The 30 Biggest Cities in Maine

Located northeast of the United States, Maine is the largest New England state and the 39th largest state of the country, spanning 30,843 sq mi.

A state with 16 counties, 23 cities, and 430 towns, it is the ninth-smallest state by population, with a total of 1,328,361 residents, about 43.8 residents per sq mi.

The state is nicknamed the Pine Tree State for having more than 17 million acres of forests that cover approximately 89% of the total land area.

Moreover, it is a state known for honeybees and the origins of the company Burt’s Bees.

The largest city in Maine is Portland, located in Cumberland County with 66,215 residents. In this article, we dive into the 30 largest cities in Maine according to population.

Table of Contents

The Biggest Cities in Maine

Number	City	Population
1	Portland	66,215
2	Lewiston	36,225
3	Bangor	32,262
4	South Portland	25,532
5	Auburn	23,414
6	Biddeford	21,504
7	Sanford	21,223
8	Brunswick	20,495
9	Scarborough	19,691
10	Saco	19,964
11	Westbrook	19,074
12	Augusta	18,697
13	Windham	17,816
14	Gorham	17,181
15	Waterville	16,558
16	York	12,862
17	Falmouth	11,988
18	Kennebunk	11,209
19	Brewer	9,035
20	Presque Isle	9,007
21	Bath	8,338
22	Ellsworth	8,180
23	Caribou	7,593
24	Old Town	7,431
25	Rockland	7,165
26	Belfast	6,679
27	Gardiner	5,653
28	Calais	3,005
29	Hallowell	2,381
30	Eastport	1,265

1. Portland – 66,215

Nestled in the heart of Cumberland County, Portland is the largest city by population in Maine, with a total population of 66,215.

The city was incorporated in 1833, covering a land area of 69.4 sq mi.

In a span of 10 years, the city’s population grew about 0.03% with a current racial demographic of about 85% White, 8.4% African American, 3.5% Asian, 3% Hispanic or Latino, 2.9% two or more races, and 0.1% Native American.

Its economy thrives in various industries including service, fishing, shipping, and tourism.

2. Lewiston – 36,225

Incorporated in 1862, Lewiston is the center of Androscoggin County and one of the cities in Maine with the lowest cost of living.

Its population of 36,225 makes it the largest French-speaking community in the United States.

Some of the key industries of the city are hydropower, medical centers, retail, commercial, and finance.

It is home to several recreational establishments including the Lewiston Public Library, Museum L-A, the Androscoggin Bank Colisée, and the Public Theater.

3. Bangor – 32,262

Bangor is the county seat of Penobscot County and was incorporated in 1834. The city has 31,753 residents living in a land area of 34.3 sq mi.

The city’s economy relies on several industries including service, retail, finance, lumber, shipbuilding, medical, education, tourism, and electric manufacturing.

Moreover, it has become a popular tourist getaway for its local attractions and events including the Bangor City Forest, Bangor Raceway, the Bangor State Fair, and several National Register of Historic Places buildings.

4. South Portland – 25,532

South Portland is the fourth-largest city of Maine and the second-largest of Cumberland County with a population of 25,532.

With its port location, the city’s economy is largely driven by shipping, railroad, manufacturing, and retail, making it an industrial hub.

The city has been home to several notable people from politicians to athletes and businessmen.

It is one of the best places in Maine to live as it has several educational institutions, churches, neighborhoods, parks, and recreational establishments.

5. Auburn – 23,414

Auburn is the county seat and the second-largest city of Androscoggin County with 23,414 residents occupying a total land area of 59.3 sq mi.

Lewiston, as well as Auburn, are known together as the Twin Cities or Lewiston-Auburn (L-A).

It was incorporated as a town in 1842 and as a city in 1869. The city is a mill town and a manufacturer of cotton, wool, furniture, and shoes, and a producer of agricultural products.

6. Biddeford – 21,504

Located in York County, Biddeford has the largest population in the county with 21,504 residents.

The city was incorporated in 1855 and has become a commercial hub for retail and a center for arts and culture.

Some of its well-known institutions are the McArthur Public Library, Southern Maine Health Care, Biddeford’s City Theater, and the University of New England.

Locals and tourists can enjoy the city’s popular cultural events such as the annual La Kermesse Franco-Americaine Festival.

7. Sanford – 21,223

Sanford is the second-largest city in York County and the seventh-largest in Maine with a population of 21,223 living in a 48.75 sq mi area.

The city was incorporated in 2013 and became known for utilizing the Amber Alert system in 2009.

It is a popular city for campers due to its many lakes and forests. Moreover, the city has several attractive places to visit such as Sanford-Springvale Historical Society & Museum, Goodall Park-Baseball stadium, and Mousam River.

