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Penobscot County, Maine

Coordinates: 45°24′N 68°38′W / 45.40°N 68.63°W / 45.40; -68.63
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Not to be confused with Penobscot, Maine.

Penobscot County
County
Penobscot County Courthouse
Penobscot County Courthouse
Map of Maine highlighting Penobscot County
Location within the U.S. state of Maine
Map of the United States highlighting Maine
Maine's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 45°24′N 68°38′W / 45.40°N 68.63°W / 45.40; -68.63
Country United States
State Maine
Founded1816
Named forPenobscot tribe
SeatBangor
Largest cityBangor
Area
 • Total
3,557 sq mi (9,210 km2)
 • Land3,397 sq mi (8,800 km2)
 • Water160 sq mi (400 km2)  4.5%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
152,199
 • Density45/sq mi (17/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional district2nd
Websitepenobscot-county.net

Penobscot County is a county in the U.S. state of Maine, named for the Penobscot people in Wabanakik.[1] As of the 2020 census, the population was 152,199,[2] making it the third-most-populous county in Maine. Its county seat is Bangor.[3] The county was established on February 15, 1816, from part of Hancock County when the area was still part of Massachusetts. Penobscot County is home to the University of Maine.

Penobscot County comprises the Bangor, ME Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography

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According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has an area of 3,557 square miles (9,210 km2), of which 3,397 square miles (8,800 km2) is land and 160 square miles (410 km2) (4.5%) is water.[4] The county highpoint is East Turner Mountain at 2,456 feet (749 m) next to Baxter State Park.

Adjacent counties

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National protected area

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Demographics

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Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
182013,870—
183031,530127.3%
184045,70545.0%
185063,08938.0%
186072,73115.3%
187075,1503.3%
188070,476−6.2%
189072,8653.4%
190076,2464.6%
191085,28511.9%
192087,6842.8%
193092,3795.4%
194097,1045.1%
1950108,19811.4%
1960126,34616.8%
1970125,393−0.8%
1980137,0159.3%
1990146,6017.0%
2000144,919−1.1%
2010153,9236.2%
2020152,199−1.1%
2023 (est.)155,312[5]2.0%
U.S. Decennial Census[6]
1790–1960[7] 1900–1990[8]
1990–2000[9] 2010–2019[10]

2000 census

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At the 2000 census there were 144,919 people, 58,096 households, and 37,820 families living in the county. The population density was 43 people per square mile (17 people/km2). There were 66,847 housing units at an average density of 20 per square mile (7.7/km2). The county's racial makeup was 96.60% White, 0.49% Black or African American, 1.00% Native American, 0.70% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.23% from other races, and 0.96% from two or more races. 0.61% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 17.8% were of English, 17.3% United States or American, 14.0% French, 13.0% Irish and 6.7% French Canadian ancestry. 95.8% spoke English and 2.3% French as their first language.[11] There were 58,096 households, of which 30.10% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.50% were married couples living together, 9.90% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.90% were non-families. 26.70% of households were one person and 10.00% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 2.88.

The age distribution was 22.80% under the age of 18, 11.30% from 18 to 24, 29.00% from 25 to 44, 23.80% from 45 to 64, and 13.10% 65 or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 95.30 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.30 males.

The median household income was $34,274 and the median family income was $42,206. Males had a median income of $32,824 versus $23,346 for females. The per capita income for the county was $17,801. About 9.70% of families and 13.70% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.00% of those under age 18 and 11.10% of those age 65 or over.

2010 census

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At the 2010 census, there were 153,923 people, 62,966 households, and 38,917 families living in the county.[12] The population density was 45.3 inhabitants per square mile (17.5/km2). There were 73,860 housing units at an average density of 21.7 units per square mile (8.4 units/km2).[13] The county's racial makeup was 95.4% white, 1.2% American Indian, 0.9% Asian, 0.8% black or African American, 0.2% from other races, and 1.5% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 1.1% of the population.[12] In terms of ancestry, 20.9% were English, 17.2% were Irish, 9.4% were American, 7.1% were German, 6.0% were French Canadian, and 5.9% were Scottish.[14]

Of the 62,966 households, 27.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.1% were married couples living together, 10.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 38.2% were non-families, and 28.0% of households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.33 and the average family size was 2.82. The median age was 39.9 years.[12]

The county's median household income was $42,658 and the median family income was $54,271. Males had a median income of $41,094 versus $31,910 for females. The county's per capita income was $22,977. About 10.1% of families and 15.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 20.4% of those under age 18 and 9.2% of those age 65 or over.[15]

Politics

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As the most populous county in Maine's 2nd congressional district, Penobscot County's support for Donald Trump in 2016 helped deliver him a split electoral vote from Maine.[16] It was the first time since 1828 that Maine split its electoral votes.

