Augusta
RANK #887 / 1001 NAT · POP 126,808
1YR FORECAST: +0.0%
5YR OUTLOOK: +12%
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.
Kennebec 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 +0.8% runs below the profile's typical +1.4%.
See all 35 Secondary Market Surge counties →Below national median (5.5x)
Well below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Below national median (15x)
Housing is fairly valued at 4.5x 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: Homicide rates from CDC/NCHS vital-statistics mortality data — a multi-year average that stabilizes counts in smaller counties — compiled in the County Health Rankings 2025 release. Rates per 100,000 population; U.S. average ≈ 6.5. Grade reflects homicide rate relative to the national average. Learn more →
See where Kennebec County stands nationally: safest large counties in America · highest homicide-rate counties · counties where safety is improving.
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
| 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 1001 counties.
The data is not encouraging — Kennebec County scores just 11/100 on the Boom Town Index, ranking #887 of 1001 counties. Job growth at -0.3% and median household income of $69,077 reflect an economy that has been contracting or stagnating relative to the rest of the country.
Housing in Kennebec County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $238,200 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.29, with rents averaging $992/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Kennebec County's population is growing — up +0.9% YoY — while the job market is roughly flat (employment change of -0.3%). Home values shifted +0.8% 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 2.98% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Kennebec County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.