RANK #686 / 996 · POP 124,003 · ME
PROJECTED GROWTH: +0.1%
Hallowell, Maine, a small city on the Kennebec River, offers a distinctive blend of historic charm and artistic flair, often called "The Little Easy" or "New Orleans on the Kennebec." Located just south of Augusta, the state capital, Kennebec County provides a mix of urban amenities and natural beauty. Commuting within the county is generally manageable, with Augusta and Waterville serving as central hubs, though some residents experience commutes over 30 minutes. The Kennebec River Rail Trail connects Augusta, Hallowell, and Gardiner, offering a scenic route for walking and biking. The region features rolling hills, numerous lakes, and access to the Kennebec Highlands, providing ample outdoor recreation opportunities.
Life in Kennebec County appeals to a range of residents, from families drawn to communities with local schools like those in Winthrop and Oakland, to individuals seeking a balance of small-city vibrancy and outdoor access. The economy, historically rooted in industries along the Kennebec River, is seeing new activity. Recent developments indicate investment in infrastructure, including broadband expansion, and growth in clean energy. Efforts are also underway to support small businesses and entrepreneurs, with a focus on revitalizing downtown areas in towns like Augusta, Gardiner, and Waterville.
Prices declining
Below-average climate & terrain
Housing looks undervalued at 3.7x — 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 →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Kennebec Valley Natural Gas Pipeline Expansion
Summit Natural Gas of Maine, Inc.
|
$240M | Operating |
|
Three Corners Solar
Longroad Energy
|
$200M | Operating |
|
Amazon Distribution Center (Waterville/Sidney)
Amazon
|
$50M | Proposed |
|
Community Solar Portfolio (multiple projects)
Various (e.g., AES Distributed Energy, Maine DG Solar Monmouth, LLC, BD Solar Augusta LLC, BD Solar 2 LLC)
|
$50M | Operating |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Kennebec County has a Boom Town Index score of 31/100, ranking #686 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +1.1% and a median household income of $62,118, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Kennebec County is $198,300 with median rent at $900/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3133, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.6% year-over-year. Job growth: +1.1%. Home values changed -0.0% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 3.09% of Kennebec County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.