Demographics
As of 2023, Kennebec County, Maine, has a population of approximately 124,389. The median age is about 45 years, reflecting an aging demographic. The gender split is fairly even, with about 51% female and 49% male. Racially, the county is predominantly White (94.8%), with smaller populations of Black or African American (1.2%), Asian (1.1%), and Hispanic or Latino (1.7%). Other racial and ethnic groups comprise less than 1% each, highlighting limited diversity.
Elections
Kennebec County, Maine, had 92,491 registered voters for the November 2022 election, with registration split among Democrats (about 32%), Republicans (28%), Greens (5%), and Unenrolled/other (35%). Elections held include federal, state, local, and school board races; in the 2020 presidential election, Biden received 53.1% of the vote, Trump 43.5%. There are over 40 polling locations across 29 municipalities. Key issues include healthcare, the economy, and opioid crisis. Elections are administered by the Kennebec County Clerk and local officials, with oversight from the Maine Secretary of State. Voter turnout is typically above 65%.
Education, Employment and Housing
Kennebec County, ME, has around 21 public high schools and several colleges including the University of Maine at Augusta. About 93% of adults hold a high school diploma, and 26% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety scores are generally above state averages, and districts offer diverse educational programs, including STEM and adult education. Overall, GreatSchools ratings for local schools average 6/10.
As of 2023, Kennebec County, ME, has an employment rate of approximately 60.5%. The largest industries are health care and social assistance (16.2%), retail trade (13.3%), and educational services (12%). Common occupations include office and administrative support (14.8%), sales (10.4%), and education (9.7%). About 80% of workers commute by car, with a mean travel time of 23.1 minutes. Most employment is concentrated in Augusta, the state capital, which serves as a regional hub for government, health care, and retail jobs.
Kennebec County, ME, has a homeownership rate of about 74%, with a median home value near $230,000—a rise of roughly 8% year-over-year. Median gross rent is around $950. The housing stock features a mix of single-family homes, duplexes, and older multi-family units, particularly in Augusta and Waterville neighborhoods. Property taxes average 1.2% of assessed value. Notable neighborhoods include the historic downtown Augusta and family-friendly Manchester. The area’s rental market remains tight, with vacancy rates below 4%, reflecting growing demand and limited new construction.
County Crime & Safety
Kennebec County, ME, has a crime rate below the national average, with approximately 14.3 reported crimes per 1,000 residents in 2023. Violent crime remains low at around 1.8 per 1,000, while property crime is about 12.5 per 1,000 residents. The Kennebec County Sheriff's Office and local police departments handle reporting and response, contributing to high case clearance rates. Regular public safety updates and community engagement efforts have helped maintain a safe environment, with overall crime rates showing a slight decrease year-over-year.
Popular names
- David Smith
- James Smith
- Michael Smith
- Jennifer Smith
- John Smith
- Kevin Davis
- Robert Young
- Lisa Smith
- Richard Brown
- David Johnson
- Michael Poulin
- Ronald Poulin
- David Wilson
- John Hall
- Robert Smith
- Christopher Smith
- James Campbell
- Jennifer Johnson
- John Michaud
- Linda Smith
- Michael Campbell
- Michael Martin
- Richard Smith
- William White
- David Jackson
- Julie Smith
- Mark Smith
- Michael Brown
- Michael Veilleux
- Nancy Smith
- Robert Cook
- Ronald Smith
- William Allen
- Amanda Smith
- Andrew Smith
- Brian Smith
- Darryl Brown
- David Adams
- David Ellis
- David Libby
- David Martin
- David Michaud
- David Pottle
- David Roy
- Edward Smith
- George Smith
- Jessica Michaud
- John Brown
- John Burns
- Katherine Smith
- Kelly Smith
- Leonard Poulin
- Melissa Brown
- Melissa Miller
- Michael Lee
- Michael Mclaughlin
- Michael White
- Michael Wilson
- Nancy Michaud
- Patrick Smith