Westport Island, Maine

Last updated

Westport Island, Maine
Town
Nickname: 
Jeremysquam
Lincoln County Maine incorporated and unincorporated areas Westport Island highlighted.svg
Location in Lincoln County and the state of Maine
Coordinates: 43°53′48″N69°42′33″W / 43.89667°N 69.70917°W / 43.89667; -69.70917
Country United States
State Maine
County Lincoln
Area
[1]
 • Total14.24 sq mi (36.88 km2)
 • Land8.81 sq mi (22.82 km2)
 • Water5.43 sq mi (14.06 km2)
Elevation
69 ft (21 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total719
 • Density82/sq mi (31.5/km2)
Time zone UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP code
04578
Area code 207
FIPS code 23-84135
GNIS feature ID0582810
Website westportisland.us

Westport Island, formerly Westport, [2] is a town in Lincoln County, Maine, United States. In the 19th century the island was known as Jeremysquam, a nickname islanders still use for it. [3] The population was 719 at the 2020 census. [4]

Contents

Geography

Westport Island is located approximately 30 miles (48 km) northeast of Portland. The island is separated from the mainland by two coastal salt-water rivers: the Sheepscot River and the Back River. The island is connected to the mainland at the northwest by one modern bridge, built in 1972 over a slim gap in the Back River called Cowsegan Narrows. Although completely surrounded by water, it is bounded across tidal water by the towns of Wiscasset, Edgecomb, Southport, and Georgetown.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 14.24 square miles (36.88 km2), of which 8.81 square miles (22.82 km2) is land and 5.43 square miles (14.06 km2) is water. [1]

Climate

Climate data for Westport Island, Maine, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 2002–2013
MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecYear
Record high °F (°C)59
(15)		54
(12)		79
(26)		81
(27)		91
(33)		91
(33)		96
(36)		91
(33)		93
(34)		78
(26)		67
(19)		62
(17)		96
(36)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C)31.0
(−0.6)		33.3
(0.7)		40.5
(4.7)		51.4
(10.8)		62.5
(16.9)		70.1
(21.2)		76.3
(24.6)		75.9
(24.4)		69.2
(20.7)		57.8
(14.3)		47.3
(8.5)		36.9
(2.7)		54.4
(12.4)
Daily mean °F (°C)22.7
(−5.2)		24.6
(−4.1)		32.4
(0.2)		42.9
(6.1)		53.3
(11.8)		61.7
(16.5)		67.8
(19.9)		67.2
(19.6)		60.3
(15.7)		49.7
(9.8)		39.8
(4.3)		29.3
(−1.5)		46.0
(7.8)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C)14.3
(−9.8)		15.9
(−8.9)		24.3
(−4.3)		34.3
(1.3)		44.1
(6.7)		53.4
(11.9)		59.2
(15.1)		58.6
(14.8)		51.4
(10.8)		41.7
(5.4)		32.3
(0.2)		21.8
(−5.7)		37.6
(3.1)
Record low °F (°C)−13
(−25)		−16
(−27)		−5
(−21)		18
(−8)		28
(−2)		38
(3)		48
(9)		43
(6)		33
(1)		24
(−4)		12
(−11)		−2
(−19)		−16
(−27)
Average precipitation inches (mm)4.37
(111)		3.91
(99)		4.92
(125)		4.33
(110)		3.60
(91)		4.43
(113)		3.69
(94)		3.24
(82)		4.32
(110)		5.17
(131)		4.35
(110)		5.39
(137)		51.72
(1,313)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in)12.510.111.211.814.715.712.311.79.013.812.512.8148.1
Source 1: NOAA [5]
Source 2: XMACIS2 [6]

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1830 554—
1840 65518.2%
1850 76116.2%
1860 7984.9%
1870 699−12.4%
1880 612−12.4%
1890 451−26.3%
1900 330−26.8%
1910 284−13.9%
1920 165−41.9%
1930 108−34.5%
1940 1112.8%
1950 14631.5%
1960 133−8.9%
1970 22871.4%
1980 42084.2%
1990 66357.9%
2000 74512.4%
2010 718−3.6%
2020 7190.1%
U.S. Decennial Census [7]

2020 census

As of the census of 2020, there were 719 people, and 378 households in the town. The population density was 81.6 persons per square mile (31.5 per square kilometer). There were 540 housing units at an average density of 61.3 per square mile (23.66 per square kilometer).

