Cities and Towns in Penobscot County, Maine

Founded in 1816, Penobscot County is one of 16 counties in the state of Maine. Historically, Penobscot County, formerly known as Penobscot County, Massachusetts was formed from part of Hancock County. The city of Bangor is the county seat. With FIPS code of 19, Penobscot County has a population of 152,765 and area of 3,556 square miles (9,210 km²).

List of all cities in Penobscot County, ME alphabetically

City/Town Postal Code Area Code
Alton, ME 04468 207
Argyle Township, ME 04468 207
Bangor, ME 04401 207
04402 207
Bradford, ME 04410 207
Bradley, ME 04411 207
Brewer, ME 04412 207
Burlington, ME 04417 207
Cardville, ME 04418 207
Carmel, ME 04419 207
Carroll Plt, ME 04487 207
Charleston, ME 04422 207
Chester, ME 04457 207
Clifton, ME 04428 207
Corinna, ME 04928 207
Corinth, ME 04427 207
Costigan, ME 04418 207
Dedham, ME 04429 207
Dexter, ME 04930 207
Dixmont, ME 04932 207
East Corinth, ME 04427 207
East Holden, ME 04429 207
East Millinocket, ME 04430 207
East Newport, ME 04933 207
Eddington, ME 04428 207
Enfield, ME 04493 207
Etna, ME 04434 207
Exeter, ME 04435 207
Garland, ME 04939 207
Glenburn, ME 04401 207
Greenbush, ME 04418 207
Greenfield Township, ME 04418 207
Greenfld Township, ME 04418 207
Hampden, ME 04444 207
Hermon, ME 04401 207
Herseytown Township, ME 04777 207
Holden, ME 04429 207
Howland, ME 04448 207
Hrsytown Township, ME 04777 207
Hudson, ME 04449 207
Indian Island, ME 04468 207
Kenduskeag, ME 04450 207
Kingman, ME 04451 207
Kingman Township, ME 04451 207
Lagrange, ME 04453 207
Lakeville, ME 04487 207
Lee, ME 04455 207
Levant, ME 04456 207
Lincoln, ME 04457 207
Lincoln Center, ME 04457 207
Lowell, ME 04493 207
Macwahoc Plt, ME 04451 207
Mattamisc Township, ME 04457 207
Mattamiscontis Township, ME 04457 207
Mattawamkeag, ME 04459 207
Maxfield, ME 04453 207
Medway, ME 04460 207
Milford, ME 04461 207
Millinocket, ME 04462 207
Molunkus Township, ME 04459 207
Mount Chase, ME 04765 207
Newburgh, ME 04444 207
Newport, ME 04953 207
Olamon, ME 04418 207
Old Town, ME 04468 207
Orono, ME 04469 207
04473 207
Orrington, ME 04474 207
Passadumkeag, ME 04475 207
Patten, ME 04765 207
Plymouth, ME 04969 207
Prentiss Township, ME 04487 207
Ripley, ME 04930 207
Seboeis Plt, ME 04448 207
Sherman Station, ME 04777 207
Springfield, ME 04487 207
Stacyville, ME 04777 207
Stetson, ME 04488 207
Stillwater, ME 04489 207
University of Maine, ME 04469 207
Veazie, ME 04401 207
Webster Plt, ME 04487 207
West Enfield, ME 04493 207
Winn, ME 04495 207
Woodville, ME 04457 207

Major Cities and Towns in Penobscot County, Maine

1. Bangor

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:

  • Area: 34.59 square miles
  • Population: 31,753 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 04401, 04402
  • Latitude: 44.8012° N
  • Longitude: 68.7778° W

Location and History

Bangor, the county seat of Penobscot County, is located along the Penobscot River in central Maine, about 50 miles from the coast. Settled in the mid-1700s and incorporated as a city in 1834, Bangor became a major lumbering hub during the 19th century due to its strategic location along the river. At its peak, it was one of the world’s largest lumber ports. Bangor’s rich history is reflected in its well-preserved architecture and cultural institutions. Today, it is a commercial and cultural center for the region, serving as a gateway to northern Maine.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Bangor is home to Bangor High School, one of the largest high schools in the state, as well as Husson University and Eastern Maine Community College. Major landmarks include the historic Bangor Opera House, home to the Penobscot Theatre Company, and the Thomas Hill Standpipe, an iconic 19th-century water tower offering panoramic views of the city. The Bangor City Forest and nearby Mount Hope Cemetery, one of the nation’s oldest garden cemeteries, are popular outdoor spaces. Additionally, Stephen King’s home in Bangor is a well-known landmark for literary fans.

2. Brewer

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:

  • Area: 15.68 square miles
  • Population: 9,672 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 04412
  • Latitude: 44.7962° N
  • Longitude: 68.7614° W

Location and History

Brewer is located on the eastern bank of the Penobscot River, directly across from Bangor. Settled in 1777 and incorporated in 1812, Brewer developed as a shipbuilding center in the 19th century. The town was named after its early settler, Colonel John Brewer, and its location on the river made it an ideal spot for shipyards, which thrived through the mid-1800s. As the shipbuilding industry declined, Brewer transitioned to other industries, including manufacturing and commerce. Today, Brewer serves as a residential community with a rich industrial past and close ties to neighboring Bangor.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Brewer High School is the primary educational institution in the town. Notable landmarks include the Brewer Waterfront, which features walking trails along the Penobscot River, and the Brewer Historical Society Museum, which preserves the town’s shipbuilding history. The Penobscot Ice Arena is a popular venue for hockey and ice skating. The Brewer Riverwalk connects the town to Bangor, highlighting the close relationship between the two communities. The annual Brewer Days festival celebrates the town’s history and community spirit.

