Waldo County

As of the latest census, Waldo County, ME has a population of around 39,000 people. The racial composition is predominantly White (over 95%), with small percentages of other races including African American, Native American, and Asian. The median age is approximately 45 years. Household income averages around $55,000, with about 13% of the population living below the poverty line. The county covers an area of 853 square miles, with a relatively low population density.

As of the latest data, Waldo County, ME, has a median home value of approximately $245,000. The area boasts a home ownership rate of around 80.3%. Median rent is about $850 per month. The housing market has seen an annual appreciation rate of roughly 5.3%. There are about 18,000 housing units in the county, with a homeowner vacancy rate near 1.5% and a rental vacancy rate close to 4.2%.

As of the latest local elections in Waldo County, Maine, the county typically participates in elections for state-level offices, county commissioner seats, and local town councils. For the state legislature, Waldo County is divided into several districts for the Maine State House and Senate.

For example, in the 2022 general election:

• Maine House of Representatives, District 99: Jan Dodge (D) won with 2,654 votes against Clinton Collamore (R) who garnered 1,102 votes.
• Maine Senate, District 11: Glenn Curry (D) secured 8,579 votes beating Duncan Milne (R) who received 4,263 votes.

County Commissioner for District 2 saw Amy Fowler (D) winning with 5,212 votes over Larry Pichler (R) who had 3,847 votes.

These figures are examples and may change with future elections. Voter turnout and candidate lists can vary, and it's advisable to check the latest, official county resources for the most current election data.

As of the latest data, Waldo County, ME, has an educational attainment level that shows room for growth compared to state and national averages. Approximately 91.2% of residents have a high school diploma or higher, which is slightly below the national average of 92.5% and Maine’s state average of 93%. When it comes to higher education, about 23.7% of Waldo County’s population holds a bachelor’s degree or higher, lagging behind the national average of around 33.1% and Maine’s state average of 30.8%. This gap indicates a lower level of higher education attainment in the county, highlighting potential areas for development and investment in educational resources.

As of recent data, Waldo County, ME has a labor force of approximately 20,000 individuals, with an unemployment rate around 4.5%, slightly below the national average of 5.2% and the state average of 4.8%.

Top industries in Waldo County include healthcare and social assistance, manufacturing, retail trade, and educational services. Healthcare and social assistance employ about 16% of the workforce, close to the national average of 15%. Manufacturing stands at 15%, significantly higher than the national average of 8.5% and the state average of 10%. Retail trade employs around 14%, consistent with the national average of 13%. Educational services account for 9%, close to the national figure of 8%.

These sectors collectively contribute to the county's steady employment rates and highlight its reliance on both traditional and service-oriented industries.

As of the latest data, Waldo County, ME has a median household income of approximately $53,000 per year. In comparison, the median household income for the state of Maine is around $57,918, while the national median stands at about $68,703.

Waldo County's median household income is below both the state and national averages, reflecting economic disparities within rural communities compared to more urbanized and mixed economies.

As of the latest available data, Waldo County, ME has a relatively low crime rate compared to both state and national averages. The overall crime rate is approximately 15.3 per 1,000 residents. Here’s a summary of the crime statistics:

Violent crimes include offenses like assault and robbery, while property crimes encompass burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft. The low numbers reflect the county's commitment to maintaining a safe environment for its residents.