8. Brunswick – 20,495

Although Brunswick is not a city but a town, it is included in the list for its large population of 20,495 residents, all of whom live in an area of 54.34 sq mi in Cumberland County.

A town incorporated in 1739, it includes a multitude of establishments ranging from schools to hospitals and cultural places.

The town has several parks and recreational facilities, public schools, the Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick Executive Airport, and Mid Coast Hospital.

It is a thriving seaport, a major producer of lumber, cotton, as well as other consumer products such as soap, flour, and paper.

9. Scarborough – 19,691

Located south of Portland, Scarborough is another town in Cumberland County, was incorporated in 1658, and has a population of 19,691.

Its economy thrives through its cattle export and several sawmills, as well as other industries in fishing and farming.

Moreover, Scarborough is the main headquarters of Hannaford Supermarkets, a supermarket chain founded in 1883.

The town has numerous places to see such as Beech Ridge Motor Speedway, Higgins Beach, Scarborough River Wildlife Sanctuary, Scarborough Public Library, and Scarborough Historical Society & Museum.

10. Saco – 19,964

With a population of 19,964, Saco is the 10th largest city in York County, Maine. The population consists of mostly White people (with a percentage of 95.7%) and a minority of African Americans, Native Americans, Asians, and Hispanics/Latinos.

Saco is home to the Saco Transportation Center, which runs routes between Boston and Portland.

The city has many sites for recreation including forests, beaches, Funtown Splashtown USA, Saco Heath Preserve, the Dyer Library, Saco bay, and more.

11. Westbrook – 19,074

The third-largest city in Cumberland County is Westbrook, a suburb of Portland with 19,074 residents.

It was incorporated in 1814 and was formerly called Saccarappa.

Its electric supply comes from Saccarappa Falls and Congin Falls via hydropower. Some of the main economic activities of the city are the production of lumber, machinery, cotton textile, paper, and manufacturing.

12. Augusta – 18,697

Located in Kennebec County, Augusta is the 12th largest city in Maine with 18,697 residents.

It is both the county seat and state capital of Maine and was incorporated in 1849.

It is home to one college, the University of Maine at Augusta, and several public and private schools.

It also has two libraries: the Maine State Library and Lithgow Public Library.

13. Windham – 17,816

With a population of 17,816, Windham is the third-largest town in Cumberland County and was incorporated in 1762.

It has several institutions including Windham Primary school, Manchester School, and Windham Middle School.

Moreover, it is home to several parks and recreation areas such as Donnabeth Lippman Park, Dundee Park, Goold House, and Maplewood Farm.

The town has a total area of 50.15 sq mi area, of which 46.56 sq mi is land and 3.59 sq mi is water.

14. Gorham – 17,181

The fourth-largest town in Cumberland County is Gorham with a total of 17,181 people.

The town covers a total area of 51.29 sq mi, where approximately 362 people occupy per sq mi of the city.

It was incorporated in 1736 and currently has a campus of the University of Southern Maine, three elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school.

Moreover, people can visit the Baxter House Museum, Gorham Historical Society, and the University of Southern Maine Art Galleries.

15. Waterville – 16,558

Waterville is the second-largest city of Kennebec County with 16,558 residents covering a total area of 14.01 sq mi.

It was incorporated in 1888 and was first known to be a city of shipbuilding, agriculture, and lumbering.

Today, its economic activities also focus on trading, shipping, hydropower, locomotives, and manufacturing.

Some of the best places to visit and experience in the city are the Maine International Film Festival, Waterville Public Library, Waterville Historical Society-Redington Museum, and the Waterville Opera House.

16. York – 12,862

Incorporated in 1652, York is the largest town of York County with a total population of 12,862.

It covers a total area of 131.78 sq mi, comprising 54.67 sq mi land and 77.11 sq mi water.

The town of York is a popular tourist destination for its beaches, golf clubs, and summits. Other interesting places to visit are York’s Civil War monument, Cape Neddick Lighthouse, Mount Agamenticus, and John Sedgley Homestead.

17. Falmouth – 11,988

With 11,988 residents, Falmouth is the fourth-largest town in Cumberland County and was incorporated in 1718.

Some of the town’s early industries dealt with agriculture, lumber, manufacturing, farming, and fishing.

Today, the town focuses on several other industries including shipbuilding, lumber, and shoe production.

Moreover, it is also home to Falmouth Historical Society & Museum, Falmouth Memorial Library, Falmouth Nature Preserve, Portland Yacht Club, Mackworth Island Public Reserved Land, and three golf clubs.

18. Kennebunk – 11,209

The second-largest town in York County is Kennebunk with approximately 11,209 people.

The town first started with trading, shipping, and shipbuilding businesses.

At present, it is a popular tourist destination for its beaches and several recreational places such as the Brick Store Museum, Summer Street, and Wedding Cake House.

