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 a county in Maine with a population of 153,571. It ranks #3 among counties in Maine by population. The median age is 42.5, older than the national median. The population is 49.7% male and 50.3% female.
The median household income in Penobscot County is $63,248, below the US median of $74,580. 8.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $193,800, with monthly rent averaging $997. The homeownership rate of 70.3% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Penobscot County reflects 30.5% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 10.6% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 22.8 minutes each way.
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.
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Full rankings of Maine counties
Statewide data for Maine
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Maine
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.