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Maine
Statistics on children, youth and families in Maine from the Annie E. Casey Foundation and the Maine Children's Alliance
Immigrant population
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Why This Indicator Matters
Maine has the oldest median age in the United States, so drawing in new residents from other states and other countries is important for the economy. In light of the national and state discussions about immigration, it is helpful to know how many immigrants live in Maine's 16 counties. Maine is tied for 42nd in the nation based on the percentage of their population that is foreign born for 2022. Percent foreign-born by state
What the data show7
Maine's population that is foreign-born increased to 3.8% for 2018-2022, up from 3.6% for each of the six different 5-year periods from 2012-2016 to 2017-2021. For the first time, more than 50,000 people in Maine are foreign born. The most recent population growth in Maine is from out-of-staters moving in, rather than from people from other countries, or from births.
For 2018-2022, four counties in Maine had 71% of the state's immigrant population. Cumberland County has 37% of the state's foreign-born population, while York had 15%, Androscoggin had 10% and Penobscot had 9%. There were six counties where there were less than 1,000 people who were immigrants.
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What the data show7
Maine's population that is foreign-born increased to 3.8% for 2018-2022, up from 3.6% for each of the six different 5-year periods from 2012-2016 to 2017-2021. For the first time, more than 50,000 people in Maine are foreign born. The most recent population growth in Maine is from out-of-staters moving in, rather than from people from other countries, or from births.
For 2018-2022, four counties in Maine had 71% of the state's immigrant population. Cumberland County has 37% of the state's foreign-born population, while York had 15%, Androscoggin had 10% and Penobscot had 9%. There were six counties where there were less than 1,000 people who were immigrants.
Definition and Source
PROVIDER
Definition
What this measures
The numerator is the number of people of any age who were living in Maine and were foreign born. It is based on 5-year estimates of county level populations, the most recent being for 2018-2022. The denominator is the 5-year estimates of total population per the US Census estimated for 2018-2022.
The numerator is the number of people of any age who were living in Maine and were foreign born. It is based on 5-year estimates of county level populations, the most recent being for 2018-2022. The denominator is the 5-year estimates of total population per the US Census estimated for 2018-2022.
Data Source
Notes
In the census, the term "foreign born" refers to people residing in the United States at the time of the population survey who were not U.S. citizens at birth. The foreign-born population includes naturalized U.S. citizens, lawful permanent immigrants (or green-card holders), refugees and asylees, certain legal non-immigrants (including those on student, work, or some other temporary visas), and persons residing in the country without authorization.
Last Updated
February 2024