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Kennebec County, Maine facts for kids

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Kennebec County
U.S. county
Kennebec County Courthouse
Kennebec County Courthouse
Official seal of Kennebec County
Seal
Map of Maine highlighting Kennebec County
Location within the U.S. state of Maine
Map of the United States highlighting Maine
Maine's location within the U.S.
Country  United States
State  Maine
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)
 • 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.

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.

The county is nearly bisected by the Kennebec River, which also forms parts of the county line in the north and south of the county. The county is also dotted by many lakes and ponds, as well as the Kennebec Highlands in the northwest part of the county.

Adjacent counties

Major highways

  • I-95
  • I-295
  • US 201
  • US 202
  • SR 8
  • SR 9
  • SR 11
  • SR 17
  • SR 23
  • SR 27
  • SR 32
  • SR 41
  • SR 100
  • SR 104
  • SR 105
  • SR 126
  • SR 132
  • SR 133
  • SR 135
  • SR 139
  • SR 194
  • SR 197
  • SR 226

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%
2023 (est.) 127,259 4.2%
U.S. Decennial Census
1790–1960 1900–1990
1990–2000 2010–2019

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 units per square mile (27.1 units/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.

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

See also: List of micropolitan statistical areas

Kennebec County has been designated as the Augusta–Waterville, ME Micropolitan Statistical Area (μSA) by the United States Office of Management and Budget. 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 14th most populous in the United States with a population of 125,540 as of July 2022.

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%.

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.

K-12 school districts include:

  • Augusta School District
  • Fayette School District
  • Vassalboro School District
  • Waterville School District
  • Winslow School District
  • Winthrop School District
  • Regional School Unit 02
  • Regional School Unit 04
  • Regional School Unit 18
  • Regional School Unit 12
  • Regional School Unit 38
  • School Administrative District 09
  • School Administrative District 11
  • School Administrative District 49
  • Kennebec Unorganized Territory

Communities

Cities

Towns

Unorganized territory

  • Unity

Census-designated places

Other unincorporated villages

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Condado de Kennebec para niños

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