Census: Maine's population grows 4%
Maine's population grew more than 4% from 2000 to 2010 and became more racially diverse, according to new Census data.
Maine added 53,438 people over the past decade, growing the total population to 1,328,361, the Portland Press Herald reported. Cumberland County gained the most people, followed by York, Penobscot and Kennebec. Only two counties -- Aroostook and Washington -- lost population over the past decade. The highest growth rate was seen in Waldo County, which grew 6.9%. The municipalities with the largest gains were Gorham, Windham and Orono. Economist Charles Colgan said the data show that both city centers and suburbs are growing, unlike population trends of the past 30 years when city populations remained flat, according to The Associated Press. Auburn and Brunswick were the only two municipalities with more than 20,000 people who lost residents, dropping 0.6% and 4.2%, respectively.
Maine's minority populations also grew. The state's black or African American population increased the most, 128%, to a total of 21,764 residents. Minority populations made up 5% of the state's total population in 2010, a rise over 3.1% in 2000, according to the Press Herald.
The state's 4.2% growth rate was on par with those of other New England states, but was outpaced by New Hampshire, which had a rate of 6.5%. Nationally, the population increased by 9.7%.
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