Somerset County, Maine
Somerset County, Maine | |
|---|---|
 Somerset County Courthouse | |
 Location in the U.S. state of Maine | |
 Maine's location in the U.S. | |
| Founded | 1809 |
| Named for | Somerset County, England |
| Seat | Skowhegan |
| Largest town | Skowhegan |
| Area | |
| • Total | 4,094 sq mi (10,603 km2) |
| • Land | 3,924 sq mi (10,163 km2) |
| • Water | 169 sq mi (438 km2), 4.1% |
| Population (est.) | |
| • (2016) | 50,915 |
| • Density | 13/sq mi (5/km2) |
| Congressional district | 2nd |
| Time zone | Eastern: UTC−5/−4 |
| Website | somersetcounty-me.org |
Somerset County is a county in the state of Maine, in the United States. As of the 2010 census, the population was 52,228.[1] Its county seat is Skowhegan.[2]
Contents
1 History
2 Government and politics
2.1 Voter registration
3 Geography
3.1 Mountains
3.2 Bodies of water
3.3 Major highways
3.4 Adjacent counties and municipalities
4 Demographics
4.1 2000 census
4.2 2010 census
5 Education
5.1 School administrative districts
5.2 Secondary schools
5.3 Higher education
5.4 Miscellaneous
6 Communities
6.1 Towns
6.2 Census-designated places
6.3 Plantations
6.4 Unorganized territories
6.5 Villages
7 See also
8 References
9 External links
9.1 County politics
History
Somerset County was established on March 1, 1809[3][4] from portions of Kennebec County and was named after Somerset County in England.[5]
Government and politics
Somerset County is part of Maine's 2nd congressional district.
In 1992, Somerset County was one of three counties in the state (the others being Knox and Piscataquis) where Ross Perot received over 38% of the vote and won.[6] In 2008, Barack Obama received 51.9% of the vote.[7]
Voter registration
| Voter registration and party enrollment as of March 2014[8] | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unenrolled (Independent) | 13,080 | 37.12% | |||
Republican | 10,574 | 30.01% | |||
Democratic | 10,288 | 29.19% | |||
Green Independent | 1,292 | 3.66% | |||
| Total | 35,234 | 100% | |||
| Year | Republican | Democratic | Third parties |
|---|---|---|---|
2016 | 57.6% 15,001 | 34.9% 9,092 | 7.6% 1,971 |
2012 | 47.6% 11,800 | 49.3% 12,216 | 3.1% 771 |
2008 | 46.1% 11,867 | 51.8% 13,335 | 2.2% 556 |
2004 | 47.8% 12,953 | 50.0% 13,555 | 2.2% 600 |
2000 | 44.6% 10,684 | 48.2% 11,538 | 7.2% 1,729 |
1996 | 27.0% 6,247 | 50.9% 11,773 | 22.0% 5,091 |
1992 | 25.7% 6,780 | 35.1% 9,274 | 39.2% 10,370 |
1988 | 56.6% 11,430 | 42.6% 8,603 | 0.8% 168 |
1984 | 62.6% 13,010 | 36.9% 7,657 | 0.5% 104 |
1980 | 47.6% 9,286 | 41.6% 8,115 | 10.8% 2,112 |
1976 | 46.8% 8,868 | 49.9% 9,465 | 3.3% 633 |
1972 | 63.0% 10,079 | 37.0% 5,921 | 0.0% 5 |
1968 | 43.8% 6,720 | 54.1% 8,312 | 2.1% 324 |
1964 | 29.8% 4,541 | 70.1% 10,694 | 0.1% 18 |
1960 | 59.3% 10,142 | 40.7% 6,956 | 0.0% 0 |
1956 | 71.8% 10,471 | 28.2% 4,119 | 0.0% 0 |
1952 | 66.9% 9,805 | 32.9% 4,815 | 0.2% 29 |
1948 | 60.5% 6,301 | 38.7% 4,034 | 0.8% 83 |
1944 | 57.2% 7,167 | 42.6% 5,331 | 0.2% 25 |
1940 | 53.4% 7,526 | 46.4% 6,534 | 0.2% 28 |
1936 | 56.9% 7,558 | 39.8% 5,282 | 3.3% 441 |
1932 | 53.1% 7,144 | 44.9% 6,040 | 2.1% 277 |
1928 | 70.6% 8,055 | 28.5% 3,251 | 0.9% 100 |
1924 | 73.8% 6,855 | 19.6% 1,822 | 6.6% 608 |
1920 | 68.1% 6,533 | 28.9% 2,770 | 3.0% 289 |
1916 | 51.2% 3,567 | 45.0% 3,134 | 3.7% 260 |
1912 | 19.4% 1,235 | 36.5% 2,317 | 44.1% 2,804 |
1908 | 65.3% 3,688 | 29.7% 1,676 | 5.0% 284 |
Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 4,094 square miles (10,600 km2), of which 3,924 square miles (10,160 km2) is land and 169 square miles (440 km2) (4.1%) is water.[10] It is the third-largest county in Maine by area.
