Aroostook County, often referred to as “The County,” is not only the largest county in Maine by total area (6,828 square miles/17,680 km2, but also the largest county in the United States east of the Mississippi River. Located in the northernmost part of Maine along the Canadian border, there are several key economic advantages making it an attractive location for businesses, entrepreneurs, and residents.
Aroostook County is known as the “Potato Capital of the World” with potato farming serving as a cornerstone of its economy. Vast agricultural fields also produce crops like broccoli, wheat, rye, barley, hops, and rapeseed (used for canola oil). These crops support Maine’s craft breweries and national markets, contributing significantly to the local economy.
Beyond agriculture and forestry, The County supports manufacturing, healthcare, financial services and insurance, hospitality, retail, and education. Emerging sectors include aerospace, biomass energy, and wind power.
Aroostook County’s location near the Canada-U.S. border facilitates cross-border trade and transportation, particularly with New Brunswick and Quebec. With 11 border crossing points between northern Maine and Canada, The County is strategically positioned for trade, logistics, and proximity to markets. In 2022, Aroostook County border crossings accounted for $2.1 billion of the $11 billion in imports from Canada. In the same year, exports through Aroostook County border crossings accounted for $1.3 billion of the $4.6 billion in exports to Canada.
The forestry industry in The County is another vital cornerstone of the region’s economy. With extensive commercial timberlands, the county supports a robust range of forest-related activities, including logging, sawmills, and paper mills. In 2019, the timber industry in Aroostook County drove 5,225 jobs, accounting for 16.4% of the county’s total employment, contributing significantly to the state’s $8.1 billion forestry sector.
The County fosters a supportive business climate for entrepreneurs, with resources like Startup Maine, Maine Technology Institute, Maine Venture Fund, and Maine Angels. The Center for Business Growth at NMDC assists entrepreneurs and new businesses in leveraging regional assets for economic growth and job creation.
In 2024, the median property value in The County was $161,000 compared to $390,200 across Maine reflecting the lowest median property value among all Maine counties. In 2023, the homeownership rate in Aroostook County, Maine, was 79.31% while the overall homeownership rate for the state of Maine was 75.5. Overall, the trend indicates that Aroostook County has more affordable housing and land for investment, and the highest homeownership rate compared to the state as a whole. The county’s close-knit community, low crime rates, and access to outdoor recreation (e.g., 2,300 miles of snowmobile trails, the Allagash Wilderness Waterway, and the Northern Forest Canoe Trail) attract residents and businesses seeking a balanced lifestyle.