Kennebec County, Maine

Kennebec County
County
Kennebec County Courthouse
Seal
Location within the U.S. state of Maine
Maine's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 44°24′00″N69°47′04″W / 44.39996°N 69.784554°W / 44.39996; -69.784554
Country	United States
State	Maine
Founded	1799
Named for	Kennebec River
Seat	Augusta
Largest city	Augusta
Area
• Total	951 sq mi (2,460 km2)
• Land	868 sq mi (2,250 km2)
• Water	84 sq mi (220 km2)  8.8%
Population  (2020)
• Total	123,642
• Density	130/sq mi (50/km2)
Time zone	UTC−5 (Eastern)
• Summer (DST)	UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional districts	1st, 2nd
Website	www.kennebeccounty.org

Kennebec County is a county located in the South-central portion of the U.S. state of Maine. At the 2020 census, the population was 123,642. ^[1] Its county seat is Augusta, ^[2] the state capital. The county was established on February 20, 1799, from portions of Cumberland and Lincoln Counties. The name Kennebec comes from the Eastern Abenaki /kínipekʷ/, meaning "large body of still water, large bay." ^[3]

Kennebec County comprises the Augusta–Waterville, ME Micropolitan Statistical Area .

In 2010, the center of population of Maine was in Kennebec County, in the city of Augusta. ^[4]

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 951 square miles (2,460 km²), of which 868 square miles (2,250 km²) is land and 84 square miles (220 km²) (8.8%) is water. ^[5]

Adjacent counties

• Somerset County – north
• Waldo County – east
• Sagadahoc County – south
• Lincoln County – south
• Androscoggin County – southwest
• Franklin County – northwest

Demographics

Historical population

Census	Pop.	Note	%±
1800	24,571		—
1810	32,564		32.5%
1820	42,623		30.9%
1830	52,485		23.1%
1840	55,823		6.4%
1850	62,521		12.0%
1860	55,655		−11.0%
1870	53,203		−4.4%
1880	53,058		−0.3%
1890	57,012		7.5%
1900	59,117		3.7%
1910	62,863		6.3%
1920	63,844		1.6%
1930	70,691		10.7%
1940	77,231		9.3%
1950	83,881		8.6%
1960	89,150		6.3%
1970	95,247		6.8%
1980	109,889		15.4%
1990	115,904		5.5%
2000	117,114		1.0%
2010	122,151		4.3%
2020	123,642		1.2%
2023 (est.)	127,259	[6]	2.9%
U.S. Decennial Census [7] 1790–1960 [8] 1900–1990 [9] 1990–2000 [10] 2010–2019 [11]

2000 census

As of the census ^[12] of 2000, there were 117,114 people, 47,683 households, and 31,327 families living in the county. The population density was 135 people per square mile (52 people/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. 92.5% spoke only English at home, while 5.48% spoke French. ^[13]

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. ^[14]

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.

2010 census

As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 122,151 people, 51,128 households, and 32,368 families living in the county. ^[14] The population density was 140.8 inhabitants per square mile (54.4/km²). There were 60,972 housing units at an average density of 70.3 units per square mile (27.1 units/km²). ^[15] The racial makeup of the county was % from other races, and % from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up % of the population. ^[14] In terms of ancestry, 24.2% were English, 17.0% were Irish, 8.3% were German, 7.7% were French Canadian, 5.7% were American, and 5.4% were Scottish. ^[16]

The median income for a household in the county was $45,973 and the median income for a family was $56,853. Males had a median income of $42,176 versus $32,471 for females. The per capita income for the county was $24,656. About 7.8% of families and 12.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.9% of those under age 18 and 9.6% of those age 65 or over. ^[17]

Micropolitan statistical area

See also: List of micropolitan statistical areas

The United States Office of Management and Budget has designated Kennebec County as the Augusta–Waterville, ME Micropolitan Statistical Area (µSA). As of the 2010 U.S. Census ^[18] the micropolitan area ranked the most populous in the State of Maine and also the only micropolitan area within the state. The area also ranks 14th most populous in the United States with a population of 125,540 as of July 2022.

Economy

Kennebec County's economy has traditionally been industrial. A large amount of paper and textiles were produced, and mills sprung up along the Kennebec river. The median household income is $36,498. The unemployment rate is 4.2%.

