List of Counties in Maine

Maine has 16 counties. The most populous counties are Cumberland County (Portland), York County, Penobscot County (Bangor), Androscoggin County (Lewiston), Kennebec County (Augusta), Aroostook County, Oxford County, Somerset County, Knox County, and Sagadahoc County. Cumberland County, which includes Portland, is the largest by population and serves as Maine’s economic and cultural hub. The remaining counties are largely rural, with significant portions of the population involved in agriculture, forestry, and tourism.

Counties in Maine

List of All Counties in Maine

  1. Androscoggin County, Maine
  2. Aroostook County, Maine
  3. Cumberland County, Maine
  4. Franklin County, Maine
  5. Hancock County, Maine
  6. Kennebec County, Maine
  7. Knox County, Maine
  8. Lincoln County, Maine
  9. Oxford County, Maine
  10. Penobscot County, Maine
  11. Piscataquis County, Maine
  12. Sagadahoc County, Maine
  13. Somerset County, Maine
  14. Waldo County, Maine
  15. Washington County, Maine
  16. York County, Maine

1. Aroostook County

Overview

Aroostook County is the largest county in Maine by land area and one of the largest counties east of the Mississippi River. Located in the northern part of the state, it borders the Canadian provinces of New Brunswick and Quebec. The county seat is split between Houlton and Caribou. Aroostook County is known for its vast wilderness, agricultural lands, and potato farming, which has been a key part of its economy for over a century. The region also plays a significant role in cross-border trade with Canada. Established in 1839, Aroostook County is rich in natural resources, with logging, farming, and outdoor recreation contributing to its economy. The county is also home to the Maine Winter Sports Center, which promotes skiing and biathlon events.

County Facts

  • Population: Approximately 67,000 (2023 estimate)
  • County Seat: Houlton and Caribou (shared)
  • Major Airports: Northern Maine Regional Airport at Presque Isle
  • Major Highways: US-1, US-2, I-95

2. Penobscot County

Overview

Penobscot County is located in central Maine and is home to Bangor, the third-largest city in the state and the county seat. It is bordered by Piscataquis County to the west and Hancock County to the southeast. The county’s economy is diverse, with major sectors including healthcare, education, retail, and manufacturing. Bangor is a regional hub for healthcare and commerce, serving much of northern and eastern Maine. The Penobscot River, which flows through the county, played a historical role in Maine’s logging industry. Established in 1816, Penobscot County is named after the Penobscot Native American tribe, whose presence remains significant in the region.

County Facts

  • Population: Approximately 152,000 (2023 estimate)
  • County Seat: Bangor
  • Major Airports: Bangor International Airport
  • Major Highways: I-95, US-2, US-202

3. Washington County

Overview

Washington County is located in the northeastern corner of Maine, bordered by New Brunswick, Canada, to the northeast and the Atlantic Ocean to the southeast. The county seat is Machias, a small town known for its historical significance during the American Revolution. Washington County is often referred to as “Downeast” Maine and is famous for its rugged coastline, blueberry production, and fishing industry. The county’s economy revolves around natural resources, including fishing, lobstering, and agriculture, as well as tourism. Established in 1789, Washington County has a long history tied to early American settlement and cross-border trade with Canada.

County Facts

  • Population: Approximately 31,000 (2023 estimate)
  • County Seat: Machias
  • Major Airports: Eastport Municipal Airport
  • Major Highways: US-1, US-1A, ME-9

4. Somerset County

Overview

Somerset County is located in west-central Maine, bordered by Quebec, Canada, to the northwest and Franklin County to the west. The county seat is Skowhegan, a town known for its agricultural fairs and its historical importance in the lumber industry. Somerset County is a largely rural region, with agriculture, forestry, and outdoor recreation being the primary industries. The Kennebec River, which runs through the county, played a vital role in the logging history of the area. Established in 1809, Somerset County has a strong tradition of farming and forestry, with vast forests, rivers, and lakes making it a popular destination for hunting, fishing, and snowmobiling.

