Rumford
RANK #323 / 996 NAT · POP 58,276
1YR FORECAST: +1.8%
5YR OUTLOOK: +28%
Oxford County, Maine, is defined by its mountainous terrain and extensive natural beauty, bordering New Hampshire and Quebec. The town of Bethel, near the White Mountain National Forest and home to Sunday River ski resort, serves as a hub for outdoor activities and culture. The county seat, South Paris, is centrally located. Commuting within the county and to nearby urban centers like Lewiston-Auburn is common, with public transportation options available through Western Maine Transportation Services. Residents have access to numerous lakes, rivers, and trails, including parts of the Appalachian Trail, Grafton Notch State Park, and Range Pond State Park, offering opportunities for hiking, skiing, boating, and fishing.
Life in Oxford County often revolves around its natural landscape and community focus. While historically reliant on manufacturing, the economy has diversified, with tourism, healthcare, and education now playing significant roles. Ski resorts like Sunday River and Black Mountain of Maine are major employers, particularly during winter. Recent economic developments include investments in expanding manufacturing facilities, such as Hancock Lumber's new prefabricated building components plant in Oxford, and upgrades to outdoor recreation infrastructure, including new snowmaking equipment for Black Mountain. The area attracts a mix of families and retirees, with a strong sense of community often cited by locals.
Above national median (4.7x)
Well below national median
Prices declining
Moderate climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 5.2x 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.
With a Boom Town Index score of 67/100, Oxford County sits in the upper half of all 996 ranked counties. and median household income stands at $54,780 — indicators that suggest solid fundamentals even if it's not among the fastest-growing counties in ME.
Housing in Oxford County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $176,800 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.31, with rents averaging $781/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Oxford County's population is growing — up +0.8% YoY — while the job market is roughly flat (employment change of -0.5%). Home values shifted -0.5% over the past year. In-migration is outpacing local hiring, which often points to remote workers or retirees driving the headcount.
Not particularly — 1.77% of Oxford County's population moved in from another state, which is below the national average. Most residents are long-term locals rather than recent transplants.