Kennebec County, Maine
Encyclopedia
Kennebec County is a county located in the U.S. state
of Maine
. In 2010, its population was 122,151. Its county seat
is Augusta
. The center of population
of Maine is located in Kennebec County, in the city of Augusta.
Kennebec County was established on 20 February 1799 from portions of Cumberland and Lincoln Counties.
of 2000, there were 117,114 people, 47,683 households, and 31,327 families residing in the county. The population density
was 135 people per square mile (52/km²). There were 56,364 housing units at an average density of 65 per square mile (25/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 97.45% White
, 0.34% Black
or African American
, 0.40% Native American
, 0.59% Asian
, 0.02% Pacific Islander
, 0.18% from other races
, and 1.02% from two or more races. 0.73% of the population were Hispanic
or Latino
of any race. 20.6% were of English
, 17.4% French
, 13.4% French Canadian
, 10.9% United States
or American and 9.9% Irish
ancestry according to Census 2000. 92.5% spoke only English
at home, while 5.48% spoke French
http://www.mla.org/map_data_results&state_id=23&county_id=11&mode=geographic&zip=&place_id=&cty_id=&a=&ea=&order=&ll=all.
There were 47,683 households out of which 31.20% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.60% were married couples
living together, 10.00% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.30% were non-families. 27.60% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.60% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 2.89.
In the county, the population was spread out with 23.80% under the age of 18, 8.50% from 18 to 24, 28.60% from 25 to 44, 24.90% from 45 to 64, and 14.20% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 94.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.80 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $36,498, and the median income for a family was $43,814. Males had a median income of $32,279 versus $24,032 for females. The per capita income
for the county was $18,520. About 8.50% of families and 11.10% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.20% of those under age 18 and 10.20% of those age 65 or over.
The county also includes the unincorporated township of Unity
.
and Thomas (both in Waterville), and the University of Maine at Augusta. There are 19 school districts (however, 4 are consolidated ones). In China Maine, there is no public Highschool, but a private school (Erskine Academy
) exists, and the town pays for students tuition if they choose to attend. Students from Vassalboro can pick from one of four school districts (Cony in Augusta, Erskine, Winslow, or Waterville). However, many towns have local public highschools.
Kennebec County tends to support candidates to the left of the political center. While the more rural areas support the Republican Party, the bigger cities are strongly Democratic. Democrats have carried the county in recent Presidential elections. Kennebec County is the only county in Maine that is split between Maine's two congressional districts. The larger, southern portion of the county is located in the 1st Congressional District of Maine, while the northern, smaller portion is located in the 2nd Congressional District of Maine.
U.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
of Maine
Maine
Maine is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and south, New Hampshire to the west, and the Canadian provinces of Quebec to the northwest and New Brunswick to the northeast. Maine is both the northernmost and easternmost...
. In 2010, its population was 122,151. Its county seat
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
is Augusta
Augusta, Maine
Augusta is the capital of the US state of Maine, county seat of Kennebec County, and center of population for Maine. The city's population was 19,136 at the 2010 census, making it the third-smallest state capital after Montpelier, Vermont and Pierre, South Dakota...
. The center of population
Center of population
In demographics, the center of population of a region is a geographical point that describes a centerpoint of the region's population...
of Maine is located in Kennebec County, in the city of Augusta.
Kennebec County was established on 20 February 1799 from portions of Cumberland and Lincoln Counties.
Geography
According to the 2000 census, the county has a total area of 951.18 square miles (2,463.5 km²), of which 867.58 square miles (2,247 km²) (or 91.21%) is land and 83.6 square miles (216.5 km²) (or 8.79%) is water.Adjacent counties
- Somerset County, MaineSomerset County, MaineSomerset County is a county located in the U.S. state of Maine. As of 2010, the population was 52,228. Its county seat is Skowhegan.-History:...