County Facts

  • Population: Approximately 50,000 (2023 estimate)
  • County Seat: Skowhegan
  • Major Airports: Waterville Robert LaFleur Airport (nearby)
  • Major Highways: US-2, US-201, ME-16

5. Oxford County

Overview

Oxford County is located in western Maine, bordering New Hampshire to the west and Franklin County to the north. The county seat is shared between South Paris and Rumford. Oxford County is known for its scenic beauty, with the White Mountain National Forest covering a portion of the county, making it a popular destination for hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities. The economy of Oxford County is primarily based on tourism, forestry, and manufacturing. Paper mills and wood products have long been an important part of the local economy. Established in 1805, Oxford County has a rich history tied to its natural resources and rural way of life.

County Facts

  • Population: Approximately 58,000 (2023 estimate)
  • County Seat: South Paris and Rumford (shared)
  • Major Airports: Bethel Regional Airport
  • Major Highways: US-2, ME-26, ME-17

6. Kennebec County

Overview

Kennebec County is located in southern central Maine and is bordered by Somerset County to the north and Androscoggin County to the south. The county seat is Augusta, the state capital of Maine. Kennebec County is known for its governmental and political significance, as well as its educational institutions, including Colby College in Waterville. The Kennebec River flows through the county, historically serving as a vital route for transporting goods, especially timber. Established in 1799, Kennebec County has a rich history, including its role in the development of Maine’s economy during the early industrial era. Today, the county’s economy is driven by healthcare, government, education, and retail.

County Facts

  • Population: Approximately 124,000 (2023 estimate)
  • County Seat: Augusta
  • Major Airports: Augusta State Airport
  • Major Highways: I-95, US-201, ME-3

7. Hancock County

Overview

Hancock County is located along the coast of Maine, bordered by Penobscot County to the northwest and Washington County to the northeast. The county seat is Ellsworth, a town that serves as a gateway to Acadia National Park, one of the most visited national parks in the United States. Hancock County’s economy is heavily reliant on tourism, with Bar Harbor and Mount Desert Island being major tourist destinations. Fishing, lobstering, and boatbuilding are also important industries. Established in 1789, Hancock County has a long maritime history, with its deep harbors playing a critical role in trade and fishing throughout the centuries.

County Facts

  • Population: Approximately 56,000 (2023 estimate)
  • County Seat: Ellsworth
  • Major Airports: Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport
  • Major Highways: US-1, US-1A, ME-3

8. York County

Overview

York County is located in southern Maine, bordered by New Hampshire to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. The county seat is Alfred, though its largest city is Biddeford. York County is known for its historic coastal towns, including Kennebunkport, Old Orchard Beach, and Wells, which are popular summer destinations. The county’s economy is diverse, with tourism, manufacturing, and retail being key sectors. York County has a long history, being one of the first areas in Maine to be settled by Europeans. Established in 1636, it is the oldest county in Maine and has deep historical roots, including connections to colonial America and the shipbuilding industry.

County Facts

  • Population: Approximately 211,000 (2023 estimate)
  • County Seat: Alfred
  • Major Airports: Sanford Seacoast Regional Airport
  • Major Highways: I-95, US-1, ME-9

9. Cumberland County

Overview

Cumberland County is located in southern Maine and is the most populous county in the state. It is bordered by Androscoggin County to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the southeast. The county seat is Portland, the largest city in Maine, known for its vibrant arts scene, historic Old Port, and major shipping port. Cumberland County’s economy is diverse, with key sectors including healthcare, education, finance, and tourism. Portland’s waterfront is home to one of the largest tonnage seaports in New England. Established in 1760, Cumberland County played a significant role in Maine’s maritime history and continues to be a key cultural and economic center in the state.

County Facts

  • Population: Approximately 305,000 (2023 estimate)
  • County Seat: Portland
  • Major Airports: Portland International Jetport
  • Major Highways: I-95, I-295, US-1

10. Franklin County

Overview

Franklin County is located in western Maine, bordered by Quebec, Canada, to the northwest and Oxford County to the south. The county seat is Farmington, a town known for being the home of the University of Maine at Farmington. Franklin County is largely rural, with its economy based on agriculture, forestry, and tourism. The county is home to the popular Sugarloaf Mountain ski resort, which draws visitors year-round for skiing and outdoor recreation. Established in 1838, Franklin County is named after Benjamin Franklin and has a long history tied to farming, logging, and outdoor activities.

County Facts

  • Population: Approximately 30,000 (2023 estimate)
  • County Seat: Farmington
  • Major Airports: Sugarloaf Regional Airport
  • Major Highways: US-2, ME-4, ME-27