Piscataquis County
ME · Pop. 17,125 · Rural County
Piscataquis County sits in Maine across 3,961 square miles, home to 17,125 people at 4.3 per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, haylage, corn. The median home price is $153,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.97%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 5a with a 144-day growing season, average summer highs of 76.2°F and average winter lows of 7.2°F. Annual rainfall averages 43.9 inches, and with drought risk rated high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Millinocket Regional Hospital is 26 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 83.4% of homes. On the hazard side, drought risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A median home price of $153,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- At 4.3 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
- A median household income of $55,234 anchors the local economy.
Cons
- A 144-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- The nearest hospital, Millinocket Regional Hospital, is 26 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
- Average winter lows of 7.2°F demand serious cold-weather infrastructure for livestock and water systems.
- The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.
At a glance
Piscataquis County, ME is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 72/100
- Median home price
- $153k
- Property tax
- 0.97%
- Growing season
- 144 days (zone 5a)
- Annual rainfall
- 43.9"
- Broadband
- 83.4%
- Nearest hospital
- Millinocket Regional Hospital, 26 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Piscataquis County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Piscataquis County?
- Piscataquis County is in USDA hardiness zone 5a with a 144-day growing season, average summer highs of 76.2°F, and average winter lows of 7.2°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, corn.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $153,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.97%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 83.4% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Millinocket Regional Hospital is 26 miles away and includes an emergency room; there are 2 hospitals in the county.
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Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.