Aroostook County

As of the latest available data, Aroostook County, ME, has a population of approximately 67,000 people. The racial composition is predominantly White, accounting for about 94%, with small percentages of residents identifying as Native American (1.8%), Hispanic or Latino (1.5%), and African American (0.8%). The median age is around 47 years. The median household income is roughly $37,000, and the poverty rate stands at 18.4%. The county covers an area of about 6,829 square miles, making it the largest by land area in Maine.

Aroostook County, ME, has a median home value of approximately $85,000. The median rent is around $600 per month. Homeownership is prevalent, with about 75% of residents owning homes. The housing market is relatively affordable compared to national averages, with a mix of single-family homes, multi-family units, and farms. Recent data indicates a stable market with slight annual appreciation. Rental vacancies are modest, maintaining a rate near 6%. The county offers a rural lifestyle, with many properties featuring large lots and scenic views.

Aroostook County, Maine, conducts elections for various local, state, and federal positions. Key recent election data includes:

1. 2020 Presidential Election:

   • Joe Biden (D): 14,239 votes (42.4%)
   • Donald Trump (R): 18,880 votes (56.2%)

2. 2022 Gubernatorial Election:

   • Janet Mills (D): 14,305 votes (42.9%)
   • Paul LePage (R): 18,943 votes (56.9%)

3. U.S. Senate 2020:

   • Susan Collins (R): 20,298 votes (60.7%)
   • Sara Gideon (D): 11,188 votes (33.5%)

For local elections, Aroostook County residents vote for positions such as County Commissioners, Treasurer, and Register of Deeds. Candidates vary each election cycle, but the county is known for its competitive races often featuring Republican and Democratic contenders. Additional details and precise number of candidates can be found on the Aroostook County official website or through the Maine Secretary of State's election page.

As of recent data, Aroostook County, ME shows the following educational attainment figures: approximately 88.2% of residents aged 25 and older have a high school diploma, compared to the national average of 88%. About 18.2% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is below the national average of 33% and the Maine average of 32%. These figures suggest that while Aroostook County is on par with national high school graduation rates, it lags significantly behind in higher education attainment compared to both state and national averages.

As of recent reports, Aroostook County, ME has an employment rate of approximately 55,000 people. The average unemployment rate stands around 4.8%, which is slightly higher than the national average of 3.8% but comparable to Maine's state average of about 4.5%.

Top industries in Aroostook County include healthcare and social assistance, agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and retail trade. The healthcare sector employs roughly 25% of the working population, significantly higher than the national average of about 14%. Agriculture and forestry are also substantial, accounting for 10% of employment, compared to the national average of 1.3%. Retail trade employs around 12% of the workforce, which aligns with the national average.

These figures show a distinct leaning towards healthcare and agriculture in Aroostook County relative to both state and national averages.

As of the most recent data, the average household income in Aroostook County, ME is approximately $42,800. In comparison, the average household income for the state of Maine is around $57,918, while the national average is approximately $68,703. This highlights a significant disparity where Aroostook County lags behind both state and national averages.

These figures underscore the economic challenges faced by residents in Aroostook County relative to broader benchmarks.

Aroostook County, ME, generally reports lower crime rates compared to state and national averages. As of the latest data, the annual crime rate in Aroostook County is approximately:

• Violent Crime Rate: 1.9 per 1,000 residents
• Property Crime Rate: 13.5 per 1,000 residents

Here’s a breakdown of the types of crimes:

Sources: Local law enforcement reports and crime databases. Note: Crime rates can vary yearly and should be confirmed with current data for accuracy.