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York County, ME

RANK #555 / 996  ·  POP 212,691  ·  ME

PROJECTED GROWTH: +0.5%

York County shows below-average economic momentum. Growth signals are flat or softening.

[01] Why York County?

York County, Maine, stands out for its coastal charm and historical significance, notably in towns like York, which was America's first chartered city in 1641. Located in the southernmost part of Maine, bordering New Hampshire, it offers a blend of sandy beaches, rocky coastlines, and historic villages. Commuting to nearby cities like Boston is feasible, with towns such as York, Ogunquit, and Kennebunkport being popular for their accessibility. The region boasts extensive outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking at Mount Agamenticus, exploring Ferry Beach State Park, and enjoying various beaches like Long Sands and Short Sands.

Life in York County attracts a mix of families, retirees, and remote workers drawn to its quality of life and community feel. The economy is diverse, with significant activity in healthcare, service, and retail sectors. Recent economic developments include commercial real estate projects in towns like Biddeford and Saco, encompassing mixed-use spaces, retail, and residential properties. The county also sees ongoing investment in sectors such as data centers and energy, contributing to its economic landscape. Public transportation options, including local bus services and connections to Amtrak, support residents' mobility. The area is served by numerous public school districts, including Wells-Ogunquit Community School District and York Public Schools.

[02] Market Snapshot

Housing Ratio
6.5x

Above national median (4.7x)

GDP Growth
+3.7%

Above national median

Home Prices
+1.3%

Below national median

Climate & Terrain
0.9

Moderate climate & terrain

Price/Rent
13x

Below national median (13x)

Housing is fairly valued at 6.5x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.

[03] Signal Profile

[04] Home Value Growth vs National

York County U.S. National

The Numbers

DEMOGRAPHICS
Population
212,691
+1.05% YoY
Median Household Income
$79,743
Median Home Value
$323,500
+1.28% 12mo
Median Rent
$1,166
Average Annual Pay
$61,811
+4.5% YoY
Employment
79,378
+1.7% YoY
Income-to-Home-Value
0.2465
Near national average
Migration Inflow
1.99%
of pop. from another state

Market Activity

REAL ESTATE
Median Sale Price
$480,000
Days on Market
52
Moderate pace
Months of Supply
4.0
Balanced market
Sale-to-List Ratio
97.9%
Negotiation room for buyers
Sold Above List
23.8%
Listings w/ Price Drops
11.2%
Building Permits (2024)
1,408
Single-Family Permits
1,009

Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →

[05] Capital Investment

$674M
TOTAL
PROJECT AMOUNT STATUS
Sanford Data Center
Undisclosed (New England Energy Co. owns land)
$500M Proposed
Sanford Solar Portfolio (multiple projects)
Walden Renewables, Acton H Road Solar 1, LLC
$80M Operating/Under Construction
The Meadows Residential Community
Undisclosed
$50M Planned
York County Recovery and Training Centers
York County Government
$44M Under Construction

Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.

[06] Score Breakdown

GDP Growth +3.7% 68 percentile
Population Growth +1.1% 73 percentile
Income Growth +8.0% 36 percentile
Vacancy Rate 0.6% 88 percentile
Home Price Change +1.3% 49 percentile
Rent Growth +4.1% 68 percentile
Price/Rent 13x 59 percentile

Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.

[07] Frequently Asked Questions

Is York County, ME a good place to move to?

York County has a Boom Town Index score of 44/100, ranking #555 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +1.7% and a median household income of $79,743, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.

Is York County affordable?

The median home value in York County is $323,500 with median rent at $1,166/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2465, which is less affordable than the national average.

Is York County growing or shrinking?

Population growth: +1.1% year-over-year. Job growth: +1.7%. Home values changed +1.3% in the past 12 months.

[08] Similar Metros

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