This Popular City (Not Portland) Is the Fastest Growing in Maine

According to U.S. Census data, this city in the Pine Tree State is the fastest-growing in terms of population, and no, it’s not Portland.

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Yes, it may be surprising to hear, considering how many people seem to flock to Maine's biggest city. Many folks call it ‘Mini Boston’ for a reason, right? While it's certainly growing, it's not actually the fastest-growing city in the state.

But how is the fastest-growing city in Maine determined?

The U.S. Census collects and projects population data for cities and towns from 2020 to 2023. The most recent data set, called ‘Vintage 2023,’ offers updated population estimates for these years. Each new release revises past estimates to ensure consistency with the latest data. To find the fastest-growing city, we compare the population growth between 2020 and 2023.

How would having those numbers and estimates determine how much one city grows compared to another?

First, to find population growth as a percentage, subtract the old population number from the new population number to get the increase. Then divide this increase by the old population number. Next, multiply the result by 100 to convert it into a percentage. This tells you how much the population has grown relative to its original size.

So, with that in mind, what do the numbers say? What is the fastest-growing city in Maine based on population?

Based on the population numbers, Lewiston is the fastest-growing city in Maine. Lewiston's estimated population increased from 37,124 to 38,404, reflecting a growth of about 3.45%. In comparison, Portland saw a smaller increase, growing from 68,405 to 69,104, which is around 1.02%. These figures show that Lewiston experienced a higher rate of population growth compared to Portland and the rest of our Pine Tree State.

What are your thoughts on Lewiston being estimated as the fastest-growing city in Maine in terms of population?