Mountains
- Boundary Bald Mountain
- Coburn Mountain
- Mount Bigelow
- Moxie Mountain
- Sandy Bay Mountain
Bodies of water
- Carrabassett River
- Flagstaff Lake
- Kennebec River
- Moose River
- Moxie Falls
Major highways
- Maine State Route 6
- Maine State Route 8
- Maine State Route 11
- Maine State Route 16
- Maine State Route 27
- Maine State Route 100
- Maine State Route 137
U.S. Route 201- Armstrong-Jackman Border Crossing
- U.S. Route 201A
Adjacent counties and municipalities
Aroostook County, Maine – north
Penobscot County, Maine – east
Piscataquis County, Maine – east
Waldo County, Maine – southeast
Kennebec County, Maine – south
Franklin County, Maine – southwest
Le Granit Regional County Municipality, Quebec – west
Beauce-Sartigan Regional County Municipality, Quebec – west
Les Etchemins Regional County Municipality, Quebec – northwest
Montmagny Regional County Municipality, Quebec – northwest
Somerset County is one of few counties in the United States to border ten counties and county equivalents.
Demographics
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1810 | 12,910 | — | |
| 1820 | 21,787 | 68.8% | |
| 1830 | 35,787 | 64.3% | |
| 1840 | 33,912 | −5.2% | |
| 1850 | 35,581 | 4.9% | |
| 1860 | 36,753 | 3.3% | |
| 1870 | 34,611 | −5.8% | |
| 1880 | 32,333 | −6.6% | |
| 1890 | 32,627 | 0.9% | |
| 1900 | 33,849 | 3.7% | |
| 1910 | 36,301 | 7.2% | |
| 1920 | 37,171 | 2.4% | |
| 1930 | 39,111 | 5.2% | |
| 1940 | 38,245 | −2.2% | |
| 1950 | 39,785 | 4.0% | |
| 1960 | 39,749 | −0.1% | |
| 1970 | 40,597 | 2.1% | |
| 1980 | 45,028 | 10.9% | |
| 1990 | 49,767 | 10.5% | |
| 2000 | 50,888 | 2.3% | |
| 2010 | 52,228 | 2.6% | |
| Est. 2016 | 50,915 | [11] | −2.5% |
| U.S. Decennial Census[12] 1790–1960[13] 1900–1990[14] 1990–2000[15] 2010–2016[1] | |||
2000 census
As of the census[16] of 2000, there were 50,888 people, 20,496 households, and 14,121 families residing in the county. The population density was 13 people per square mile (5/km²). There were 28,222 housing units at an average density of 7 per square mile (3/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 98.00% White, 0.24% Black or African American, 0.41% Native American, 0.34% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.11% from other races, and 0.89% from two or more races. 0.46% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 20.9% were of English, 17.7% French, 15.1% United States or American, 11.5% Irish and 8.8% French Canadian ancestry. 96.2% spoke English and 2.9% French as their first language.
