Kennebec County, Maine

Infobox U.S. County
county = Kennebec County
state = Maine

---

map size = 150
census

founded = 1799
seat = Augusta | largest city = Augusta
area_total_sq_mi =951
area_land_sq_mi =868
area_water_sq_mi =84
area percentage = 8.79%
census yr = 2000
pop = 117114
density_km2= 52| density_sq_mi=135
web = www.kennebeccounty.org
|

Kennebec County is a county located in the U.S. state of Maine. In 2000, its population was 117,114. Its county seat is AugustaGR|6. The center of population of Maine is located in Kennebec County, in the city of Augusta [http://www.census.gov/geo/www/cenpop/statecenters.txt] .

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 951 square miles (2,464 km²), of which, 868 square miles (2,247 km²) of it is land and 84 square miles (217 km²) of it (8.79%) 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

As of the censusGR|2 of 2000, there were 117,114 people, 47,683 households, and 31,327 families residing in the county. The population density was 135 people per square mile (52/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 according to Census 2000. 92.5% spoke only English at home, while 5.48% spoke French [http://www.mla.org/map_data_results&state_id=23&county_id=11&mode=geographic&zip=&place_id=&cty_id=&a=&ea=&order=&ll=all] .

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.

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.

Cities and towns

*Albion
*Augusta
*Belgrade
*Benton
*Chelsea
*China
*Clinton
*Farmingdale
*Fayette
*Gardiner
*Hallowell
*Litchfield
*Manchester
*Monmouth
*Mount Vernon
*Oakland
*Pittston
*Randolph
*Readfield
*Rome
*Sidney
*Vassalboro
*Vienna
*Waterville
*Wayne
*West Gardiner
*Windsor
*Winslow
*Winthrop

The county also includes the unincorporated township of Unity.

Economy

Kennebec County's economy has traditionally been industrial. A large amount of paper and textiles were produced, and mills sprung up all along the Kennebec river. With the advent of NAFTA, GATT, and PNTR with China, many of these mills have closed. Farmers have also been gradually leaving as well. However, there is some promise in light industry returning. However, the county has a problem in that many new people are coming, but solely for welfare benefits. This means the tax base is not increasing but welfare rolls are. Despite this, employment increased by 1.8% in 2006 (in 2005, that number was 1.5%). The median house hold income is currently $36,498. The unemployment rate is currently at 4.2% (lower than it has been in a year).

Education

There are three colleges: Colby College and Thomas (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 Highschool, 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 highschools.

Religion

There are many churches in Kennebec county, the largest being: Baptist, Methodist, Episcopalian, Congregationalist, Unitarian, Church of the Nazarene, Church of Christ, Adventist, and there is also a community of Mormons. However, the largest single denomination are Roman Catholics.

Politics

Kennebec County tends to support candidates to the left of the political center. While the more rural areas support the Republican Party, the bigger cities are strongly Democratic. Democrats have carried the county in recent Presidential elections.

References

External links

* [http://kennebeccounty.org/ Official Site of Kennebec County, Maine]