Mexico, Maine

Last updated

Mexico, Maine
USA Maine location map.svg
Red pog.svg
Mexico, Maine
Location within the state of Maine
Coordinates: 44°33′25″N70°32′55″W / 44.55694°N 70.54861°W / 44.55694; -70.54861
CountryUnited States
State Maine
County Oxford
Area
[1]
  Total23.57 sq mi (61.05 km2)
  Land23.34 sq mi (60.45 km2)
  Water0.23 sq mi (0.60 km2)
Elevation
0 ft (0 m)
Population
 (2020)
  Total2,756
  Density118/sq mi (45.6/km2)
Time zone UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
  Summer (DST) UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP code
04257
Area code 207
Website mexicomaine.net
Location of town of Mexico in Oxford County, state of Maine Map of Maine highlighting Rumford.png
Location of town of Mexico in Oxford County, state of Maine

Mexico, near Rumford, is a town in Oxford County, Maine, United States. Mexico is included in the Lewiston-Auburn, Maine metropolitan New England city and town area. The population was 2,756 at the 2020 census. [2] Mexico is a small mill town for the papermaking industry.

Contents

History

The land was once part of Holmanstown Plantation, granted by the Massachusetts General Court in 1789 to Colonel Jonathan Holman of Sutton, Massachusetts (now Millbury) and others. In 1803, Dixfield was set off and incorporated. The plantation's remaining portion, which had been first settled by Isaac Gleason, was incorporated on February 13, 1818, as the town of Mexico. [3] The name was inspired by local sympathy for Mexico's 18101821 fight for independence from Spain. [4] Then known as Mexico Corner, it developed as a farming community with mills at the streams. [5] In 1894, George W. Ridlon, president of the Rumford Falls Brick Company, founded a settlement in the eastern part of the town called Ridlonville. He erected 30 cottages and The Hotel Ridlon. [4]

General view of Mexico from Rumford Falls c. 1905 Roundhouse & Mexico, ME.jpg
General view of Mexico from Rumford Falls c. 1905

Mexico is located on several hills overlooking the Androscoggin River. Across the river is the town of Rumford, which has a large paper mill. The Swift River empties into the Androscoggin at Mexico's southwest corner, its historic business center positioned in the 19th century near the source of water power. The Androscoggin forms Mexico's southern boundary with Rumford, while the smaller Swift River more or less follows its western boundary with that town. Mexico's downtown is located on land formed by the northeast corner of the right-angle junction of the two rivers. These low-lying riverbanks in Mexico have flooded many times, including 1936, 1953 and 1987. [4]

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 23.57 square miles (61.05 km2), of which 23.34 square miles (60.45 km2) is land and 0.23 square miles (0.60 km2) is water. [1] Mexico is drained by the Swift River and the Androscoggin River, the latter of which separates it from Rumford Falls.

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.Note
1820 148
1830 343131.8%
1840 44730.3%
1850 4827.8%
1860 67139.2%
1870 458−31.7%
1880 403−12.0%
1890 355−11.9%
1900 816129.9%
1910 2,065153.1%
1920 3,24257.0%
1930 4,76747.0%
1940 4,431−7.0%
1950 4,7627.5%
1960 5,0435.9%
1970 4,309−14.6%
1980 3,698−14.2%
1990 3,344−9.6%
2000 2,959−11.5%
2010 2,681−9.4%
2020 2,7562.8%
U.S. Decennial Census [6]

2010 census

As of the census [7] of 2010, there were 2,681 people, 1,185 households, and 735 families living in the town. The population density was 114.9 inhabitants per square mile (44.4/km2). There were 1,404 housing units at an average density of 60.2 per square mile (23.2/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 96.6% White, 0.4% African American, 0.4% Native American, 0.9% Asian, 0.3% from other races, and 1.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.9% of the population.

There were 1,185 households, of which 26.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.3% were married couples living together, 15.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 38.0% were non-families. 29.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.26 and the average family size was 2.72.

The median age in the town was 44.7 years. 19.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22.1% were from 25 to 44; 32.1% were from 45 to 64; and 17.6% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 49.3% male and 50.7% female.

2000 census

As of the census [8] of 2000, there were 2,959 people, 1,298 households, and 820 families living in the town. The population density was 126.3 inhabitants per square mile (48.8/km2). There were 1,448 housing units at an average density of 61.8 per square mile (23.9/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 97.84% White, 0.24% Black or African American, 0.88% Asian, and 1.05% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.27% of the population.