There were 20,496 households out of which 31.60% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.20% were married couples living together, 10.10% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.10% were non-families. 24.60% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.20% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.44 and the average family size was 2.87.
In the county, the population was spread out with 24.70% under the age of 18, 7.00% from 18 to 24, 28.70% from 25 to 44, 25.30% from 45 to 64, and 14.30% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 96.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.30 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $30,731, and the median income for a family was $36,464. Males had a median income of $29,032 versus $20,745 for females. The per capita income for the county was $15,474. About 11.10% of families and 14.90% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.40% of those under age 18 and 12.50% of those age 65 or over.
2010 census
As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 52,228 people, 21,927 households, and 14,353 families residing in the county.[17] The population density was 13.3 inhabitants per square mile (5.1/km2). There were 30,569 housing units at an average density of 7.8 per square mile (3.0/km2).[18] The racial makeup of the county was 97.1% white, 0.6% Asian, 0.5% American Indian, 0.4% black or African American, 0.1% from other races, and 1.3% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 0.8% of the population.[17] In terms of ancestry, 25.1% were French, 24.2% were English, 15.8% were Irish, 8.0% were German, 7.9% were American, and 6.1% were French Canadian.[19]
Of the 21,927 households, 28.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.7% were married couples living together, 10.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 34.5% were non-families, and 26.9% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.35 and the average family size was 2.80. The median age was 43.6 years.[17]
The median income for a household in the county was $36,647 and the median income for a family was $47,177. Males had a median income of $41,235 versus $30,029 for females. The per capita income for the county was $20,709. About 14.0% of families and 18.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 25.0% of those under age 18 and 12.7% of those age 65 or over.[20]
Education
School administrative districts
The following school districts are located at least partly in Somerset County:[21]
- MSAD 4
- MSAD 12
- MSAD 13
- MSAD 49
- MSAD 53
- MSAD 54
- MSAD 59
- MSAD 74
Secondary schools
Carrabec High School – North Anson[22]
Faith Baptist Christian School – Skowhegan (serves multiple grades)[23]
Forest Hills Consolidated School (K-12) – Jackman[24]
Lawrence High School – Fairfield[25]
Madison Area Memorial High School – Madison[26]
Maine Academy of Natural Sciences – Hinckley[27]
Maine Central Institute – Pittsfield[28]
Skowhegan Area High School – Skowhegan[29]
Upper Kennebec Valley Memorial High School – Bingham[30]
Higher education
- Kennebec Valley Community College
Miscellaneous
- Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture
- L.C. Bates Museum
Communities
Towns
- Anson
- Athens
- Bingham
- Cambridge
- Canaan
- Caratunk
- Cornville
- Detroit
- Embden
- Fairfield
- Harmony
- Hartland
- Jackman
- Madison
- Mercer
- Moose River
- Moscow
- New Portland
- Norridgewock
- Palmyra
- Pittsfield
- Ripley
- St. Albans
- Skowhegan
- Smithfield
- Solon
- Starks
Census-designated places
- Anson
- Bingham
- Fairfield
- Hartland
- Madison
- Norridgewock
- Pittsfield
- Skowhegan
Plantations
- Brighton Plantation
- Dennistown
- Highland Plantation
- Pleasant Ridge Plantation
- The Forks
- West Forks
Unorganized territories
- Central Somerset
- Northeast Somerset
- Northwest Somerset
- Seboomook Lake
Villages
- Flagstaff
- North Anson
- Rockwood
See also
- Historical U.S. Census Totals for Somerset County, Maine
- List of counties in Maine
- List of Maine county name etymologies
- List of towns in Somerset County
- Category:People from Somerset County, Maine
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Somerset County, Maine
References