Education

There are three colleges: Colby College and Thomas College (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 high school, 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 high schools.

K-12 school districts include: ^[19]

• Augusta School District
• Fayette School District
• Vassalboro School District
• Waterville School District
• Winslow School District
• Winthrop School District
• Regional School Unit 02
• Regional School Unit 04
• Regional School Unit 18
• Regional School Unit 12
• Regional School Unit 38
• School Administrative District 09
• School Administrative District 11
• School Administrative District 49
• Kennebec Unorganized Territory

Politics

Kennebec County has consistently voted for Democrats in recent elections, until 2016 when it voted for Donald Trump, the first time since 1988. While the more rural areas support the Republican Party, the urban areas are strongly Democratic. 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 in the 1st Congressional District of Maine, while the northern, smaller portion is in the 2nd Congressional District of Maine.

Voter registration

Voter registration and party enrollment as of March 2024 [20]
	Republican	27,635	32.92%
	Democratic	27,487	32.74%
	Unenrolled	24,455	29.13%
	Green Independent	3,698	4.41%
	Libertarian	403	0.48%
	No Labels	271	0.32%
Total		83,949	100%

United States presidential election results for Kennebec County, Maine ^{[21] [22]}

Year	Republican		Democratic		Third party
	No.	%	No.	%	No.	%
2020	34,721	48.32%	34,902	48.57%	2,235	3.11%
2016	31,675	47.84%	29,302	44.26%	5,231	7.90%
2012	26,519	41.76%	35,068	55.23%	1,910	3.01%
2008	27,482	41.65%	37,238	56.43%	1,266	1.92%
2004	29,761	44.57%	35,616	53.34%	1,395	2.09%
2000	23,967	40.69%	31,198	52.96%	3,742	6.35%
1996	15,403	27.68%	30,257	54.37%	9,994	17.96%
1992	17,135	26.81%	25,125	39.31%	21,661	33.89%
1988	27,734	53.60%	23,578	45.57%	433	0.84%
1984	31,753	59.70%	21,183	39.82%	255	0.48%
1980	21,517	43.84%	20,943	42.67%	6,617	13.48%
1976	22,534	47.53%	23,473	49.51%	1,400	2.95%
1972	24,617	59.99%	16,379	39.91%	39	0.10%
1968	16,009	41.81%	21,752	56.81%	531	1.39%
1964	11,307	31.28%	24,813	68.65%	23	0.06%
1960	21,699	54.31%	18,252	45.69%	0	0.00%
1956	23,028	66.73%	11,483	33.27%	0	0.00%
1952	21,207	63.59%	12,113	36.32%	31	0.09%
1948	13,923	55.12%	11,163	44.19%	174	0.69%
1944	14,335	50.42%	14,070	49.49%	25	0.09%
1940	14,877	48.36%	15,861	51.56%	27	0.09%
1936	14,987	55.34%	11,268	41.61%	826	3.05%
1932	14,451	53.93%	12,110	45.19%	236	0.88%
1928	15,541	65.14%	8,226	34.48%	92	0.39%
1924	13,122	72.26%	4,184	23.04%	853	4.70%
1920	12,333	68.62%	5,466	30.41%	174	0.97%
1916	6,731	53.71%	5,527	44.11%	273	2.18%
1912	1,782	15.20%	4,397	37.50%	5,547	47.31%
1908	6,133	65.99%	2,871	30.89%	290	3.12%
1904	5,765	68.68%	2,333	27.79%	296	3.53%
1900	6,228	62.60%	3,410	34.27%	311	3.13%
1896	7,889	71.70%	2,817	25.60%	297	2.70%
1892	6,165	57.27%	4,094	38.03%	506	4.70%
1888	7,453	62.46%	4,139	34.69%	340	2.85%
1884	7,572	61.30%	3,906	31.62%	874	7.08%
1880	7,771	59.00%	5,001	37.97%	400	3.04%
1876	6,751	62.26%	4,093	37.74%	0	0.00%
1872	6,232	73.67%	2,227	26.33%	0	0.00%
1868	7,283	70.40%	3,062	29.60%	0	0.00%
1864	6,803	67.02%	3,347	32.98%	0	0.00%
1860	6,599	70.90%	2,353	25.28%	356	3.82%
1856	7,320	72.14%	2,487	24.51%	340	3.35%
1852	4,489	55.11%	2,703	33.18%	954	11.71%
1848	5,056	54.10%	2,634	28.18%	1,656	17.72%
1844	5,393	56.83%	3,535	37.25%	561	5.91%
1840	6,905	65.96%	3,521	33.63%	43	0.41%
1836	1,867	51.04%	1,791	48.96%	0	0.00%

