The U.S. state of Maine is divided into 16 counties. These counties form the principal local subdivisions for administration, courts, and certain public services. For an official roster and maps, see the catalog of Maine counties.
List of counties
- Androscoggin
- Aroostook
- Cumberland
- Franklin
- Hancock
- Kennebec
- Knox
- Lincoln
- Oxford
- Penobscot
- Piscataquis
- Sagadahoc
- Somerset
- Waldo
- Washington
- York
Many county names reflect the state’s mixture of Native American, English and American Revolutionary-era influences. Names such as Penobscot, Aroostook and Piscataquis come from Indigenous languages of the region. Others—Cumberland, Lincoln, Somerset and York—trace their names to English counties, while Franklin, Hancock and Knox honor Revolutionary leaders and statesmen.
History and development
Counties in this region were first organized when Maine was part of Massachusetts; several were established before Maine achieved statehood in 1820. Over the 19th century county boundaries and responsibilities evolved as population centers grew and new towns were incorporated. The modern set of 16 counties reflects that historical process and subsequent administrative reorganizations.
Government role and notable facts
County government in Maine typically provides law enforcement through an elected sheriff, maintains jails, runs county courts and records deeds and vital records. Counties also manage certain human services and regional facilities though New England counties generally have fewer powers than counties in other U.S. regions. Geographically, Aroostook is the largest county by land area while Cumberland is the most populous; Washington County contains much of the state’s eastern coastline, and several counties have extensive shorelines or include islands and national scenic areas.
For more about county functions, maps and individual county histories consult state and local resources via the official county listings or state archives linked through the Maine portal at Maine.