RANKING · 2020 CENSUS · 34 SHOWN OF 34

Most residents in poverty, Maine cities · 2020

Maine cities with the most residents living below the poverty line, as of the 2020 American Community Survey. Ranked by number of people, not the poverty rate. This list covers the 34 cities in Maine that qualify, ranked against each other statewide.

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SAME RANKING BYCounties States Metros

YEAR1990 2000 2010 2020 2024

RANKPLACESTATEPOPRESIDENTS IN POVERTYVS 2000

01Portland, MEME69,9119,524+5%

02Lewiston, MEME38,8666,166+12%

03Bangor, MEME32,5185,254+0%

04Waterville, MEME17,5793,891+30%

05Orono, MEME11,1513,567+57%

06Augusta, MEME19,1553,343+20%

07Auburn, MEME25,4412,912+4%

08Westbrook, MEME21,5652,460+83%

09Sanford, MEME22,6632,459+36%

10Biddeford, MEME22,3992,264−22%

11South Portland, MEME27,0071,841+18%

12Brunswick, MEME17,6521,717+20%

13Saco, MEME21,1591,665+20%

14Old, MEME7,5891,589+5%

15Presque Isle, MEME8,6941,394+1%

16Brewer, MEME9,6361,286+37%

17Skowhegan, MEME6,6621,138−2%

18Caribou, MEME7,3211,032+0%

19Belfast, MEME6,988939+12%

20Bath, MEME8,835935−14%

21Yarmouth, MEME6,289884+456%

22Houlton, MEME5,082826−11%

23Topsham, MEME7,271823+276%

24Gardiner, MEME6,206811−3%

25Rockland, MEME7,142807−28%

26Old Orchard Beach, MEME9,244726−26%

27Winslow, MEME5,873612+14%

28Ellsworth, MEME8,862562−6%

29Kennebunk, MEME6,221490+88%

30Kittery, MEME5,110454+48%

31North Windham, MEME5,417435+75%

32Hampden, MEME5,161301+88%

33Gorham, MEME7,593227−42%

34Oak Hill, MEME5,631165–

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UPDATED 2026-07-15 · DATA: US CENSUS BUREAU DECENNIAL CENSUS