There were 378 households, of which 16.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them. 57.1% of households have one or more person 60 years or older. 56.1% of households were married-couple households, 26.5% were male householders with no spouse present, and 12.7% were female householders with no spouse present. The average family size is 2.49 persons per house.

Median Household Income was $73,594, and the poverty rate was 4%. 39.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, while 91.4% have a high school degree or higher.

The median age of Westport Island was 51.7 years. 10.1% was under the age of 18, with 11.5% were between the ages of 18 and 24, and 34.7% were over 65 or older. .

2010 census

As of the census [8] of 2010, there were 718 people, 329 households, and 227 families living in the town. The population density was 81.5 inhabitants per square mile (31.5/km2). There were 535 housing units at an average density of 60.7 per square mile (23.4/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 97.8% White, 0.1% African American, 0.3% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 0.4% from other races, and 1.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.0% of the population.

There were 329 households, of which 21.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.4% were married couples living together, 6.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 31.0% were non-families. 23.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.18 and the average family size was 2.48.

The median age in the town was 52 years. 15.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 20% were from 25 to 44; 36.9% were from 45 to 64; and 24% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 49.9% male and 50.1% female.

Economics

Fishing is a principal employer for residents of Westport Island, as is the case with much of coastal Maine. Fishermen are most commonly involved in the trapping of lobster and crabs for sale in the local fish markets. Other resources gathered include groundfish, scallops, shrimp, clams, mussels, quahogs, and bloodworms. Other local employers include the Bath Iron Works, a large shipyard where Aegis-class destroyers are built for the US Navy. Many local residents are also involved in cottage industry and building construction services for other town residents.

The median household income is $73,594 and the median family income is $75,139. Approximately 4% of the population lives under the poverty line.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Crystal, Maine</span> Town in the state of Maine, United States

Crystal is a town in Aroostook County, Maine, United States. The population was 248 at the 2020 census.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Grand Isle, Maine</span> Town in the state of Maine, United States

Grand Isle is a town in Aroostook County, Maine, United States. The population was 366 at the 2020 census. The village of Grand Isle is in the northwestern part of the town.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Island Falls, Maine</span> Town in the state of Maine, United States

Island Falls is a town in Aroostook County, Maine, United States. The population was 758 at the 2020 census. The primary village of Island Falls in the town is situated at a falls in the West Branch Mattawamkeag River.

Frenchboro is a town in Hancock County, Maine, United States, and a village within this town located on Long Island, southeast of Swans Island. The population was 29 at the 2020 census. The town is accessible by state ferry service from Bass Harbor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Verona Island, Maine</span> Town in Maine, United States

Verona Island is a town located on an island of the same name in the Penobscot River in Hancock County, Maine, United States. The population was 507 at the 2020 census.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alna, Maine</span> Town in the state of Maine, United States

Alna is a town in Lincoln County, Maine, United States. The population was 710 at the 2020 census. Alna is home to the Wiscasset, Waterville and Farmington Railway Museum and is noted for its historic architecture, including the early mill village of Head Tide.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boothbay, Maine</span> Town in Maine, United States

Boothbay is a town in Lincoln County, Maine, United States. The population was 3,003 at the 2020 census. It includes the neighborhoods of Back Narrows, Dover, Linekin, Oak Hill, Ocean Point, Spruce Shores, and the villages of East Boothbay and Trevett. The surrounding Boothbay Region is a center of summer tourist activity, and a significant part of its population does not live there year-round. Five shipyards are located in the town, the largest of which is Washburn & Doughty.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bremen, Maine</span> Town in the state of Maine, United States

Bremen is a small town in Lincoln County, Maine, United States. The population was 823 at the 2020 census. Located on Muscongus Bay and the Gulf of Maine, it includes the villages of Broad Cove, Turners Corner, Bremen, Medomak and Muscongus. Hog Island is a center and camp for the Maine chapter of the National Audubon Society.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Edgecomb, Maine</span> Town in Maine, United States

Edgecomb is a town in Lincoln County, Maine, United States. The population was 1,188 at the 2020 census. It includes the neighborhoods of East Edgecomb, North Edgecomb, and Pools Landing. The town was named for George Edgcumbe, 1st Earl of Mount Edgcumbe, a supporter of the colonists. Fort Edgecomb is a Maine State Historic Site.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jefferson, Maine</span> Town in the state of Maine, United States