- north - Waldo County, MaineWaldo County, MaineWaldo County is a county located in the U.S. state of Maine. As of 2010, the population was 38,786. Its county seat is Belfast.Waldo County was founded on 7 February 1827 from a portion of Hancock County...
- east - Sagadahoc County, MaineSagadahoc County, MaineSagadahoc County is a county located in the U.S. state of Maine. As of 2010, the population was 35,293. Its county seat is Bath. In total area, it is the smallest county in Maine....
- south - Lincoln County, MaineLincoln County, MaineLincoln County is a county located in the U.S. state of Maine. As of 2010, the population was 34,457. Its county seat is Wiscasset. It was founded in 1760 and named after the English city Lincoln. At its founding, it accounted for three-fifths of the State's land, and stretched east to Nova...
- south - Androscoggin County, MaineAndroscoggin County, MaineAndroscoggin County is a county located in the U.S. state of Maine. As of the 2010 U.S. census, the county's population was 107,702. Its county seat is Auburn...
- southwest - Franklin County, MaineFranklin County, MaineFranklin County is a county located in the U.S. state of Maine. As of 2010, the population was 30,768. Its county seat is Farmington.Franklin County was established on 9 May 1838.-Geography:...
- northwest
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 117,114 people, 47,683 households, and 31,327 families residing in the county. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 135 people per square mile (52/km²). There were 56,364 housing units at an average density of 65 per square mile (25/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 97.45% White
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.34% Black
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or African American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.40% Native American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.59% Asian
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.02% Pacific Islander
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.18% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 1.02% from two or more races. 0.73% of the population were Hispanic
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or Latino
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
of any race. 20.6% were of English
English people
The English are a nation and ethnic group native to England, who speak English. The English identity is of early mediaeval origin, when they were known in Old English as the Anglecynn. England is now a country of the United Kingdom, and the majority of English people in England are British Citizens...
, 17.4% French
French people
The French are a nation that share a common French culture and speak the French language as a mother tongue. Historically, the French population are descended from peoples of Celtic, Latin and Germanic origin, and are today a mixture of several ethnic groups...
, 13.4% French Canadian
French Canadian
French Canadian or Francophone Canadian, , generally refers to the descendents of French colonists who arrived in New France in the 17th and 18th centuries...
, 10.9% United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
or American and 9.9% Irish
Irish people
The Irish people are an ethnic group who originate in Ireland, an island in northwestern Europe. Ireland has been populated for around 9,000 years , with the Irish people's earliest ancestors recorded having legends of being descended from groups such as the Nemedians, Fomorians, Fir Bolg, Tuatha...
ancestry according to Census 2000. 92.5% spoke only English
English language
English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
at home, while 5.48% spoke French
French language
French is a Romance language spoken as a first language in France, the Romandy region in Switzerland, Wallonia and Brussels in Belgium, Monaco, the regions of Quebec and Acadia in Canada, and by various communities elsewhere. Second-language speakers of French are distributed throughout many parts...
http://www.mla.org/map_data_results&state_id=23&county_id=11&mode=geographic&zip=&place_id=&cty_id=&a=&ea=&order=&ll=all.
There were 47,683 households out of which 31.20% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.60% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 10.00% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.30% were non-families. 27.60% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.60% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 2.89.
In the county, the population was spread out with 23.80% under the age of 18, 8.50% from 18 to 24, 28.60% from 25 to 44, 24.90% from 45 to 64, and 14.20% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 94.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.80 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $36,498, and the median income for a family was $43,814. Males had a median income of $32,279 versus $24,032 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the county was $18,520. About 8.50% of families and 11.10% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.20% of those under age 18 and 10.20% of those age 65 or over.
Cities and towns
- AlbionAlbion, MaineAlbion is a town in Kennebec County, Maine, United States. The population was 1,946 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of , of which, of it is land and of it is water....
