About Washington and Hancock Counties

The diversity of the area is remarkable.  The physical, social, and cultural characteristics that are prevalent in various locations play an important part in determining the area's economy and way of life.  Mount Desert Island in Hancock County is significantly different than neighboring Eastern Washington County.  There are numerous islands and lighthouses along the "bold coast" of Maine. 
 

The employment rate fluctuates greatly between summer and winter months because of the influx of summer tourists and the seasonal nature of many local industries. Self-employment accounts for 16.5% of the employment in Hancock County and 17.6% of the employment in Washington County. Per capita income in Hancock is $12,437, with a median family income of $33,140. Per capita income in Washington County is $9,607, with a median family income of $25,673.  Although rich in natural beauty, Washington County has the highest poverty and unemployment rate in the state.  Hancock County also has abundant scenic beauty but is weak in areas important to social and economic growth, has a high cost-of-living, a lack of year-round employment, and a lack of technical post-secondary educational facilities. 

The Down East RC&D Area is over 89% forest, which supports large wood, paper, and lumber industries.  It's coastline supports the fishing industry, including clams, urchins, lobsters, shrimp, scallops, mussels, quahogs, salmon, and other finfish such as haddock, cod, and flounder, as well as limited harvesting of seaweed, also known as kelp.  Seven major Atlantic salmon rivers, with associated watersheds, run through the two-county area and include the Dennys, Narraguagus, Machias, East Machias, Pleasant, Union, and Penobscot.  There are over 247 lakes and ponds, as well as many miles of streams in the two-county area.  These water resources are almost equally divided betwen the two counties and provide many recreational opportunities. 

Agricultural family farms have declined in number over the last century, until about 1972 when farm numbers began to increase in the two-county area.  Farm acreage, however, has continued to decline.  Initially, the increase in farm numbers was due to the "back to nature" movement of the late 60's and 70's.  However, as consumer demand for locally-grown organic produce has increased, many small, diversified farms were established.  Today, Hancock County has more organic farmers than any other county in the state. 

Area industries include pulp and paper, tourism, blueberry and cranberry production and processing, aquaculture, commercial fishing and processing, boat building, Christmas trees and wreaths, and farming. The recent loss of most of the sardine industry in Washington County was a blow to many coastal communities, fishermen, and canneries that were located in Lubec, Machiasport, and Milbridge.  One cannery remains in operation in Prospect Harbor.  Significant employers include the Jackson Laboratory, University of Maine at Machias, Hinckley Boat Company, Maine Maritime Academy, Wal-Mart, Home Depot, International Paper, Domtar, and area hospitals and schools.