Voter registration

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Voter registration and party enrollment as of March 2024[17]
Republican 35,748 36.01%
Democratic 29,890 30.11%
Unenrolled 27,843 28.05%
Green Independent 3,908 3.94%
No Labels 1,051 1.06%
Libertarian 829 0.84%
Total 99,269 100%
United States presidential election results for Penobscot County, Maine[18][19]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No.  % No.  % No.  %
2020 44,825 52.57% 37,713 44.23% 2,731 3.20%
2016 41,622 51.68% 32,838 40.77% 6,080 7.55%
2012 36,547 47.28% 38,811 50.20% 1,948 2.52%
2008 37,495 46.60% 41,614 51.72% 1,358 1.69%
2004 40,318 49.10% 40,417 49.22% 1,377 1.68%
2000 35,620 48.66% 32,868 44.90% 4,718 6.44%
1996 22,885 32.45% 35,961 51.00% 11,671 16.55%
1992 24,218 30.11% 29,485 36.65% 26,741 33.24%
1988 34,912 54.76% 28,429 44.59% 413 0.65%
1984 40,403 62.11% 24,445 37.58% 206 0.32%
1980 28,869 45.97% 26,519 42.23% 7,405 11.79%
1976 29,016 52.17% 24,672 44.36% 1,925 3.46%
1972 30,186 61.92% 18,552 38.06% 11 0.02%
1968 20,011 44.47% 24,327 54.06% 661 1.47%
1964 14,449 33.42% 28,766 66.54% 17 0.04%
1960 28,459 59.75% 19,175 40.25% 0 0.00%
1956 27,806 76.44% 8,568 23.56% 0 0.00%
1952 24,614 68.59% 11,222 31.27% 49 0.14%
1948 16,367 59.92% 10,705 39.19% 243 0.89%
1944 16,934 55.95% 13,292 43.92% 38 0.13%
1940 18,674 55.79% 14,757 44.09% 40 0.12%
1936 19,077 60.82% 9,732 31.03% 2,559 8.16%
1932 18,987 58.75% 13,058 40.41% 272 0.84%
1928 21,750 70.25% 9,114 29.44% 96 0.31%
1924 15,081 74.93% 3,618 17.97% 1,429 7.10%
1920 14,145 69.35% 6,110 29.95% 143 0.70%
1916 7,324 49.41% 7,294 49.21% 205 1.38%
1912 3,367 23.91% 5,093 36.17% 5,622 39.92%
1908 7,336 66.02% 3,525 31.73% 250 2.25%
1904 7,013 73.64% 2,225 23.36% 285 2.99%
1900 6,873 63.87% 3,615 33.59% 273 2.54%
1896 8,414 66.42% 4,031 31.82% 223 1.76%
1892 6,571 55.78% 4,516 38.33% 694 5.89%
1888 7,873 57.97% 5,292 38.97% 415 3.06%
1884 8,006 56.14% 5,303 37.18% 953 6.68%
1880 8,186 52.21% 6,307 40.23% 1,186 7.56%

Communities

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Cities

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Towns

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Plantations

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Census-designated places

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Unorganized territories

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Indian reservation

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Education

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School districts include:[20]

University of Maine is in Orono.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Girouard, Maria (December 3, 2020). "Acknowledging the Land". Wabanaki REACH.
  2. ^ "Census - Geography Profile: Penobscot County, Maine". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved November 21, 2021.
  3. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  4. ^ "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Archived from the original on September 9, 2014. Retrieved September 7, 2014.
  5. ^ "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved April 3, 2024.
  6. ^ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved September 7, 2014.
  7. ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved September 7, 2014.
  8. ^ "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved September 7, 2014.
  9. ^ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 27, 2010. Retrieved September 7, 2014.
  10. ^ "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on June 6, 2011. Retrieved August 19, 2013.
  11. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  12. ^ a b c "DP-1 Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 21, 2016.
  13. ^ "Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - County". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 21, 2016.
  14. ^ "DP02 SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS IN THE UNITED STATES – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 21, 2016.
  15. ^ "DP03 SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 21, 2016.
  16. ^ "Pivot Counties in Maine", ballotpedia.org, retrieved September 20, 2024
  17. ^ Bureau of Corporations, Elections & Commissions. "Registered & Enrolled Voters Statewide" (PDF). Maine SOS. Retrieved April 9, 2024.
  18. ^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org.
  19. ^ "Electoral geography". Archived from the original on November 18, 2005. Retrieved January 13, 2021.
  20. ^ "2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Penobscot County, ME" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau. Archived (PDF) from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 22, 2022. - Text

Further reading

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