3. Orono

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:

  • Area: 19.60 square miles
  • Population: 11,183 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 04473
  • Latitude: 44.8834° N
  • Longitude: 68.6716° W

Location and History

Orono is located along the Stillwater and Penobscot Rivers, just 10 miles north of Bangor. The town was incorporated in 1806 and named after Chief Joseph Orono, a leader of the Penobscot Nation. Orono’s early economy was based on agriculture and lumber, but the establishment of the University of Maine in 1865 transformed it into an educational hub. The university is the largest in the state and a key economic driver for the town. Orono’s history is intertwined with both its Native American heritage and its role as a center for higher education and research.

Major Schools and Landmarks

The University of Maine is Orono’s most significant educational institution, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Orono High School serves the town’s secondary students. Landmarks include the University of Maine Museum of Art, which showcases contemporary art, and the Orono Bog Boardwalk, a popular nature trail through a unique peat bog. The Collins Center for the Arts on the university campus hosts performances and cultural events. The Stillwater River Trail provides scenic opportunities for walking and kayaking, connecting residents with the town’s natural beauty.

4. Old Town

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:

  • Area: 43.28 square miles
  • Population: 7,431 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 04468
  • Latitude: 44.9345° N
  • Longitude: 68.6450° W

Location and History

Old Town is located on the Penobscot River, just north of Orono. The town was incorporated in 1840 and grew as a center for the lumber industry, with the river providing transportation for logs and water power for mills. The Penobscot River and its islands, including Indian Island, have long been home to the Penobscot Nation. The town’s economy was historically driven by logging and papermaking, with the Old Town Canoe Company, founded in 1900, becoming famous worldwide for its handcrafted canoes. Today, Old Town is known for its close ties to the river and its outdoor recreational opportunities.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Old Town High School serves the town’s students and offers a variety of academic and extracurricular programs. The town’s most famous landmark is the Old Town Canoe Factory, a symbol of the town’s long-standing tradition of craftsmanship and innovation. The Penobscot River offers fishing, boating, and wildlife observation, while Indian Island, home to the Penobscot Nation, provides cultural and historical significance. The Hirundo Wildlife Refuge, just outside of town, offers miles of trails and opportunities for birdwatching and kayaking.

5. Lincoln

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:

  • Area: 74.65 square miles
  • Population: 4,853 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 04457
  • Latitude: 45.3676° N
  • Longitude: 68.5059° W

Location and History

Lincoln is located in the northern part of Penobscot County, approximately 50 miles north of Bangor. Settled in 1825 and incorporated in 1829, Lincoln grew as a lumbering town, with the nearby lakes and rivers supporting sawmills and logging operations. The town’s numerous lakes—13 in total—contributed to its development as a recreational destination in the 20th century. While the timber industry has declined, Lincoln’s economy is still supported by logging, manufacturing, and tourism, especially outdoor activities like fishing, boating, and snowmobiling.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Mattanawcook Academy is Lincoln’s high school, serving local students. The town’s most notable landmarks include the Lincoln Memorial Library, a historic building that remains a central part of the community, and Mattanawcook Lake, which offers boating, swimming, and fishing. The annual Lincoln Loon Festival celebrates the town’s connection to its lakes and wildlife, with events centered around outdoor activities. The town’s downtown area, with its historic architecture and proximity to the lakes, provides a charming, small-town atmosphere that draws visitors year-round.

6. Millinocket

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:

  • Area: 18.22 square miles
  • Population: 4,114 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 04462
  • Latitude: 45.6576° N
  • Longitude: 68.7083° W

Location and History

Millinocket is located in northern Penobscot County, about 60 miles north of Bangor, near the entrance to Baxter State Park. The town was founded in 1901 to support the Great Northern Paper Company, which built a massive mill in the area, transforming Millinocket into a booming company town. At its height, the paper mill was one of the largest employers in the state. Although the mill closed in 2008, Millinocket has shifted toward outdoor recreation and tourism, with its proximity to Mount Katahdin, Maine’s highest peak, and the Appalachian Trail attracting adventurers.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Stearns High School serves Millinocket’s students. The town’s most significant landmark is Baxter State Park, home to Mount Katahdin and numerous hiking trails, including the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. The town is also known for its annual Katahdin Woods & Waters Winter Festival, which celebrates winter sports like snowmobiling, skiing, and ice fishing. The Millinocket Historical Society Museum preserves the town’s history, particularly its connection to the paper industry. Millinocket Lake, located just outside of town, offers additional opportunities for fishing, boating, and camping.

7. Hampden

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:

  • Area: 38.84 square miles
  • Population: 7,709 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 04444
  • Latitude: 44.7448° N
  • Longitude: 68.8366° W

Location and History

Hampden is located along the Penobscot River, just south of Bangor. Settled in 1767 and incorporated in 1794, Hampden played a role in the War of 1812, when British forces attacked and burned parts of the town. The town’s early economy was based on farming and shipbuilding, with its location along the river facilitating trade. Over time, Hampden evolved into a residential community with close ties to Bangor. Its quiet neighborhoods, rural landscapes, and easy access to urban amenities make it a desirable place to live.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Hampden Academy, founded in 1803, is one of the state’s oldest schools and serves the town’s high school students. Landmarks in Hampden include the Reeds Brook Trail, a popular spot for hiking and birdwatching, and the Hampden Historical Society, which preserves the town’s rich history. The Penobscot River provides opportunities for boating and fishing, and the town’s proximity to Bangor makes it a convenient location for commuters. Hampden’s rural charm, combined with modern amenities, makes it a vibrant part of the Penobscot County community.