Biddeford
RANK #601 / 996 NAT · POP 212,691
1YR FORECAST: +1.1%
5YR OUTLOOK: +21%
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.
Above national median (4.7x)
Above national median
Below national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Below national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 6.5x 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.
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 →
| 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.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
At 39/100, York County faces headwinds that place it in the lower third of the 996 counties we track. Median income of $79,743 combined with job growth of +1.7% suggests the local economy is struggling to keep pace with national trends.
York County leans toward the expensive side. A median home value of $323,500 against an income-to-home-value ratio of 0.25 means housing eats a bigger share of local earnings than the national norm. Renters face $1,166/month on average.
York County is growing on multiple fronts. Population is up +1.1% year-over-year while employers added jobs at a +1.7% clip. Home values shifted +1.3% in the past year.
Not particularly — 1.99% of York County's population moved in from another state, which is below the national average. Most residents are long-term locals rather than recent transplants.