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Kennebec County, Maine

Coordinates: 44°25′N 69°46′W / 44.41°N 69.77°W / 44.41; -69.77
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Kennebec County
County
Kennebec County Courthouse
Kennebec County Courthouse
Official seal of Kennebec County
Seal
Map of Maine highlighting Kennebec County
Location within the U.S. state of Maine
Map of the United States highlighting Maine
Maine's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 44°24′00″N 69°47′04″W / 44.39996°N 69.784554°W / 44.39996; -69.784554
Country United States
State Maine
Founded1799
Named forKennebec River
SeatAugusta
Largest cityAugusta
Area
 • Total
951 sq mi (2,460 km2)
 • Land868 sq mi (2,250 km2)
 • Water84 sq mi (220 km2)  8.8%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
123,642
 • Density130/sq mi (50/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional districts1st, 2nd
Websitekennebec.gov

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

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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]

The county is nearly bisected by the Kennebec River, which also forms parts of the county line in the north and south of the county. The county is also dotted by many lakes and ponds, as well as the Kennebec Highlands in the northwest part of the county.

Adjacent counties

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Major highways

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Demographics

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Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
180024,571—
181032,56432.5%
182042,62330.9%
183052,48523.1%
184055,8236.4%
185062,52112.0%
186055,655−11.0%
187053,203−4.4%
188053,058−0.3%
189057,0127.5%
190059,1173.7%
191062,8636.3%
192063,8441.6%
193070,69110.7%
194077,2319.3%
195083,8818.6%
196089,1506.3%
197095,2476.8%
1980109,88915.4%
1990115,9045.5%
2000117,1141.0%
2010122,1514.3%
2020123,6421.2%
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

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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

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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

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See also: List of micropolitan statistical areas

Kennebec County has been designated as the Augusta–Waterville, ME Micropolitan Statistical Area (μSA) by the United States Office of Management and Budget. 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

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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

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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]

Politics

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Kennebec County has consistently voted for Democrats in recent elections, until 2016 when it voted for Republican Donald Trump,[20] the first time it had voted Republican 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, while the northern, smaller portion is in the 2nd Congressional District.

Historically, the county was more Democratic-leaning than the rest of the state in presidential elections. The county voted for Democrat Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1940 even as Republican Wendell Willkie carried Maine, and it voted for Democrat Jimmy Carter in 1976 as Republican Gerald Ford won the state. In more recent elections, the county voted in-line with the state, voting for the statewide winner in every election from 1980 to 2012. In 2020, it was the closest county in the state, with Democrat Joe Biden defeating Trump by just 181 votes.

Voter registration

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Voter registration and party enrollment as of March 2024[21]
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[22]
Year Republican / Whig Democratic Third party(ies)
No.  % No.  % No.  %
2024 36,589 50.20% 34,585 47.45% 1,712 2.35%
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

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Cities

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Towns

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Unorganized territory

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Census-designated places

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Other unincorporated villages

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See also

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Footnotes

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  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. ^ a b c "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. ^ "Pivot Counties in Maine", ballotpedia.org, retrieved September 20, 2024
  21. ^ Bureau of Corporations, Elections & Commissions. "Registered & Enrolled Voters Statewide" (PDF). Maine SOS. Retrieved April 9, 2024.
  22. ^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved August 25, 2018.

Further reading

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44°25′N 69°46′W / 44.41°N 69.77°W / 44.41; -69.77

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