Cities and Towns in Hancock County, Maine
Founded in 1790, Hancock County is one of 16 counties in the state of Maine. Historically, Hancock County, formerly known as Hancock County, Massachusetts, was formed from part of Lincoln County. The city of Ellsworth is the county seat. With FIPS code of 9, Hancock County has a population of 56,192 and area of 2,351 square miles (6,089 km²).
List of all cities in Hancock County, ME alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Amherst, ME | 04605 | 207 |
| Aurora, ME | 04408 | 207 |
| Bar Harbor, ME | 04609 | 207 |
| Bass Harbor, ME | 04653 | 207 |
| Bernard, ME | 04612 | 207 |
| Birch Harbor, ME | 04613 | 207 |
| Blue Hill, ME | 04614 | 207 |
| Brooklin, ME | 04616 | 207 |
| Brooksville, ME | 04617 | 207 |
| 04642 | 207 | |
| Bucksport, ME | 04416 | 207 |
| Castine, ME | 04420 | 207 |
| 04421 | 207 | |
| Corea, ME | 04624 | 207 |
| Cranberry Island, ME | 04625 | 207 |
| Deer Isle, ME | 04627 | 207 |
| East Blue Hill, ME | 04629 | 207 |
| East Orland, ME | 04431 | 207 |
| Eastbrook, ME | 04634 | 207 |
| Ellsworth, ME | 04605 | 207 |
| Fletchers Landing Township, ME | 04605 | 207 |
| Fletchers Lodge, ME | 04605 | 207 |
| Franklin, ME | 04634 | 207 |
| Frenchboro, ME | 04635 | 207 |
| Gouldsboro, ME | 04607 | 207 |
| Great Pond, ME | 04408 | 207 |
| Hancock, ME | 04640 | 207 |
| Harborside, ME | 04642 | 207 |
| Hulls Cove, ME | 04644 | 207 |
| Islesford, ME | 04646 | 207 |
| Lamoine, ME | 04605 | 207 |
| Little Deer Island, ME | 04650 | 207 |
| Maine Maritime Academy, ME | 04420 | 207 |
| Mariaville, ME | 04605 | 207 |
| Minturn, ME | 04685 | 207 |
| Mount Desert, ME | 04660 | 207 |
| North Sullivan, ME | 04664 | 207 |
| Northeast Harbor, ME | 04662 | 207 |
| Orland, ME | 04472 | 207 |
| Osborn, ME | 04605 | 207 |
| Otis, ME | 04605 | 207 |
| Otter Creek, ME | 04660 | 207 |
| Penobscot, ME | 04476 | 207 |
| Prospect Harbor, ME | 04669 | 207 |
| Prospect Hbr, ME | 04669 | 207 |
| Salsbury Cove, ME | 04672 | 207 |
| Sargentville, ME | 04673 | 207 |
| Seal Cove, ME | 04674 | 207 |
| Seal Harbor, ME | 04675 | 207 |
| Sedgwick, ME | 04676 | 207 |
| Sorrento, ME | 04677 | 207 |
| South Gouldsboro, ME | 04607 | 207 |
| Southwest Harbor, ME | 04679 | 207 |
| Stonington, ME | 04681 | 207 |
| Sullivan, ME | 04664 | 207 |
| Sunset, ME | 04683 | 207 |
| Surry, ME | 04629 | 207 |
| Surry, ME | 04684 | 207 |
| Swans Island, ME | 04685 | 207 |
| Trenton, ME | 04605 | 207 |
| Verona Island, ME | 04416 | 207 |
| Waltham, ME | 04605 | 207 |
| West Tremont, ME | 04612 | 207 |
| Winter Harbor, ME | 04693 | 207 |
Major Cities and Towns in Hancock County, Maine
Ellsworth
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 93.81 square miles
- Population: Approximately 8,399 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 04605
- Latitude: 44.5434° N
- Longitude: 68.4195° W
Location and History
Ellsworth is located in the heart of Hancock County, serving as the county seat and a gateway to Acadia National Park. It is positioned along the Union River, about 27 miles southeast of Bangor and 16 miles from Bar Harbor. The town was first settled in the 1760s and was incorporated in 1800. Named after Oliver Ellsworth, a prominent early American lawyer and politician, Ellsworth grew as a center for lumber and shipbuilding industries during the 19th century. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s further boosted its economy, making it an important trade and transportation hub. Today, Ellsworth serves as a commercial and cultural center for Hancock County, blending its historical roots with modern-day amenities.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Ellsworth is part of the Ellsworth School Department, with Ellsworth High School being the main secondary institution. Major landmarks include the Grand Theatre, a historic performance venue that hosts plays and concerts, and the Ellsworth Public Library, a centerpiece of the community. The Woodlawn Museum, set on a 180-acre estate, preserves the region’s history, while nearby Branch Lake and the Union River provide opportunities for outdoor recreation. Ellsworth’s historic downtown area is home to shops, restaurants, and galleries, making it a vibrant part of the community.
