Populations in These 4 Maine Counties Are Plummeting

Thanks to migration, Maine’s population has seen a recent population increase, more so than neighboring states. This northeast state is also projected to increase in population by 2.6% within the next 10 years. While deaths continue to outpace births, newcomers are steadily increasing in most of the state’s counties. However, several counties have lower than average growth rates. Check out these four counties in Maine with plummeting populations and learn about their recent declines and why people are fleeing.

1. Aroostook County

Sitting along the Canada-United States border in the northern portion of the state, Aroostook County contained 67,105 people at its 2020 census. Aroostook is the largest county in Maine by land area and also one of the largest in the United States east of the Mississippi River. It is the northernmost county in New England, where it’s known for its potato crops and sparsely populated North Maine Woods. This area has a rich history dating back to Native Americans and the Underground Railroad. 

Known as “the star of Aroostook County,” Presque Isle is the largest city in the county, with a population of 8,777. While the city is welcoming and friendly, and the natural beauty stretches for miles, Presque Isle is losing people due to its geographic isolation, 11.8% poverty rate, and general lack of resources for residents, from stores to healthcare. 

Aroostook County has seen a decline in population in every city, with more than 1,500 people over the last decade. Limestone, for example, saw a significant decrease due to the closing of the Air Force base. Not only is the county losing people, but it’s also seeing its current population grow older. Fewer young people mean fewer services, like fire and police departments. 

2. Washington County

Encompassing two cities and forty towns, Washington County is the third least-populous county in the state. It borders the Canadian province of New Brunswick in Northeast Maine along the coast. It’s known as the “Sunrise County” because it includes the easternmost point in the country, where many people believe the sun first rises. At the 2010 census, Washington County had a population of 31,095. As of 2021, its estimated population is 31,121.

Calais is the largest city by population in Washington County, with 3,079 people at its last census in 2020. Currently, it has an estimated 2023 population of 3,050. The city sits along the St. Croix River, where it has three border crossings with Canada. Calais has an aging population and few job opportunities. There are very few opportunities for young professionals despite the area’s vast natural beauty. The schools in this county are also falling behind the overall New England education standard. Washington County is also suffering from a housing crisis, even though many properties sit abandoned and dilapidated. And the county is the second poorest within the state, with most residents making less than $45,000. 

3. Piscataquis County

While Piscataquis has seen recent population gains, this county is expected to decline by 5% by 2030, the largest percentage loss in the state. Located in Central around the size of Connecticut, Piscataquis County is known for its endless wild scenery of mountains, forests, and lakes, including Mount Katahdin, Maine’s tallest mountain. This county had a population of 17,165 in 2021 and currently has a projected population in 2023 of 16,578, giving it a growth rate of -0.44% within the last year. Piscataquis is currently Maine’s least-populous county. 

The town of Dover Foxcroft is the seat and most populous community in Piscataquis County, with a population of 4,422 as of 2020. While the town is close-knit and has beautiful views, there aren’t many amenities, and the average annual income is below the national average.

4. Somerset County

Located in Central Maine, Somerset County had a population of 50,477 during the 2020 census but is estimated to have a current population of around 49,952. This county had a growth rate of -0.35% within the last year. With a population of 8,620, the town of Skowhegan is the county seat and largest town within the county. Like many rural areas within the county, Skowhegan has an aging population, a lower-than-average school system, and a lack of amenities. Trends show that the town is at a peak and will begin a decline.   

Populations in These 4 Maine Counties Are Plummeting: A Recap