According to Countryaah, Kennebec County is located in the central region of Maine and is home to a population of 122,835 people according to the 2019 U.S. Census Bureau estimates. The county seat is Augusta and its largest city is Waterville. The median age in Kennebec County is 43 years old with a median household income of $53,912.
The racial makeup of the county is 94% White, 3% African American, 1% Hispanic or Latino, 1% Asian, and 0.5% Native American or Alaskan Native. Most residents are either affiliated with Christianity (62%) or have no religious affiliation (34%).
Education within Kennebec County is provided by the Regional School Unit 18 which consists of eight elementary schools, three middle schools and two high schools as well as several private schools located throughout the county ranging from pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade. Additionally, there are several post-secondary institutions located in nearby cities such as Colby College in Waterville and University of Maine at Augusta for those looking to further their education.
In terms of healthcare, Kennebec County has access to a variety of medical services including primary care physicians, specialists and hospitals such as Thayer Hospital in Waterville which provides emergency services as well as general medical care for both adults and children alike.
The economy of Kennebec County is largely driven by tourism due to its proximity to Maine’s rocky coastline which attracts millions of visitors each year during the summer months resulting in increased revenue for local businesses throughout the region such as restaurants, hotels, shops, galleries and other tourist attractions that help stimulate economic growth within the county. Additionally, there are many small businesses located throughout Kennebec County such as retail stores, banks and other service-oriented establishments that also contribute to economic stability within the region.
History of Kennebec County, Maine
Kennebec County, Maine was first settled in 1629 by English colonists from the Plymouth Colony. The area was part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony until it was annexed to the District of Maine in 1652. During this time, Kennebec became the center of trade and government for much of Maine. In 1799, Kennebec County was established as a county within the newly formed state of Maine. It included all of what is now Somerset, Lincoln and Waldo counties.
Throughout its history, Kennebec County has been an important agricultural region and industrial center for the state. In 1820, cotton mills were established in Augusta and Waterville, making them two major industrial centers in northern New England. The mills produced textiles for both local consumption and export to other parts of the country. Farming also played a major role in the county’s economy during this period, with apples being a major crop grown here since colonial times.
In addition to its economic importance, Kennebec County has had an important role in Maine’s political history as well. It is home to Augusta—the state capital—and several other towns that have been significant political centers throughout its history. The county also includes Fort Western—the oldest wooden fort on the continent—which served as an important military outpost during both French & Indian Wars and Revolutionary War eras.
Major cities and towns in Kennebec County, Maine
Kennebec County is home to several major cities and towns. Augusta, the state capital, is the largest city in the county with a population of over 18,000. It is an important economic and political center for the state. Waterville, located along the banks of the Kennebec River, is another major city in Kennebec County with a population of 15,000. It is home to several colleges and universities as well as numerous industrial facilities. Other cities and towns in Kennebec County include Winslow, Gardiner, Skowhegan, Hallowell and Fairfield.
Winslow is a small town located on the eastern edge of Kennebec County that was established in 1771. The main industry in Winslow is paper manufacturing and it has several mills that produce paper products for both local consumption and export around the world. Gardiner lies along both sides of the Kennebec River between Augusta and Bath Maine and has a population of over 5,000 people. It was founded in 1754 by settlers from Massachusetts Bay Colony and it has played an important role in Maine’s shipbuilding industry since colonial times.
Skowhegan is located at the heart of Kennebec County on both sides of the Kennebec River with a population of around 8500 people. It was settled by Europeans way back in 1776 and its economy revolves around its paper mills which are some of the oldest running mills in America today. Hallowell lies along both sides of the Kennebec River between Augusta and Gardiner with a population of around 2,000 people. It was established in 1762 and is home to several historic buildings that have been preserved from colonial times. Fairfield is a small town located along the western edge of Kennebec County with a population of around 4,000 people. It was settled in 1776 and its economy is largely based on agriculture, forestry, and paper mills.
Kennebec County has an important role to play in Maine’s political and economic history. The cities and towns within the county have been important centers of commerce since colonial times and continue to make significant contributions to Maine’s economy today.
Population in Kennebec County, Maine
According to existingcountries.com, Kennebec County is situated in the south central part of Maine and has a population of 122,151 people. It is the second most populous county in the state and its population has grown by 2.7% since 2010. The county seat is Augusta, which is also the state capital and a major economic and political center for the state. Waterville is another major city in Kennebec County with a population of 15,000. It is home to several colleges and universities as well as numerous industrial facilities. Other cities and towns in Kennebec County include Winslow, Gardiner, Skowhegan, Hallowell and Fairfield.
Winslow is a small town located on the eastern edge of Kennebec County that was established in 1771 with a population of around 6,000 people. The main industry in Winslow is paper manufacturing and it has several mills that produce paper products for both local consumption and export around the world. Gardiner lies along both sides of the Kennebec River between Augusta and Bath Maine with a population of over 5,000 people. It was founded in 1754 by settlers from Massachusetts Bay Colony and it has played an important role in Maine’s shipbuilding industry since colonial times.
Skowhegan is located at the heart of Kennebec County on both sides of the Kennebec River with a population of around 8500 people. It was settled by Europeans way back in 1776 and its economy revolves around its paper mills which are some of the oldest running mills in America today. Hallowell lies along both sides of the Kennebec River between Augusta and Gardiner with a population of around 2,000 people. It was established in 1762 and is home to several historic buildings that have been preserved from colonial times. Fairfield is a small town located along the western edge of Kennebec County with a population of around 4,000 people. It was settled in 1776 and its economy is largely based on agriculture, forestry, paper mills as well as light manufacturing industries such as clothing production facilities..
Kennebec County has an ethnically diverse population made up mainly of White Americans (91%), Native Americans (3%), African Americans (4%) as well as Asians (1%). The median household income for residents living within this county stands at $47,639 while 18% live below the poverty level according to 2019 census data published by U S Census Bureau. The unemployment rate stands at 3%, which makes it one of Maine’s most prosperous counties economically speaking. In terms of educational attainment, close to 94 % have completed high school or higher level education while 39 % hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
In conclusion, Kennebec County offers its residents not only great economic opportunities but also an excellent quality of life due to its vibrant culture, and rich heritage. The county provides plenty of activities for those who seek outdoor adventures such as hunting, fishing, camping, hiking etc. Moreover, there are plenty of attractions for visitors such as Forts Halifax Park, The Old Fort Western Museum etc.
