Census Snapshot:
Population Density

Research by Julia McCue

Copyright © 2001 Blethen Maine Newspapers Inc.

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	Source: US Census
	Population density in people per square mile

	Census Snapshots
	Census Snapshots is an occasional feature of the Portland Press Herald and Maine Sunday Telegram that offers a look at the demographics of Maine as well as how the state's population compares to the people of other states. It combines data mapping techniques with staff research to provide insight into Maine.

People in Cumberland County are beginning to feel a little crowded. Sprawl, traffic, disappearing farmland all are challenging the most densely populated county in Maine. Spread out the people, and you'd find roughly 317 people per square mile.

A short distance away, in Oxford County, Mainers seem to be keeping their distance. The population there is only 26 per square mile. Drive north to Piscataquis County and you'll find only four people per square mile. Maine is the only New England state that has a county as sparsely populated as Piscataquis.

No county in Maine is really densely populated, by regional and national standards. By comparison, Boston's Suffolk County has 11,788 people per square mile.

Maine is a big state and that keeps the average state population density down to 41.3 people per square mile. Tiny Rhode Island has 1,003 people per square mile. Massachusetts has 809.5 per square mile while Connecticut has 702. New Hampshire has 137.8 people per square mile and Vermont has 65.8.

Maine counties	Population density
Cumberland County	317.9
Androscoggin County	220.71
York County	188.45
Sagadahoc County	138.69
Kennebec County	134.98
Knox County	108.34
Lincoln County	73.72
Waldo County	49.71
Penobscot County	42.67
Hancock County	32.62
Oxford County	26.34
Franklin County	17.35
Washington County	13.21
Somerset County	12.96
Aroostook County	11.08
Piscataquis County	4.34

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