Maine Counties by Population (2026)
2026 Pop.
20K
40K
60K
80K
100K
120K
140K
160K
180K
200K
220K
240K
260K
280K
300K
Top 5 Most Populous Counties
318,911
222,195
157,862
129,511
116,862
16 Counties
| County | 2026 Pop. ↓ | Area (mi²) | Density | Change (2020) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cumberland County | 318,911 | 836 | 381 | 5.04% |
| York County | 222,195 | 991 | 224 | 4.68% |
| Penobscot County | 157,862 | 3.4K | 46 | 3.73% |
| Kennebec County | 129,511 | 867 | 149 | 3.84% |
| Androscoggin County | 116,862 | 468 | 250 | 5.11% |
| Aroostook County | 66,030 | 6.7K | 10 | -1.53% |
| Oxford County | 59,887 | 2.1K | 29 | 3.45% |
| Hancock County | 57,236 | 1.6K | 36 | 3.11% |
| Somerset County | 51,672 | 3.9K | 13 | 2.38% |
| Waldo County | 40,871 | 730 | 56 | 3.04% |
| Knox County | 40,855 | 365 | 112 | 0.47% |
| Sagadahoc County | 37,664 | 254 | 148 | 2.54% |
| Lincoln County | 36,553 | 456 | 80 | 3.68% |
| Washington County | 31,257 | 2.6K | 12 | 0.48% |
| Franklin County | 31,054 | 1.7K | 18 | 5.38% |
| Piscataquis County | 17,324 | 4K | 4 | 3.11% |
Overview of Maine Counties
There are 16 counties in Maine.
Cumberland County is the largest county in the state, with a population of 318,911. The most recent census shows that its population has increased by 0.05% since the previous census.
A number of other Maine counties also boast relatively large populations for their state, though not able to match the density of Cumberland County:
- York County : 222,195
- Penobscot County : 157,862
Maine Counties with the Fewest Residents
The smallest county in Maine is Piscataquis County , with a population of just 17,324. This total represents a increase of 0.0% since the last census count was performed.
Other small counties include:
- Franklin County : 31,054
- Washington County : 31,257
- Lincoln County : 36,553
Maine Counties with Rapid Growth
Franklin County , with its current population of 31,054, has shown the largest population growth, with an increase of 0.1% since the last census.
On the other hand, Aroostook County has had the largest decrease in population, with its 66,030 current residents totalling 0.0% less than the previous census.
Sources
- US Census State Population Estimates - Most recent state estimates from the Census Bureau's Population Estimates Program
- US Census County Population Estimates - Most recent county estimates from the Census Bureau's Population Estimates Program
- American Community Survey (2009 - 2013)
- Census QuickFacts
- Historical Populations of States and Counties (1790 - 1990)