There were 1,298 households, out of which 28.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.5% were married couples living together, 13.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.8% were non-families. 31.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.27 and the average family size was 2.80.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 24.0% under the age of 18, 6.7% from 18 to 24, 27.9% from 25 to 44, 21.8% from 45 to 64, and 19.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.4 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $27,406, and the median income for a family was $33,776. Males had a median income of $38,214 versus $23,298 for females. The per capita income for the town was $16,322. About 10.9% of families and 15.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 22.0% of those under age 18 and 5.1% of those age 65 or over.

Site of interest

Colleges and universities

The Town of Mexico has immediate access to the University of Maine System's seven universities through University College at Rumford/Mexico. [9] University College delivers courses and programs through a variety of modalities, including the traditional classroom, interactive television (ITV), video conferencing, online, and blended classes that use a variety of these modalities. University College provides services to faculty and students that include off-campus library services, academic advising, career development, application and financial aid assistance, computer access, technical support, and a place for adults to meet and study. Its students may take a few courses for personal growth or complete any of a number of programs. [10]

Notable people

Climate

This climatic region has large seasonal temperature differences, with warm to hot (and often humid) summers and cold (sometimes severely cold) winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Mexico has a humid continental climate, abbreviated "Dfb" on climate maps. [11]

Climate data for Mexico, Maine
MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecYear
Mean daily maximum °F (°C)27
(−3)
31
(−1)
39
(4)
52
(11)
66
(19)
75
(24)
79
(26)
77
(25)
69
(21)
57
(14)
43
(6)
31
(−1)
54
(12)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C)7
(−14)
8
(−13)
19
(−7)
31
(−1)
41
(5)
51
(11)
56
(13)
54
(12)
46
(8)
36
(2)
28
(−2)
14
(−10)
33
(1)
Average precipitation inches (cm)3
(7.6)
2.6
(6.6)
3.4
(8.6)
3.8
(9.7)
3.8
(9.7)
4.3
(11)
3.8
(9.7)
4
(10)
3.5
(8.9)
4.2
(11)
4.7
(12)
3.7
(9.4)
45
(110)
Source: Weatherbase [12]

Related Research Articles

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

Auburn is a city in south-central Maine, within the United States. The city serves as the county seat of Androscoggin County. The population was 24,061 at the 2020 census. Auburn and its sister city Lewiston are known locally as the Twin Cities or Lewiston–Auburn (L–A).

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

Leeds is a town in Androscoggin County, Maine, United States. The population was 2,262 at the 2020 census. It is included in both the Lewiston-Auburn, Maine Metropolitan Statistical Area and the Lewiston-Auburn, Maine Metropolitan New England City and Town Area.

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

Lisbon is a town in Androscoggin County, Maine, United States. The population was 9,711 at the 2020 census. It is included in both the Lewiston-Auburn, Maine metropolitan statistical area and the Lewiston–Auburn, Maine Metropolitan New England city and town area. The town of Lisbon includes the villages of Lisbon and Lisbon Falls.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lisbon Falls, Maine</span> Census-designated place in Maine, United States

Lisbon Falls is a census-designated place (CDP) in the town of Lisbon, located in Androscoggin County, Maine, United States. The population of Lisbon Falls was 4,100 at the 2010 census. It is included in both the Lewiston-Auburn, Maine metropolitan statistical area and the Lewiston-Auburn, Maine, Metropolitan New England city and town area.

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

Minot is a town in Androscoggin County, Maine, United States. The population was 2,766 at the 2020 census. The town includes the villages of West Minot and Minot Center. It is part of both the Lewiston-Auburn, Maine metropolitan statistical area and the Lewiston-Auburn, Maine metropolitan New England city and town area.

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

Sabattus is a town in Androscoggin County, Maine, United States. The population was 5,044 at the 2020 census. It is included in both the Lewiston-Auburn, Maine Metropolitan Statistical Area and the Lewiston-Auburn, Maine Metropolitan New England City and Town Area. The town was formerly known as "Webster", and changed its name to "Sabattus" in 1971, in honor of a former Anasagunticook Indian chief. The village of Sabattus is in the northwestern corner of the town, at the outlet of Sabattus Pond.

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

Carthage is a town in Franklin County, Maine, United States. The population was 509 at the 2020 census.

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

Buckfield is a town in Oxford County, Maine, United States. Buckfield is included in the Lewiston-Auburn, Maine metropolitan New England City and Town Area. It is a member of Regional School Unit 10 along with nearby Hartford and Sumner. The town had a population of 1,983 as of the 2020 census.