- AugustaAugusta, MaineAugusta is the capital of the US state of Maine, county seat of Kennebec County, and center of population for Maine. The city's population was 19,136 at the 2010 census, making it the third-smallest state capital after Montpelier, Vermont and Pierre, South Dakota...
- BelgradeBelgrade, MaineBelgrade is a town in Kennebec County, Maine, United States. The population was 2,978 at the 2000 census. Belgrade's population, however, approximately doubles during the summer months as part-year residents return to seasonal camps located on the shores of Great Pond, Long Pond and Messalonskee...
- BentonBenton, MaineBenton is a town in Kennebec County, Maine, United States. The population was 2,557 at the 2000 census. The town was named for Missouri Senator Thomas Hart Benton.-Geography:...
- ChelseaChelsea, MaineChelsea is a town in Kennebec County, Maine, United States. The population was 2,559 at the 2000 census.-History:Chelsea was incorporated as a town on March 1, 1851 separating from a portion of Hallowell. The town was named after the town of Chelsea, Massachusetts...
- ChinaChina, MaineChina is a town in Kennebec County, Maine, United States. The population was 4,106 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of , of which, of it is land and of it is water....
- Clinton
- Farmingdale
- FayetteFayette, MaineFayette is a town in Kennebec County, Maine, United States. The population was 1,040 at the 2000 census. Students who live in Fayette attend Fayette Central School, and once they graduate from fifth grade are sent to either Livermore Falls, Winthrop,and Maranacook...
- GardinerGardiner, MaineGardiner is a city in Kennebec County, Maine, United States. The population was 6,198 at the 2000 census. Popular with tourists, Gardiner is noted for its culture and old architecture.-History:...
- HallowellHallowell, MaineHallowell is a city in Kennebec County, Maine, United States. The population was 2,467 at the 2000 census.-History:The city is named for Benjamin Hallowell, a Boston merchant and one of the Kennebec Proprietors, holders of land originally granted to the Plymouth Company by the British monarchy in...
- LitchfieldLitchfield, MaineLitchfield is a town in Kennebec County, Maine, United States. The population was 3,110 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of , of which, of it is land and of it is water....
- ManchesterManchester, MaineManchester is a town in Kennebec County, Maine, United States, located at . The population was 2,465 at the 2000 census. In the early 19th century, the town was known as "The Forks".-Geography:...
- MonmouthMonmouth, MaineMonmouth is a town in Kennebec County, Maine, United States. The population was 3,785 at the 2000 census. It is a popular summer resort area, with many lakeside cottages.-History:...
- Mount VernonMount Vernon, MaineMount Vernon is a town in Kennebec County, Maine, United States. The population was 1,524 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 43.4 square miles , of which, 37.9 square miles of it is land and 5.6 square miles of...
- OaklandOakland, MaineOakland is a town in Kennebec County in the U.S. state of Maine. The population was 6,240 at the 2010 census. . Gateway to the Belgrade Lakes region, Oakland is 4 miles west of Waterville and approximately 18 miles north of Augusta, the state capital.-History:It was first settled about 1780 by...
- PittstonPittston, MainePittston is a town in Kennebec County, Maine, United States. The population was 2,548 at the 2000 census. The town was named for the family of John Pitt, who were early settlers....
- RandolphRandolph, MaineRandolph is a town and a census-designated place in Kennebec County, Maine, United States. The population was 1,911 at the 2000 census. The town was named for Randolph, Massachusetts.-Geography:Randolph is located at ....
- ReadfieldReadfield, MaineReadfield is a town in Kennebec County, Maine, United States. The population was 2,360 at the 2000 census. Readfield is home to the Kents Hill School, a preparatory school, Maranacook Community Schools, public schools for the district, a few summer camps, and the annual Readfield Heritage Days. The...
- RomeRome, MaineRome is a town in Kennebec County, Maine, United States. The population was 980 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Belgrade Lakes resort area.-History:...
