Bangor
RANK #267 / 996 NAT · POP 152,640
1YR FORECAST: +1.5%
5YR OUTLOOK: +30%
Penobscot County, Maine, is defined by the Penobscot River, the longest river entirely within the state, which flows through its heart. The county seat, Bangor, sits on the river's west bank, approximately 23 miles from the Atlantic Ocean. Orono, another notable town, is home to the University of Maine, the state's flagship institution, situated on Marsh Island between the Penobscot and Stillwater rivers. The region offers extensive outdoor recreation, including whitewater rafting on the Penobscot River, with rapids ranging from Class III to Class V, and numerous trails for hiking, biking, and snowshoeing in areas like the Bangor City Forest and Penobscot River Trails. Life in Penobscot County reflects a blend of community-focused living and access to natural landscapes. Public transportation options are available, with services connecting towns throughout the county. The University of Maine in Orono contributes to a youthful atmosphere and provides educational opportunities. The economy has transitioned from a resource-based model, particularly forest products, to a modern services economy, with growth in sectors like healthcare, professional, and technical services. Recent economic developments include investments in research and development at the University of Maine and federal funding for rural hospitals.
Above national median
Below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Housing looks undervalued at 3.6x — home prices are low 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 73/100, Penobscot County sits in the upper half of all 996 ranked counties. Employment is expanding at +2.2%, and median household income stands at $59,438 — indicators that suggest solid fundamentals even if it's not among the fastest-growing counties in ME.
Housing in Penobscot County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $176,700 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.34, with rents averaging $932/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Employers in Penobscot County are hiring — job growth of +2.2% — but the population is close to flat (+0.3% YoY). Home values moved +0.9% over the past year. Labor demand is outpacing local population growth, which tends to tighten wages and housing.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 2.7% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Penobscot County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.