SOUTH PORTLAND – Home sales throughout Maine rose 18 percent in April and the median sales price was up nearly 12 percent, according to figures released Wednesday by the real estate industry.

Last month, Realtors sold 957 homes, or 150 more than in April 2001, the Maine Real Estate Information System reported.

The largest percentage increases were in Aroostook County, where sales were up 140 percent, and Lincoln County, with a 70 percent increase. The biggest declines were Piscataquis County, at nearly 17 percent, and Somerset County, at 16 percent.

The median sales price for homes sold last month was $135,000, up from $120,600 a year earlier.

Median prices by county ranged from $170,000 in Cumberland County to $45,000 in Aroostook County.