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

Byron is a town in Oxford County, Maine, United States. The population was 103 at the 2020 census. Home to Coos Canyon on the Swift River, Byron includes the village of Houghton.

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

Canton is a town in Oxford County, Maine, United States. Canton is included in the Lewiston-Auburn, Maine metropolitan New England city and town area. The population was 1,125 at the 2020 census. Located beside Lake Anasagunticook, Canton is a summer recreational area.

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

Hanover is a town in Oxford County, Maine, United States. The population was 286 at the 2020 census. The town is a popular vacation and recreation area.

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

Newry is a resort town in Oxford County, Maine, United States. The town’s year-round population was 411 at the 2020 census. The town is best known as the home of Sunday River Ski Resort and has a proportionately large seasonal (winter) population. Newry was also the site of one of Maine's worst Cold War aircraft crashes.

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

Roxbury is a town in Oxford County, Maine, United States. The population was 361 at the 2020 census. Ellis Pond is popular with recreational fishermen.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">South Paris, Maine</span> CDP in Maine, United States

South Paris is a census-designated place (CDP) located within the town of Paris in Oxford County, Maine, United States. South Paris is included in the Lewiston-Auburn, Maine metropolitan New England city and town area.The population was 2,237 at the 2000 census. While the CDP refers only to the densely settled area in the southern part of the town of Paris, the entire town, outside of Paris Hill, is located within the South Paris ZIP code, resulting in many residents referring to the entire town as South Paris.

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

Bowdoin is a town in Sagadahoc County, Maine, United States. Bowdoin is included in the Lewiston-Auburn, Maine metropolitan New England city and town area. The population was 3,136 at the 2020 census. Bowdoin is 31 land miles north of Portland, and 21 land miles south of Augusta.

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

Livermore Falls is a town in Androscoggin County, Maine, United States. The population was 3,060 at the 2020 census. It is included in both the Lewiston-Auburn, Maine Metropolitan Statistical Area and the Lewiston-Auburn, Maine Metropolitan New England City and Town Area. High school students in Livermore Falls attend Spruce Mountain High School.

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

Mechanic Falls is a town in Androscoggin County, Maine, United States. The population was 3,107 at the 2020 census. It is included in both the Lewiston-Auburn, Maine metropolitan statistical area and the Lewiston-Auburn, Maine metropolitan New England city and town area.

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

Dixfield is a town in Oxford County, Maine, United States. Dixfield is included in the Lewiston-Auburn, Maine metropolitan New England city and town area. The population was 2,253 at the 2020 census. The town motto of Dixfield is "The Only One", because it is the only town in the world to claim that name. Dr. Elijeh Dix, a substantial landowner in the area, bought the town which bears his name.

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

Oxford is a town in Oxford County, Maine, United States. Oxford is included in the Lewiston-Auburn, Maine metropolitan New England city and town area. The population was 4,229 at the 2020 census. Oxford is home to the Oxford Plains Speedway, Kamp Kohut, the annual Oxford County Fair, and Oxford Casino. The town includes the village of Welchville.

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

Rumford is a town in Oxford County, Maine, United States. Rumford is included in the Lewiston-Auburn, Maine metropolitan New England city and town area. The population was 5,858 at the 2020 census. Rumford is home to both ND Paper Inc's Rumford Mill and the Black Mountain of Maine ski resort.

References

  1. 1 2 "US Gazetteer files 2010". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved December 16, 2012.
  2. "Census - Geography Profile: Mexico town, Oxford County, Maine" . Retrieved January 16, 2022.
  3. Coolidge, Austin J.; John B. Mansfield (1859). A History and Description of New England. Boston, Massachusetts: A.J. Coolidge. pp.  209–210. coolidge mansfield history description new england 1859.
  4. 1 2 3 History of Mexico, Maine Archived August 13, 2006, at the Wayback Machine
  5. Varney, George J. (1886), Gazetteer of the state of Maine. Mexico, Boston: Russell
  6. "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  7. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved December 16, 2012.
  8. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  9. University College at Rumford/Mexico
  10. Kay, Jean. "Director". 207-364-7882. University College, University of Maine System. Retrieved April 8, 2011.
  11. Climate Summary for Mexico, Maine
  12. "Weatherbase.com". Weatherbase. 2013. Retrieved on October 4, 2013.

44°33′25″N70°32′35″W / 44.55694°N 70.54306°W / 44.55694; -70.54306