Westport Island, Maine

Westport Island is a town located in Lincoln County, Maine. As of the 2003 census, the town had a total population of 745.

Geography

Westport Island is located approximately 50 miles northeast of Portland, Maine. The island is separated from the mainland by two coastal salt-water rivers, the Sheepscot River and the Back River. The island is connected to the mainland at the Northwest by one modern bridge, built in 1972 over a slim gap in the Back River called Cowsegan Narrows. Although completely surrounded by water, it is bounded across tidal water by the towns of Wiscasset, Edgecomb, Southport, and Georgetown.

Demographics

As of the censusGR|2 of 2003, there are 745 people, 510 households residing in the town. There are 510 housing units, with approximately 9.0% consisting of vacation homes. The racial makeup of the town is 99.1% White, 0.01% Black or African American, 0.7% Native American, and 0.9% from two or more races. The average household size is 2.33 and the average family size is 2.71.

Economics

Fishing is a principal employer for residents of Westport Island, as with much of this part of Maine. Fishermen are most commonly involved in the trapping of lobster and crabs for sale in the local fish markets. Other resources gathered include groundfish, scallops, shrimp, clams, mussels, quaohogs, and bloodworms. Other local employers include the Bath Iron Works, a large shipyard where Aegis class Destroyers are built for the US Navy, and the US Navy at Bruswick Naval Air Station. Many local residents are also involved in cottage industry and building construction services for other town residents.

The median household income is $39,010 and the median family income is $42,625. Approximately 12.4% of the population lives under the poverty line.

References