^ ab "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 19, 2013..mw-parser-output cite.citationfont-style:inherit.mw-parser-output qquotes:"""""""'""'".mw-parser-output code.cs1-codecolor:inherit;background:inherit;border:inherit;padding:inherit.mw-parser-output .cs1-lock-free abackground:url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/65/Lock-green.svg/9px-Lock-green.svg.png")no-repeat;background-position:right .1em center.mw-parser-output .cs1-lock-limited a,.mw-parser-output .cs1-lock-registration abackground:url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d6/Lock-gray-alt-2.svg/9px-Lock-gray-alt-2.svg.png")no-repeat;background-position:right .1em center.mw-parser-output .cs1-lock-subscription abackground:url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/aa/Lock-red-alt-2.svg/9px-Lock-red-alt-2.svg.png")no-repeat;background-position:right .1em center.mw-parser-output .cs1-subscription,.mw-parser-output .cs1-registrationcolor:#555.mw-parser-output .cs1-subscription span,.mw-parser-output .cs1-registration spanborder-bottom:1px dotted;cursor:help.mw-parser-output .cs1-hidden-errordisplay:none;font-size:100%.mw-parser-output .cs1-visible-errorfont-size:100%.mw-parser-output .cs1-subscription,.mw-parser-output .cs1-registration,.mw-parser-output .cs1-formatfont-size:95%.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-left,.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-wl-leftpadding-left:0.2em.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-right,.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-wl-rightpadding-right:0.2em
^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved 2011-06-07.
^ Columbia-Lippincott Gazetteer (New York City: Columbia University Press, 1952) p. 1794
^ Geo. J. Varney. (1886). History of Somerset County, Maine. From A Gazetteer of the State of Maine. Transcribed by Betsey S. Webber
^ Yates, Edgar A.P. (Jun 13, 1928). "Some Maine town names". The Lewiston Daily Sun. p. 4. Retrieved 17 October 2015.
^ 1992 Presidential Election statistics at David Leip's Presidential Election Atlas
^ The New York Times Electoral Map (Zoom in on Maine)
^ "Registration and Party Enrollment Statistics as of March 2014" (PDF). Maine Bureau of Corporations.
^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved 2018-08-26.
^ "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Archived from the original on September 9, 2014. Retrieved September 7, 2014.
^ "Population and Housing Unit Estimates". Retrieved June 9, 2017.
^ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved September 7, 2014.
^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved September 7, 2014.
^ "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved September 7, 2014.
^ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Retrieved September 7, 2014.
^ "American FactFinder". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
^ abc "DP-1 Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2016-01-21.
^ "Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - County". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2016-01-21.
^ "DP02 SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS IN THE UNITED STATES – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2016-01-21.
^ "DP03 SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2016-01-21.
^ http://www.maine.gov/education/eddir/pdffiles/sadslist.pdf
^ Carrabec High School website Archived 2010-06-22 at the Wayback Machine.
^ http://local.yahoo.com/info-35173120-faith-baptist-christian-school-skowhegan
^ Forest Hills Consolidated School website Archived 2010-12-04 at the Wayback Machine.
^ Lawrence High School homepage Archived 2011-07-27 at the Wayback Machine.
^ Madison Area Memorial High School website Archived 2011-09-06 at the Wayback Machine.
^ Maine Academy of Natural Sciences website
^ Maine Central Institute website
^ Skowhegan Area High School homepage
^ MSAD 13 homepage
External links
- Official Website of Somerset County
- Somerset County Commissioners
Somerset County Charter – passed by voters in November, 2010- History of Somerset County
County politics
- Somerset County Democrats
- Somerset County Republican Committee
Places adjacent to Somerset County, Maine | ||||||||||
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Somerset County, Maine
Municipalities and communities of Somerset County, Maine, United States | ||
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County seat: Skowhegan | ||
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 State of Maine | |
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Augusta (capital) | |
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Coordinates: 45°31′N 69°57′W / 45.51°N 69.95°W / 45.51; -69.95
