Census Snapshot:
Maine and Idaho: Is it just potatoes?

Research by Julia McCue

Copyright © 2001 Blethen Maine Newspapers Inc.

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	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.

Maine is often compared to her northern New England neighbors. Unless potatoes are the topic, it is rarely, if ever, compared to the state of Idaho. But according to the 2000 census, Idaho is the closest to Maine in population.

Both states form part of the northern border of the United States. Maine and Idaho have populations that are more than 90 percent white, and have similar numbers of blacks and Hispanics.

Following national trends, the two states have experienced growth in cities and suburbs at the expense of rural areas. In rate of growth, though, Idaho and Maine are mirror images. Idaho, with a growth rate of 28.5 percent, is the fifth-fastest growing state in the nation while Maine is the fifth-slowest growing state, having increased in population by only 3.8 percent.

How alike are Maine and Idaho? Let's do the numbers.

	Maine	Idaho
Population	1,274,923	1,293,953
% white	96.9	91.0
% black	0.5	0.4
% Asian	0.7	0.9
% Indian	0.6	1.4
Land area	30,862	82,747
Potato harvest	17,813	133,330
Lobster landings	57 million lbs.	0

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