Franklin County Public RecordsMaine

As of the 2020 Census, Franklin County, ME, had a population of 29,456. The median age is 46.7 years, reflecting an aging population. Approximately 50.3% are female and 49.7% male. The county is predominantly White (95.1%), with small populations identifying as two or more races (2.2%), Hispanic or Latino (1.1%), African American (0.7%), and Asian (0.5%).

Franklin County, ME, had about 21,500 registered voters in 2022. Elections include local, state, and federal races; in the 2020 presidential election, 52% voted for Trump and 45% for Biden. The county uses 26 polling locations, managed by the Franklin County Clerk and local election officials. Voter issues often center on rural healthcare and education. Major parties are Democratic, Republican, and unenrolled; as of 2023, about 34% registered as Democrat, 28% Republican, and 38% unenrolled. Polling hours are typically 8 a.m.–8 p.m., following Maine state election laws and procedures for absentee voting.

Franklin County, Maine hosts around 14 public schools, including Mt. Blue High School, with an 80% graduation rate. About 23% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety is prioritized, with low incident rates; for example, less than 2% reported safety issues in 2022. The district offers adult education programs and Advanced Placement courses. Average standardized test scores are around the state mean, with reading proficiency at 80% and math at 75%. Overall, the county emphasizes educational quality and diverse learning opportunities.

Franklin County, ME, had an employment rate of approximately 54.7% in 2022. Top employment industries include healthcare and social assistance (19%), retail trade (13%), and education services (12%). The leading occupation types are office and administrative support (13%), sales (10%), and education-related positions (9%). About 80% of workers commute by car, with a mean travel time of 22 minutes. Most residents work within the county, though some commute to neighboring Androscoggin and Somerset counties for employment.

Franklin County, ME has a homeownership rate of about 79%, with a median home value of $204,000 as of 2023. The median gross rent is around $875 per month. Property values increased approximately 6% year-over-year. Housing types include single-family homes, cabins, mobile homes, and seasonal lakefront cottages. Popular neighborhoods are Farmington, Wilton, and Rangeley. Property tax rates average 1.18% of assessed value. The area offers affordability compared to Maine’s coastal regions, drawing both year-round and seasonal residents seeking rural charm and access to outdoor recreation.

Franklin County, ME, maintains relatively low crime rates compared to state and national averages. In 2022, the violent crime rate was around 75 incidents per 100,000 residents, notably lower than Maine’s average of 113. Property crime in the county was reported at 970 per 100,000 residents. The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office handles most local reporting, and the area’s consistently lower crime rates contribute to its reputation for safety. Regular community policing and quick response times help to maintain public security.