Jefferson is a town in Lincoln County, Maine, United States. The population was 2,551 at the 2020 census. Damariscotta Lake State Park, a popular Mid Coast swimming, canoeing and picnic area, is located within the town limits.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nobleboro, Maine</span> Town in Maine, United States

Nobleboro, founded in 1788, is a town in Lincoln County, Maine, United States. The population was 1,791 at the 2020 census. Nobleboro is named for Arthur Noble's son Arthur II. Part of Nobleboro was part of Shem Drowne's claim in the 1730s.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Somerville, Maine</span> Town in the state of Maine, United States

Somerville is a town in Lincoln County, Maine, United States. The population was 600 at the 2020 census. Somerville is located 15 miles east of the state capital, Augusta.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Southport, Maine</span> Town in the state of Maine, United States

Southport is a town and archipelago in Lincoln County, Maine, United States. The population was 622 at the 2020 census. It includes the neighborhoods of Capitol Island, Cozy Harbor, East Side, Newagen, Pine Cliff, and West Southport, and the village of Squirrel Island. The majority of the town's residents live on its main island, Southport Island.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Whitefield, Maine</span> Town in the State of Maine, United States

Whitefield is a town in Lincoln County, Maine, United States. The population was 2,408 at the 2020 census. Whitefield is named for the celebrated British evangelist George Whitefield, who inspired the colonists before the town was settled in 1770, mainly by Irish Catholics. They remembered him when incorporation came in 1809. In the early twenty-first century it was the boyhood home of Sean and Jamie Oshima, who formed their folk-pop duo Oshima Brothers there. Whitefield is included in the Augusta, Maine micropolitan New England City and Town Area.

Lee is a town in Penobscot County, Maine, United States. It was incorporated in 1832. The town was originally called Mattekeunk, but changed it to Lee to give it an English name. Stephen Lee suggested the town be named Lee after Revolutionary general Henry "High Horse" Lee. To further convince the townsfolk, he brought a barrel of rum to the meeting. The population was 916 at the 2020 census. Lee has been home to Lee Academy since 1845.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Georgetown, Maine</span> Town in Maine, United States

Georgetown is a town in Sagadahoc County, Maine, United States. The population was 1,058 at the 2020 census. Home to Reid State Park, the town is part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford, Maine Metropolitan Statistical Area. Located on an island accessible by car from the mainland, Georgetown includes the villages of Five Islands, Georgetown, Bay Point, Marrtown, West Georgetown and Robinhood. It is a popular tourist destination.

Beals is a town in Washington County, Maine, United States, located on an island opposite Jonesport. The town was named after Manwarren Beal, an early settler. The population was 443 at the 2020 census.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cutler, Maine</span> Town in the state of Maine, United States

Cutler is a town in Washington County, Maine, United States. The town was named after Joseph Cutler, an early settler, who hailed from Newburyport, Massachusetts. The population was 524 at the 2020 census.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boothbay Harbor, Maine</span> Town in Maine, United States

Boothbay Harbor is a town in Lincoln County, Maine, United States. The population was 2,027 at the 2020 census. It includes the neighborhoods of Bayville, Mount Pisgah, and Sprucewold, and the villages of Isle of Springs and West Boothbay Harbor. During summer months, the entire Boothbay Harbor region is a popular yachting and tourist destination.

Lincoln is a town in Penobscot County, Maine, United States. The town's population was 4,853 at the 2020 United States Census. A statue honoring Medal of Honor recipient Gary Gordon was installed in Lincoln, in 2021. The 10-foot (3.0 m) bronze sculpture faces Gordon's grave at Park Street Cemetery.

References

  1. 1 2 "US Gazetteer files 2010". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved December 16, 2012.
  2. ↑ On May 27, 2003, the town changed its name from "Westport" to "Westport Island." Maine Legislation to Rename Town of Westport
  3. ↑ McLane, Charles B.; McLane, Carol Evarts (1997). Islands of the Mid-Maine Coast. Tilbury House & Island Institute. pp. Volume IV p. 187. ISBN   0-88448-184-0.
  4. ↑ "Census - Geography Profile: Westport Island town, Lincoln County, Maine" . Retrieved January 23, 2022.
  5. ↑ "U.S. Climate Normals Quick Access – Station: Westport Island, ME". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved March 5, 2023.
  6. ↑ "xmACIS2". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved March 5, 2023.
  7. ↑ "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  8. ↑ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved December 16, 2012.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.