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $250,900 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.26, with rents averaging $949/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Hancock County is growing on multiple fronts. Population is up +0.8% year-over-year while employers added jobs at a +1.6% clip. Home values shifted -0.8% in the past year.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 2.7% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Hancock County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.