Penobscot County, Maine Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 3rd-largest in Maine
The population of Penobscot County, Maine is 153,571 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 3rd-largest county in Maine. The median household income is $63,248, the median home value is $193,800, and the median age is 42.5.
The population of Penobscot County has grown 1.9% since 2010 (153,864 → 156,840), a +0.14% annualized rate.
153,571
Population
+0.14%
Annual growth
45
People / sq mi
$63,248
Median Income
$193,800
Median Home Value
Penobscot County covers 3,397 sq mi of land at 45.2 people per square mile.
About Penobscot County, ME
Penobscot County is defined demographically by education — 30.5% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average. With 153,571 residents, Penobscot County is a county in Maine. That makes it one of the ten largest counties in Maine in the country, at #3 by population.
The typical household here earns about $63,248, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 8.0%, below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $193,800, with typical rent around $997.
College attainment is above the local norm at 30.5%, below the national 35.0%. A solid 10.6% of workers are based at home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 23 minutes each way.
The education numbers are the throughline: a college-heavy population in Penobscot County usually coincides with higher incomes and a workforce concentrated in professional and information industries.
Penobscot County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Penobscot County had a population of 153,864 in 2010 and 156,840 in 2024, a 1.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 156,840 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.14%.
156,840
Population (2024)
153,864
Population (2010)
156,840
Peak (2024)
0.14%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 153,864 |
| 2011 | 153,781 |
| 2012 | 153,392 |
| 2013 | 153,289 |
| 2014 | 153,288 |
| 2015 | 152,029 |
| 2016 | 151,419 |
| 2017 | 151,785 |
| 2018 | 151,798 |
| 2019 | 151,823 |
| 2020 | 152,179 |
| 2021 | 153,383 |
| 2022 | 154,817 |
| 2023 | 156,329 |
| 2024 | 156,840 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 92.1% |
| Black or African American | 1.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
42.5
Median Age
50.3%
Female
49.7%
Male
19.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 14.5% · Seniors (65+): 19.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $63,248$-8,525 vs state |
| Mean household income | $84,825 |
| Per-capita income | $36,736 |
| Poverty rate | 8.0%+1.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 57.4% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Penobscot County is professional & business services, accounting for 34.1% of workers.
How residents commute
0.5%
Drive alone
3.6%
Carpool
75.9%
Public transit
10.6%
Work from home
22.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$193,800$-72,600 vs state
Median home value
$997
Median rent
70.3%
Homeownership rate
75,405
Total housing units
85.9%
Occupied
14.1%
Vacant
29.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
92.8%
With health insurance
93.6%
With broadband internet
27.4%
Foreign-born
8.3%
Veterans (18+)
18.5%
With a disability
95.6%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
94.5%
High School+
30.5%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Maine
Other counties in Maine
Part of Maine
Metro areas in Maine
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Penobscot County, Maine has a population of 153,571 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 3rd-largest county in Maine. Population density is 45 people per square mile.
The population of Penobscot County has grown 1.9% since 2010 (153,864 → 156,840), a +0.14% annualized rate.
The median household income in Penobscot County, Maine is $63,248, with mean (average) household income of $84,825 and per-capita income of $36,736. 8.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Penobscot County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (92.1%), Hispanic or Latino (2.3%), Black or African American (1.0%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Penobscot County, Maine is 42.5 years. Residents are 50.3% female and 49.7% male.
The median home value in Penobscot County is $193,800 and median monthly rent is $997. 70.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 75,405 total housing units, 14.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Penobscot County, Maine is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 34.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.4%.
Portland is among the largest cities associated with Penobscot County, Maine, with a population of 68,505.
Penobscot County, ME Climate
Penobscot County, ME has an average annual temperature of 5.6°C (42°F) and receives about 1070 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
5.6°C
Avg Temp
1070
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -10° / 15° | 78 mm |
| February | -8° / 18° | 67 mm |
| March | -2° / 28° | 71 mm |
| April | 5° / 40° | 84 mm |
| May | 11° / 52° | 95 mm |
| June | 17° / 62° | 94 mm |
| July | 20° / 67° | 96 mm |
| August | 19° / 66° | 94 mm |
| September | 14° / 56° | 96 mm |
| October | 7° / 45° | 90 mm |
| November | 1° / 35° | 108 mm |
| December | -6° / 21° | 97 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Penobscot County, ME
The most comfortable months to visit Penobscot County, ME are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 26°C high). The coldest is January (near -16°C low). November is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Penobscot County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.