Communities

Cities

• Augusta (county seat)
• Gardiner
• Hallowell
• Waterville

Towns

• Albion
• Belgrade
• Benton
• Chelsea
• China
• Clinton
• Farmingdale
• Fayette
• Litchfield
• Manchester
• Monmouth
• Mount Vernon
• Oakland
• Pittston
• Randolph
• Readfield
• Rome
• Sidney
• Vassalboro
• Vienna
• Wayne
• West Gardiner
• Windsor
• Winslow
• Winthrop

Unorganized territory

• Unity

Census-designated places

• Clinton
• Farmingdale
• Oakland
• Winthrop

Other unincorporated villages

• China Village
• East Vassalboro
• East Winthrop
• Libby Hill
• North Monmouth
• North Vassalboro
• South China

See also

• Maine portal

• National Register of Historic Places listings in Kennebec County, Maine

Footnotes

1. "Census - Geography Profile: Kennebec County, Maine". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved November 21, 2021.
2. "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
3. Bright, William (2004). Native American placenames of the United States. University of Oklahoma Press. p. 212. ISBN   978-0-8061-3598-4 . Retrieved April 14, 2011.
4. "Centers of Population by State: 2010". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on January 3, 2014. Retrieved September 7, 2014.
5. "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Archived from the original on September 9, 2014. Retrieved September 7, 2014.
6. "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved April 3, 2024.
7. "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved September 7, 2014.
8. "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved September 7, 2014.
9. "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved September 7, 2014.
10. "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 27, 2010. Retrieved September 7, 2014.
11. "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on June 6, 2011. Retrieved August 19, 2013.
12. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved January 31, 2008.
13. "Language Map Data Center".
14. "DP-1 Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 21, 2016.
15. "Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - County". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 21, 2016.
16. "DP02 SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS IN THE UNITED STATES – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 21, 2016.
17. "DP03 SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 21, 2016.
18. "2010 U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved July 10, 2016.
19. "2020 census - school district reference map: Kennebec County, ME" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau. Archived (PDF) from the original on July 26, 2022. Retrieved July 25, 2022. - Text list
20. Bureau of Corporations, Elections & Commissions. "Registered & Enrolled Voters Statewide" (PDF). Maine SOS. Retrieved April 9, 2024.
21. Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved August 25, 2018.
22. Burnham, Walter Dean. "Presidential ballots, 1836-1892". archive.org. Retrieved January 16, 2021.

Further reading

• Samuel Lane Boardman, History of the Agriculture of Kennebec County, Maine. New York: Blake, 1892.
• Raymond Stevens Finley, The History of Secondary Education in Kennebec County in Maine. Orono, ME: University of Maine at Orono Press, 1941.
• Rufus Matthew Jones, The Society of Friends in Kennebec County, Maine. New York: H.W. Blake and Co., 1892.
• Henry D. Kingsbury and Simeon L. Deyo (eds.), Illustrated history of Kennebec County, Maine: 1625-1799-1892. New York: H.W. Blake and Co., 1892.
• Cynthia MacAlman McCausland, Index to Kingsbury and Deyo's illustrated history of Kennebec County, Maine. Camden, ME: Picton Press, 1996.
• George W. Walton, History of the Town of Wayne, Kennebec County, Maine, From Its Settlement to 1898. Augusta, ME: Maine Farmer Publishing Co., 1898.
• Edwin Carey Whittemore, The Centennial History of Waterville, Kennebec County, Maine, Including the Oration, the Historical Address and the Poem Presented at the Celebration of the Centennial Anniversary of the Incorporation of the Town, June 23d, 1902. Waterville, ME: Executive Committee of the Centennial Celebration, 1902.

External links

• Official Site of Kennebec County, Maine

44°25′N69°46′W / 44.41°N 69.77°W / 44.41; -69.77