Discover the Poorest Town in Maine

Maine is the last state you think of when you think of poverty. This beautiful state is covered with lush forests and boasts some of the most breathtaking coastal homes. However, the economic landscape is exactly equal throughout the state. For example, 14.1% of Maine residents live below the poverty level in some of the poorest towns in the state. This is much lower than the nation’s 15.9%. Below is everything you need to know about the poorest town in Maine.

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What is the Poorest Town in Maine?

Waterville is the poorest town in Maine, but before delving into the statistics, let’s have a look at  Waterville and some positives about the town. While living in this town does not sound appealing, there are a few fun activities locals and visitors can enjoy. For example, Waterville is a coastal town, making it the perfect getaway for a long weekend or vacation. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the Quarry Road Trails, which provide incredible hiking in the warmer months. However, there is plenty to do in winter as well, including downhill skiing.

But if you’re not an outdoors person, this small town has 7 historic buildings, and all of them are being preserved. In addition, you can visit the Colby College Museum of Art, one of the best in the country.

Are the Residents of Waterville in Poverty?

Yes! With 21.2% of residents living below the poverty line. This is significantly higher than the national average of 11.6%. A median salary in Waterville is approximately $38,862 per year, which is less than the national average of $70,784. Residents of this town are struggling through financial hardships because 1 in every 7 area households is surviving on less than $10,000 a year!

What Town in Maine Has the Highest Crime?

Augusta

Maine’s capital city, Augusta, has the highest crime rate in the state. It is also one of the country’s least densely populated state capitals, with only 18,653 individuals. Unfortunately, there are higher instances of assault, robbery, violent crime, and theft. However, Augusta’s crime rate statistics are still lower than the national average, except for larceny and property crimes, which are higher than the national average.

• Violent Crimes Per 100k: 402
• Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,307
• Population: 18,653

Houlton

Houlton is situated at the junction of Highways 1 and 95. This small town struggles with its low unemployment rate, but luckily, Houlton has affordable housing. Houlton sits on the US and Canadian border, making it a hub for cross-border trade. However, while it has a small-town feel, Houlton has a high crime rate, which is lower than the state average but lower than the national average. This small town has a higher percentage of aggravated assault and larceny cases.

• Violent Crimes Per 100k: 385
• Property Crimes Per 100k: 2,905
• Population: 5,713

Waterville

While Waterville is the poorest town in Maine, it also has one of the highest crime rates in the state. However, despite its bad reputation, the town has increased gradually since 2011. Unfortunately, there is a high number of residents living under the poverty line, barely earning $10,000 per year. However, this town also has a higher percentage of locals with doctorate degrees than any other city in the US. But, sadly, Waterville can’t escape its crime, with a crime rate of 2,497 incidents per 100,000 people. Waterville has a higher crime rate for burglary, car theft, larceny, aggravated assault, robbery, and violent crime than the rest of the state.

• Violent Crimes Per 100k: 192
• Property Crimes Per 100k: 2,497
• Population: 16,654

Biddeford

The town of Biddeford is one of Maine’s coastal communities that is also home to the La Kermesse Franco-Americaine Festival and the University of New England. This quaint little town is one of the oldest European settlements in the USA, as it had been discovered by the settlers in 1616. However, today, it is the commercial center of the USA, with a population of 21,530 residents. However, as soon as the population starts to increase, so does the crime. Luckily, its violent crime rate is below the national average; it is above the average for the state.

• Violent Crimes Per 100k: 232 
• Property Crimes Per 100k: 1,955 
• Population: 21,530

Auburn

Auburn sits in the state’s southern region and was once a competitive force in the shoe industry. However, the town’s gone downhill over the past few years. Unfortunately, today, Auburn is famous for its high crime rate and not the shoe production factory that once dominated the town. Auburn has a population of around 23,455 individuals, and the town experiences about 46 violent crimes a year, which is very concerning.

• Violent Crimes Per 100k: 196 
• Property Crimes Per 100k: 2,208 
• Population: 23,455

Where is Waterville, Maine, Located on a Map?

The city of Waterville sits on the banks of the Kennebec River in Maine. It is easily accessible by exits off Interstate 95 and Route 201, a national historic byway forming part of the Kennebec-Chaudière Corridor. But, as you discovered in this article, Waterville is not the best place to live because of its poverty and crime rate problem.