Piscataquis County

Piscataquis County Demographics

Piscataquis County, ME, has a population of approximately 16,785 people. The median age is 52 years, with 16.8% under 20 years and 25.3% over 65. The gender distribution is 50.9% male and 49.1% female. Racially, the county is mainly White (non-Hispanic) at 96.9%, followed by 0.9% Hispanic, 0.6% Asian, and 0.4% Black or African American.

Piscataquis County Crime & Safety

Piscataquis County, ME, has a lower-than-average crime rate, with approximately 1,000 reported crimes per 100,000 residents annually. This includes around 93 violent crimes and substantial property crimes approaching 900 per 100,000 residents. The local law enforcement agencies in Piscataquis County put significant effort into maintaining safety and security. Though the crime rate is lower than many areas, measures are continuously being implemented to combat and further lower these numbers.

Piscataquis County Housing & Property

Piscataquis County, ME, has a homeownership rate of 74.4%, and the median home value in the county is approximately $119,800. The median rent is significantly low, standing at approximately $688 per month. With regard to growth, property values have increased by 6.5% over the past year. The property market majorly comprises of single-family homes at 68%, while mobile homes and apartment complexes make up 18% and 10% respectively. The average annual property tax in Piscataquis County is around 1.16%.

Employment in Piscataquis County

Piscataquis County, ME, features a robust employment rate with significant opportunities in healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing sectors. They are the leading industries, with healthcare constituting 19.8%, retail trade 12.5%, and manufacturing 12.1%. The county experiences regular intra-county commuting with only around 12.2% commuting outside the county for work. The job growth rate, however, is relatively low at around 0.4%. In terms of commuting time, the majority (64.5%) of the county's employed population spends less than 30 minutes, while a minor proportion (16.6%) spend over 45 minutes on commuting.

Education in Piscataquis County

Piscataquis County has 19 public schools, with a graduation rate around 87%. Data suggest college readiness is lower than the national average, with around 34% of students proficient in math and reading. Education beyond high school is less common with only 19% of residents holding a bachelor's degree. Adult education programs are also offered in the county. The county follows safety measures as outlined by the state. Both STEM and arts programs are available in the public schools of the county.

Piscataquis County Elections

Piscataquis County, located in Maine, conducts local, state, and federal elections amongst its small population. As of 2020, there are approximately 10,800 registered voters residing in this county. The voter turnout in the 2020 General Election was around 82%. Elections in this county are managed by the local government and encompass Democratic, Republican, as well as independent voters. All election-related activities take place across the county's various polling locations.

Average Income Rate in Piscataquis County

Piscataquis County, ME, has a median household income of approximately $40,000, significantly lower than the national average of $68,700. The poverty rate is relatively high, at around 18%. Men tend to earn more than women, with women's earnings being around 74% of men's income. White households earn an average of $41,000. The earnings are significantly lower than those in most other parts of Maine. The most commonly held jobs are in education, healthcare, and social services, followed by manufacturing.

Piscataquis County Healthcare

Piscataquis County, ME has limited healthcare facilities, with only a few primary care physicians and one small hospital, Mayo Regional located in Dover-Foxcroft. Uninsured rates are high at 13%, though this is improving due to the expansion of Medicaid. Rural location leads to health disparities such as lower rates of screening and preventive care. The county struggles with higher-than-average rates of chronic illnesses like diabetes and heart disease. Healthcare costs are just above the average for Maine. Life expectancy is 78 years, slightly below the state and national averages.

Piscataquis County Transportation

Piscataquis County in Main, encompasses approximately 4,377 square miles and is served by several state routes that traverse throughout the region. The primary mode of transportation is by car, with a high car ownership rate. Public transportation options are limited, but there are a few local ride-sharing and taxi cab services. The average commute in the county is about 24 minutes, somewhat less than the national average. Cycling is not a common mode of transport due to road conditions. The County's annual transportation budget and the precise number of traffic accidents are not specifically reported.

Piscataquis County Environmental Data & Climate Data

Situated in the heart of Maine, Piscataquis County boasts an average temperature of 42.8°F and receives around 36 inches of rainfall annually. The county has an excellent Air Quality Index (AQI) of 37, classified as 'good'. Clean water access is near universal at 98%. The area also has notable recycling efforts with about a 30% recycling rate. Solar power adoption is growing, with a rising number of solar installations present. The county embraces nature, with a rich expanse of eco-friendly environments. However, weather risks are minimal with no significant hurricane threats. The region maintains an emphasis on eco-friendly developments and clean energy transitions.