Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, Knox County, Maine, had a population of 40,607. The median age was 49.4 years, reflecting an older demographic. Gender distribution was fairly balanced, with 49% male and 51% female residents. The county is predominantly White (94.8%), with smaller Black or African American (1%), Asian (0.8%), and Hispanic or Latino (1.7%) populations. Less than 3% identified as two or more races or other ethnicities.
Elections
Knox County, ME, had approximately 32,600 residents and around 21,000 registered voters as of 2022. Elections include federal, state, county, and local contests, such as the 2022 gubernatorial race where Democrat Janet Mills won 58% of the county’s vote. The county has 18 polling locations managed by the Knox County Elections Office and 18 municipalities. Major parties are Democrat, Republican, and Green Independent. Key issues include property taxes and fisheries. Voter turnout in recent general elections was about 70%. Elections are overseen by the county clerk, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.
Education, Employment and Housing
Knox County, ME has 18 public schools, with 3 high schools serving approximately 1,200 students. Around 92% of residents hold a high school diploma, and 30% have a bachelor’s degree or higher (US Census, 2022). Average school proficiency scores are near the state average, with a math proficiency of 78% and reading at 82%. Adult education is offered through RSU 13’s Adult & Community Education program. School safety reports indicate below-average incidents compared to state figures. The county provides AP courses, CTE programs, and special education to enhance educational opportunities for all learners.
As of 2022, Knox County, ME, had an employment rate of approximately 60.9%. Major industries include health care and social assistance (18%), retail trade (14%), and accommodation and food services (12%). The most common occupations are in office and administrative support (12%), sales (11%), and management (10%). About 76.2% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 21.3 minutes. Most employed residents work within the county, while around 12% commute to neighboring counties for employment.
Knox County, Maine, has a homeownership rate of about 74%, with median home values near $325,000 as of 2023. Median gross rent is approximately $1,100 monthly. The housing stock consists mostly of single-family homes, alongside some multi-unit properties, especially in Rockland and Camden neighborhoods. Recent years have seen property values rise over 10% annually, driven by limited inventory and coastal demand. Property tax rates average 1.3% of assessed value. Popular neighborhoods include waterfront areas like Owls Head and downtown Camden, offering a mix of historic homes and newer developments.
County Crime & Safety
Knox County, ME, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. In 2022, the county reported 195 total crimes: 27 violent crimes (including 1 homicide) and 168 property crimes. The crime rate stands at approximately 9.2 per 1,000 residents. Law enforcement agencies, primarily the Knox County Sheriff's Office and local police departments, regularly update public crime statistics. The area is generally considered safe, with consistent community policing efforts and a high rate of incident reporting, contributing to swift responses and ongoing reductions in crime.
Popular names
- Robert Young
- William Smith
- David Allen
- David Johnson
- Kevin Flynn
- Michael Thompson
- David Taylor
- Ronald Hall
- Ashley Benner
- Barbara Dennison
- Cheryl Marr
- Dachery Harrington
- David Hall
- David Smith
- David Williams
- Frank Maltais
- Jennifer Johnson
- Jessica Johnson
- Melony Beal
- Michael Clark
- Michael Stone
- Robert Brown
- Robert Smith
- William Anderson
- Angela Johnson
- Anthony Prest
- Ashley Wellman
- Christine Hupper
- Christopher Brown
- Christopher Davis
- Christopher Mills
- Cynthia Harris
- David Reckards
- Donald Holbrook
- Dorothy Robinson
- Elizabeth Smith
- Elliott Johnson
- Heather Ripley
- James Jones
- James Richards
- James Smith
- Jason Benner
- Jessica Davis
- Jessica Robinson
- Jessica Rogers
- John Cross
- Leland Boggs
- Lorraine Johnson
- Lyman Cabot
- Mary Curtis
- Megan Robinson
- Michael Benner
- Michael Brown
- Michael Miller
- Michael Robinson
- Michael Smith
- Richard Johnson
- Richard Miller
- Richard Smith
- Robin Boggs