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Maine Population Overview (2026 Projection)
Maine is a state in the northeastern corner of the United States, bordered to the northwest and northeast by the Canadian provinces of Quebec and New Brunswick, and to the west by New Hampshire.
Maine is the 9th least populous of the 50 U.S. states. It covers a total land area of 30,862 square miles (80,005 square kilometers) and has an average population density of about 44 people per square mile, making it the 38th most densely populated state in the U.S. According to the 2020 U.S. Census, Maine had a population of 1,362,359 (approximately 1.36 million).
More recent estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau indicate that as of July 1, 2024, Maine’s population was approximately 1,405,012, or about 1.4 million people, reflecting modest population growth in recent years.
👉 Projected Population of Maine (2026): ~1.41 million
Maine Population Growth (2010–2020)
Maine recorded a population growth rate of 2.6% between 2010 and 2020, adding approximately 33,998 residents during the decade. The median age of Maine’s population is about 44 years, reflecting one of the oldest populations among U.S. states. In terms of gender distribution, the population is slightly skewed toward females, with 51% female and 49% male.
Maine Census 2020 Snapshot
| Indicator | Data |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 1,362,359 (1.36 million) |
| Population Change (2010–2020) | +2.6% |
| Population Rank | 42nd |
| Total Land Area | 30,862 sq mi (80,005 km²) |
| Area Rank | 39th |
| Population Density | 43.8 per sq mi (16.9 per km²) |
| Capital City | Augusta |
| Largest City | Portland |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020)
Maine Historical Population
Maine’s population history reflects steady growth over more than two centuries, shaped by early settlement, maritime industries, and later urban development. The state saw rapid growth in the 19th century, particularly between 1800 and 1840, driven by immigration and economic expansion. Growth slowed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with minor population declines in certain decades. Stronger growth returned in the mid-20th century, especially after World War II, before slowing again in the 21st century. By 2020, Maine’s population reached 1.36 million, reflecting modest but consistent growth.
Maine Historical Population Table (1790–2020)
| Census Year | Population | % Change |
|---|---|---|
| 1790 | 96,540 | — |
| 1800 | 151,719 | +57.2% |
| 1810 | 228,705 | +50.7% |
| 1820 | 298,335 | +30.4% |
| 1830 | 399,455 | +33.9% |
| 1840 | 501,793 | +25.6% |
| 1850 | 583,169 | +16.2% |
| 1860 | 628,279 | +7.7% |
| 1870 | 626,915 | −0.2% |
| 1880 | 648,936 | +3.5% |
| 1890 | 661,086 | +1.9% |
| 1900 | 694,466 | +5.0% |
| 1910 | 742,371 | +6.9% |
| 1920 | 768,014 | +3.5% |
| 1930 | 797,423 | +3.8% |
| 1940 | 847,226 | +6.2% |
| 1950 | 913,774 | +7.9% |
| 1960 | 969,265 | +6.1% |
| 1970 | 992,048 | +2.4% |
| 1980 | 1,124,660 | +13.4% |
| 1990 | 1,227,928 | +9.2% |
| 2000 | 1,274,923 | +3.8% |
| 2010 | 1,328,361 | +4.2% |
| 2020 | 1,362,359 | +2.6% |
Maine Demographics (Summary)
Religion and Affiliations
Christianity is the majority religion in Maine, followed by approximately 60% of the population. The largest Christian denomination in the state is Protestantism (37%), followed by Roman Catholicism (21%) and Mormonism (2%).
The religiously unaffiliated population accounts for about 33% of residents, including those who do not identify with any faith or religious tradition. Other non-Christian religions, including Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and other faiths, are followed by roughly 7% of the population.
Source: Pew Research Center
For more details, read: Religion in Maine
Race and Ethnicity in Maine
According to the 2020 Census, White alone (non-Hispanic) residents form the largest racial or ethnic group in Maine, comprising 90.16% of the total population. The Hispanic or Latino population accounts for 1.95%, followed by Black or African American residents (1.84%). Individuals identifying with two or more races make up 3.93%, while the Asian population is 1.22%.
Ancestry in Maine
Based on census studies and estimates, the five largest ancestry groups in Maine are English, Irish, French, French Canadian, and German, reflecting the state’s early European settlement patterns.
For more details, read: Race and Ethnicity in Maine
Top cities and counties in Maine
As of 2022, Maine is divided into 16 counties. Cumberland County is the most populous county, with an estimated population of 305,231, while Aroostook County is the largest by land area, covering approximately 6,829 square miles.
The largest city in Maine is Portland, with a population of about 68,408. Other major cities include Lewiston (37,121) and Bangor (31,753).
Read more about: Cities and Counties in Maine
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Maine Population
What is the population of Maine in 2026?
The projected population of Maine in 2026 is approximately 1.41 million, reflecting modest growth over the past decade.
Is Maine’s population growing or declining?
Maine’s population has been growing slowly, with a 2.6% increase between 2010 and 2020, driven largely by natural growth and limited in-migration.
What is the largest city in Maine by population?
Portland is the largest city in Maine, with about 68,408 residents. Other significant cities include Lewiston and Bangor.
Which county is the most populous in Maine?
Cumberland County is the most populous county, with an estimated 305,231 residents.
What is the racial makeup of Maine?
According to the 2020 Census, Maine is predominantly White (non-Hispanic) at 90.16%, followed by Hispanic or Latino (1.95%), Black or African American (1.84%), Two or more races (3.93%), and Asian (1.22%).
What is the most common religion in Maine?
Christianity is the most widely practiced religion in Maine, followed by about 60% of the population, with Protestants forming the largest group.
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