Demographics
As of 2022, Aroostook County, ME, has a population of approximately 66,446. The median age is about 47.2 years, indicating an older population compared to national averages. The gender distribution is fairly balanced, with 50.1% female and 49.9% male. Racially, the county is predominantly White (90.8%), with 2.7% Native American, 1.1% Black or African American, 0.8% Asian, and 1.7% identifying as Hispanic or Latino.
Elections
Aroostook County, ME, with about 48,000 residents, had roughly 34,000 registered voters in 2022. Elections include federal, state, county, and local offices, as well as referenda. In the 2020 presidential election, Donald Trump received 56.6% of votes and Joe Biden 40.8%. Polling locations span over 50 towns, ranging from town halls to schools. Key issues include economic development, healthcare access, and rural infrastructure. Elections are overseen by the County Clerk and local officials. Major parties active are Republican and Democrat, though Independents also have a presence.
Education, Employment and Housing
Aroostook County, ME hosts around 20 public high schools and several private institutions, with approximately 83% high school graduation rate and 21% of adults holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety initiatives are active, with crime rates in schools below the national average. Adult education is supported through centers like RSU #39 Adult Education. School scores range from 40-70/100 per GreatSchools. Educational programs include AP courses, career and technical training, and special education services, promoting diverse academic opportunities across the county.
Aroostook County, ME, had an employment rate of approximately 56% in 2022. Major industries include healthcare and social assistance (19%), retail trade (13%), and agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting (10%). Most common occupations are in office and administrative support (12%), production (10%), and sales (10%). About 79% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 19 minutes. The majority are employed within the county, mainly in Presque Isle and Caribou, the county’s largest employment centers. Unemployment stood at around 4.5% in 2023.
Aroostook County, ME, has a homeownership rate around 76%, higher than state and national averages. Median home values are approximately $130,000, with rental prices averaging $800–$950 per month for a two-bedroom unit. The area predominantly features single-family homes and rural properties, with some small-town neighborhoods in Presque Isle and Caribou. Home values rose modestly by 5%–7% from 2023 to 2024. Property taxes average 1.3% of assessed value, making them lower than many other Maine counties. The housing market remains affordable, appealing to both buyers and renters seeking rural or small-town living.
County Crime & Safety
Aroostook County, ME, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. According to FBI data for 2022, the county reported approximately 137 crimes per 100,000 residents, including 3.2 violent crimes and 133.8 property crimes per 100,000 people. Law enforcement agencies, such as the Aroostook County Sheriff’s Office, actively encourage community reporting and operate regular safety programs. While some rural areas experience occasional theft or burglary, overall, Aroostook remains one of Maine’s safer counties, with a crime rate significantly lower than the U.S. national average.
Popular names
- Michael Michaud
- Mark Cyr
- David Cyr
- Donald Michaud
- Linda Cyr
- Michael Cyr
- Robert Smith
- Richard Cyr
- Steven Pelletier
- Ashley Ouellette
- Daniel Pelletier
- David Pelletier
- James Ouellette
- Barbara Pelletier
- David Martin
- David Smith
- James Cyr
- John Ouellette
- Matthew Bouchard
- Michael Bouchard
- Michael Ouellette
- Charles Smith
- Daniel Daigle
- Gerald Michaud
- James Michaud
- Jennifer Smith
- John Daigle
- Joseph Michaud
- Karen Ouellette
- Michael Beaulieu
- Michael Martin
- Michael Saucier
- Michelle Roy
- Randy Cyr
- Robert Gagnon
- Robert Ouellette
- Scott Michaud
- Andrew Levesque
- Danielle Ouellette
- Donna Pelletier
- Erica Ouellette
- James Bouchard
- Jean Michaud
- Jeannine Cyr
- Joey Ouellette
- John Hebert
- John Pelletier
- Laura Cyr
- Linda Ouellette
- Lisa Michaud
- Lisa Sirois
- Lorraine Pelletier
- Matthew Nadeau
- Paul Michaud
- Robert Pelletier
- Ronald Ouellette
- Scott Cyr
- Scott Pelletier
- Tammy Ouellette
- Thomas Pelletier