Kennebec County, Maine facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kennebec County
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Kennebec County Courthouse
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Location within the U.S. state of Maine
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 Maine's location within the U.S. |
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| Country |  United States |
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| State |  Maine |
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| Founded | 1799 | |
| Named for | Kennebec River | |
| Seat | Augusta | |
| Largest city | Augusta | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 951 sq mi (2,460 km2) | |
| • Land | 868 sq mi (2,250 km2) | |
| • Water | 84 sq mi (220 km2) 8.8%% | |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 123,642 | |
| • Density | 130.01/sq mi (50.198/km2) | |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) | |
| Congressional districts | 1st, 2nd | |
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. Its county seat is Augusta, 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."
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.
Contents
Geography
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.
Adjacent counties
- Somerset County, Maine – north
- Waldo County, Maine – east
- Sagadahoc County, Maine – south
- Lincoln County, Maine – south
- Androscoggin County, Maine – southwest
- Franklin County, Maine – northwest
Demographics
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1800 | 24,571 | — | |
| 1810 | 32,564 | 32.5% | |
| 1820 | 42,623 | 30.9% | |
| 1830 | 52,485 | 23.1% | |
| 1840 | 55,823 | 6.4% | |
| 1850 | 62,521 | 12.0% | |
| 1860 | 55,655 | −11.0% | |
| 1870 | 53,203 | −4.4% | |
| 1880 | 53,058 | −0.3% | |
| 1890 | 57,012 | 7.5% | |
| 1900 | 59,117 | 3.7% | |
| 1910 | 62,863 | 6.3% | |
| 1920 | 63,844 | 1.6% | |
| 1930 | 70,691 | 10.7% | |
| 1940 | 77,231 | 9.3% | |
| 1950 | 83,881 | 8.6% | |
| 1960 | 89,150 | 6.3% | |
| 1970 | 95,247 | 6.8% | |
| 1980 | 109,889 | 15.4% | |
| 1990 | 115,904 | 5.5% | |
| 2000 | 117,114 | 1.0% | |
| 2010 | 122,151 | 4.3% | |
| 2020 | 123,642 | 1.2% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census 1790–1960 1900–1990 1990–2000 2010–2019 |
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2010 census
As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 122,151 people, 51,128 households, and 32,368 families living in the county. 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 per square mile (27.1/km2). 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. 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.
Of the households, % had children under the age of 18 living with them, % were married couples living together, % had a female householder with no husband present, % were non-families, and % of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was and the average family size was . The median age was years.
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.
Micropolitan Statistical Area
The United States Office of Management and Budget has designated Kennebec County as the Augusta-Waterville, ME Micropolitan Statistical Area (µSA). As of the 2010 U.S. Census 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 13th most populous in the United States with a population of 122,151.
Communities
Cities
- Augusta (county seat)
- Gardiner
- Hallowell
- Waterville
Towns
Unorganized territory
Census-designated places
Other unincorporated villages
Economy
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% (lower than it has been in a year).
Education
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.
See also
In Spanish: Condado de Kennebec para niños