The town is also the hometown of several notable people including businessmen, politicians, athletes, and musicians.

19. Brewer – 9,035

Brewer is the second-largest city of Penobscot County with a total population of 9,035. The city is home to several historical buildings including Daniel Sargent House and First Congregational Church.

It is known as one of the pioneer cities for brickmaking, having about 15 brickyards. Shipbuilding, sawmilling, and manufacturing are other main economic activities in the city.

20. Presque Isle – 9,007

Incorporated in 1940, Presque Isle is the 20th largest city in Maine with a total of 9,007 residents.

It was formerly known as Fairbanks before changing its name in 1859.

Initially, it was a lumber city but soon expanded into agriculture and farming. Today, the city has the New Brunswick Railway, Presque Isle International Airport, the University of Maine at Presque Isle, and the first Presque Isle Hospital.

21. Bath – 8,338

Bath is located in Sagadahoc County with a population of 8,338 residents. The city is famous for several natural preserves such as Thorne Head Preserve and Butler Head Preserve, as well as recreational parks like the Whiskeag Trail.

The city’s economy relies on several industries including the lumber, iron, and shipbuilding industries.

Some of its famous places are Maine Maritime Museum, Chocolate Church Arts Center, and Bath Skate Park.

22. Ellsworth – 8,180

Located in Hancock County as the county seat, Ellsworth has a population of 8,180 occupying a total area of 93.92 sq mi.

It was first settled in 1763 and was incorporated as a city in 1869.

Its early economic establishments were a tannery, two gristmills, eight brickyards, 13 shipbuilders, and nine sawmills, to name a few.

Today, some of the best places to visit are Birdsacre-Stanwood Homestead Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, Ellsworth Public Library, and the Telephone Museum.

23. Caribou – 7,593

Incorporated in 1859, Caribou is a city with 7,593 residents in Aroostook County. It is the second-largest city of the county, covering a total area of 80.09 sq mi.

The city is filled with arts and cultural establishments such as the Caribou Performing Arts Center, Caribou Historical Society & Museum, and McElwain House.

The main agricultural products produced in Caribou are potatoes, broccoli, blueberries, oats, as well as cattle and milk.

24. Old Town – 7,431

Old Town is located in Penobscot County with a population of 7,431 residents. The city is famous for Old Town Canoe Co., a maker of canoes.

Among the major employers in the city are the University of Maine and Eastern Maine Medical Center.

It is home to several historical buildings that are recorded in the National Register of Historic Places including Edith Marion Patch House, St. Anne’s Church and Mission Site, and St. James Episcopal Church.

25. Rockland – 7,165

With 7,165 residents, Rockland is the county seat of Knox County and the 25th largest city in Maine.

It covers an area of 15.07 sq mi and is a popular tourist attraction for its history, festivals, and museums.

People can visit various museums including Farnsworth Art Museum, Maine Lighthouse Museum, and Rockland Historical Society & Museum.

It is also popular for various festivals and events such as Maine Lobster Festival, North Atlantic Blues Festival, and Maine Boats, Homes, and Harbors Show.

26. Belfast – 6,679

Belfast is the county seat of Waldo County with a total population of 6,679 living in a total area of 38.37 sq mi.

Some of the major industries of the city are shoe manufacturing, poultry, and shipbuilding.

The city is known for its Belfast City Park, spanning 17.5 acres near Penobscot Bay. The Belfast Historical Society & Museum, the Belfast Free Library, and Perry’s Nut House are also noteworthy.

27. Gardiner – 5,653

Gardiner has 5,653 residents occupying its total area of 16.57 sq mi, about 380 people per sq mi.

It is located in Kennebec County, the third-largest city in the county by population.

The city is known internationally for being a top ice blocks exporter. The Gardiner Historic District, Christ Episcopal Church, and Gardiner Public Library are some of its oldest landmarks that make this city a rich historical place.

28. Calais – 3,005

Located in Washington County, Calais is the largest city of the county and the third-smallest city in Maine with 3,005 people.

Its economy is teeming with several industries including shoe factory, tannery, service, retail, machinery, and construction.

With its incorporation in 1809, it now has a range of infrastructures from transportation to hospitals and schools.

When visiting Calais city, the best places to go are its historical St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, Whitlocks Mill Light, and Devils Head Site.

29. Hallowell – 2,381

Hallowell is the smallest city of Kennebec County and the second-smallest in Maine with only 2,381 people occupying a total area of 6.09 sq mi, approximately 438 people per sq mi.

It was incorporated in 1771 and started with shipbuilding, trading, cattle meat production, and lumbering to boost its economy.

The city is known for many names such as the Little Easy and Maine’s Antique Riverport. It has several notable places listed in the National Register of Historic Places listings including Elm Hill Farm, Powder House, and St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church.