- SidneySidney, MaineSidney is a town in Kennebec County, Maine, United States. The population was 3,514 at the 2000 census. Sidney was incorporated as a town on January 30, 1792...
- VassalboroVassalboro, MaineVassalboro is a town in Kennebec County, Maine, United States. The population was 4,047 at the 2000 Census. Vassalboro includes the villages of South Vassalboro, North Vassalboro, and East Vassalboro, home to the town library and sports field.-History:...
- ViennaVienna, MaineVienna is a town in Kennebec County, Maine, United States. The population was 527 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of , of which is land and is water.-Demographics:...
- WatervilleWaterville, MaineWaterville is a city in Kennebec County, Maine, United States, on the west bank of the Kennebec River. The population was 15,722 at the 2010 census. Home to Colby College and Thomas College, Waterville is the regional commercial, medical and cultural center....
- WayneWayne, MaineWayne is a town in Kennebec County, Maine, United States. The population was 1,112 at the 2000 census. The town was named after Revolutionary War General Anthony Wayne...
- West GardinerWest Gardiner, MaineWest Gardiner is a town in Kennebec County, Maine, United States. The population was 2,902 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of , of which, of it is land and of it is water....
- WindsorWindsor, MaineWindsor is a town in Kennebec County, Maine, United States. The population was 2,204 at the 2000 census. The town was formerly known as Malta, and gave its name to the "Malta War", a minor rebellion against the Massachusetts state government in Boston over settlement and land ownership rights in...
- WinslowWinslow, MaineWinslow is a town and census-designated place in Kennebec County, Maine, United States, along the Kennebec River. The population was 7,743 at the 2000 census.-History:...
- Winthrop
The county also includes the unincorporated township of Unity
Unity, Kennebec County, Maine
Unity is an unorganized territory in Kennebec County, Maine, United States. The population was 31 at the 2000 census. The township was a former plantation that surrendered its organization in 1942.-Geography:...
.
Economy
Kennebec County's economy has traditionally been industrial. A large amount of paper and textiles were produced, and mills sprung up all along the Kennebec river. The median house hold income is currently $36,498. The unemployment rate is currently at 4.2% (lower than it has been in a year).Education
There are three colleges: Colby CollegeColby College
Colby College is a private liberal arts college located on Mayflower Hill in Waterville, Maine. Founded in 1813, it is the 12th-oldest independent liberal arts college in the United States...
and Thomas (both in Waterville), and the University of Maine at Augusta. There are 19 school districts (however, 4 are consolidated ones). In China Maine, there is no public Highschool, but a private school (Erskine Academy
Erskine Academy
Erskine Academy is a private high school located in South China, Maine.The high school has a current enrollment of 748 students and serves eight surrounding towns. The campus occupies about of land and includes several academic buildings as well as various athletic fields.The school's motto is...
) exists, and the town pays for students tuition if they choose to attend. Students from Vassalboro can pick from one of four school districts (Cony in Augusta, Erskine, Winslow, or Waterville). However, many towns have local public highschools.
Religion
There are many churches in Kennebec county, the largest being: Baptist, Methodist, Episcopalian, Congregationalist, Unitarian, Church of the Nazarene, Church of Christ, Adventist and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons). However, the largest single denomination is Roman Catholicism.Government and politics
| Year | Democrat Democratic Party (United States) The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous... |
Republican Republican Party (United States) The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S... |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 56.4% 37,238 | 41.7% 27,482 |
| 2004 | 53.3% 35,616 | 44.6% 29,761 |
| 2000 | 53.0% 31,198 | 40.7% 23,967 |
Kennebec County tends to support candidates to the left of the political center. While the more rural areas support the Republican Party, the bigger cities are strongly Democratic. Democrats have carried the county in recent Presidential elections. Kennebec County is the only county in Maine that is split between Maine's two congressional districts. The larger, southern portion of the county is located in the 1st Congressional District of Maine, while the northern, smaller portion is located in the 2nd Congressional District of Maine.