Bar Harbor
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 63.11 square miles
- Population: Approximately 5,089 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 04609
- Latitude: 44.3876° N
- Longitude: 68.2047° W
Location and History
Bar Harbor is located on Mount Desert Island along the coast of Hancock County, approximately 50 miles southeast of Bangor. Known for its stunning natural beauty, the town is adjacent to Acadia National Park, one of the most visited national parks in the United States. Bar Harbor was originally settled by European colonists in the 1760s and was known as Eden until its name was changed in 1918. By the late 19th century, Bar Harbor became a popular summer destination for the wealthy elite, who built grand summer estates along its rugged coastline. Today, Bar Harbor’s economy is driven by tourism, with visitors flocking to enjoy its picturesque views, outdoor activities, and proximity to Acadia.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Bar Harbor is part of the Mount Desert Island Regional School District, with Mount Desert Island High School serving local students. The town’s most prominent landmarks include the spectacular Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the U.S. East Coast, and the historic Shore Path, which offers scenic views of Frenchman Bay. The Abbe Museum, dedicated to the Wabanaki Native American history, is another important cultural site. Bar Harbor’s waterfront is lined with restaurants, shops, and galleries, reflecting its vibrant tourist economy.
Bucksport
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 56.49 square miles
- Population: Approximately 2,924 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 04416
- Latitude: 44.5734° N
- Longitude: 68.7954° W
Location and History
Bucksport is situated along the Penobscot River, about 18 miles south of Bangor and 20 miles north of Ellsworth. The town was settled in 1762 and officially incorporated in 1792. Named after Colonel Jonathan Buck, one of the town’s early settlers, Bucksport thrived as a shipbuilding center during the 19th century. The construction of Fort Knox, a granite fortification, also played a key role in the town’s development during the Civil War. Throughout the 20th century, the town’s economy was centered around the paper mill industry, with the Bucksport Paper Mill serving as the main employer until it closed in 2014. Since then, Bucksport has focused on revitalizing its waterfront and promoting tourism.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Bucksport’s schools are part of Regional School Unit 25, with Bucksport High School being the principal secondary institution. Major landmarks include Fort Knox, a historic military site that offers tours and scenic views of the Penobscot River, and the Penobscot Narrows Bridge & Observatory, featuring a unique 420-foot-tall viewing platform. The Alamo Theatre, located in downtown Bucksport, hosts films and cultural events. The town’s revitalized waterfront, with its marina and walking trails, attracts residents and visitors alike.
Blue Hill
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 86.38 square miles
- Population: Approximately 2,743 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 04614
- Latitude: 44.4137° N
- Longitude: 68.5895° W
Location and History
Blue Hill is located on the Blue Hill Peninsula, about 14 miles south of Ellsworth and 40 miles southeast of Bangor. The town was settled in 1762 and was named after the nearby Blue Hill, a prominent landmark offering views of Penobscot Bay. In its early years, Blue Hill’s economy was based on shipbuilding, fishing, and agriculture, with granite quarrying emerging as an important industry in the 19th century. Over time, Blue Hill became known for its thriving arts community and its picturesque coastal scenery. The town has attracted artists, musicians, and writers, fostering a rich cultural scene that persists today.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Blue Hill’s schools are part of the Blue Hill School District, with George Stevens Academy serving as the area’s secondary school. Landmarks include the Blue Hill Historical Society, which preserves the town’s heritage, and the Blue Hill Falls, a scenic tidal waterfall. The Blue Hill Wine Shop and the renowned Blue Hill Fair, held annually in late summer, are local attractions. The town is also home to Kneisel Hall, a world-renowned music school, and the Blue Hill Mountain Trail, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Castine
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 20.02 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,366 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 04421
- Latitude: 44.3898° N
- Longitude: 68.7976° W
Location and History
Castine is located at the mouth of the Penobscot River on the southern tip of the Blue Hill Peninsula. Approximately 20 miles from Bucksport and 40 miles from Bangor, Castine is one of the oldest European-settled towns in New England. Established as a trading post by the French in the early 1600s, Castine has been under the control of various European powers, including the British, Dutch, and French, before becoming part of the United States after the American Revolution. In the 19th century, the town became a center for shipbuilding and maritime trade. Today, Castine is known for its rich history, maritime traditions, and as the home of the Maine Maritime Academy.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Castine is home to the Maine Maritime Academy, a public college that trains students for careers in the maritime industry. The town’s landmarks include Fort George, a British-built fortification from the American Revolution, and the Castine Historical Society, which preserves the town’s heritage. Dyce Head Lighthouse, built in 1828, is another popular attraction. Castine’s picturesque waterfront, with its historic buildings and views of Penobscot Bay, continues to draw visitors interested in both history and coastal beauty.
Mount Desert
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 54.99 square miles
- Population: Approximately 2,146 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 04660
- Latitude: 44.3073° N
- Longitude: 68.3423° W
Location and History
Mount Desert is located on Mount Desert Island, the largest island off the coast of Maine, and is situated about 50 miles from Bangor and 10 miles from Bar Harbor. The town, which includes several villages such as Northeast Harbor, was first settled in 1761 and incorporated in 1789. Mount Desert’s early economy was based on fishing, farming, and shipbuilding. By the late 19th century, the town became a popular summer retreat for wealthy families, including the Rockefellers and Vanderbilts, who built grand estates here. Today, Mount Desert’s economy is driven by tourism, with its proximity to Acadia National Park being a major draw.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Mount Desert is part of the Mount Desert Island Regional School District, with Mount Desert Elementary School serving local students. Landmarks include the Asticou Azalea Garden, a beautifully landscaped public garden, and the Thuya Garden and Lodge, which offer stunning views of Northeast Harbor. The town is also home to several hiking trails, including the popular Jordan Pond Path. Mount Desert’s natural beauty and historic architecture continue to make it a sought-after destination for both residents and visitors.
