|
Some Statistics . . .
The population is 51,791 for Hancock County
and 33,941 for Washington County, yielding a total population of 85,732.
Hancock County comprises 1,588 square miles, with a density of 32.6 persons
per square mile. However, 90% of the region's population lives within five
miles of the coastline. The population density of the nation is 79.6
people per square mile, with Maine at 41.3 people per square mile.
The sparse population of the down east area hampers efforts to improve
the economy.
The employment rate fluctuates greatly
between summer and winter months because of the influx of summer tourists
and the seasonal nature of many local industries. Self-employment accounts
for 16.5% of the employment in Hancock County and 17.6% of the employment
in Washington County. Per capita income in Hancock is $12,437, with a median
family income of $33,140. Per capita income in Washington County is $9,607,
with a median family income of $25,673. Although rich in natural
beauty, Washington County has the highest poverty and unemployment rate
in the state. Hancock County also has abundant scenic beauty but
is weak in areas important to social and economic growth, has a high cost-of-living,
a lack of year-round employment, and a lack of technical post-secondary
educational facilities.
The Down East RC&D Area is over 89%
forest, which supports large wood, paper, and lumber industries.
It's coastline supports the fishing industry, including clams, urchins,
lobsters, shrimp, scallops, mussels, quahogs, salmon, and other finfish
such as haddock, cod, and flounder, as well as limited harvesting of seaweed,
also known as kelp. Seven major Atlantic salmon rivers, with associated
watersheds, run through the two-county area and include the Dennys, Narraguagus,
Machias, East Machias, Pleasant, Union, and Penobscot. There are
over 247 lakes and ponds, as well as many miles of streams in the two-county
area. These water resources are almost equally divided betwen the
two counties and provide many recreational opportunities.
Agricultural family farms have declined
in number over the last century, until about 1972 when farm numbers began
to increase in the two-county area. Farm acreage, however, has continued
to decline. Initially, the increase in farm numbers was due to the
"back to nature" movement of the late 60's and 70's. However, as
consumer demand for locally-grown organic produce has increased, many small,
diversified farms were established. Today, Hancock County has more
organic farmers than any other county in the state.
Area industries include pulp and paper,
tourism, blueberry and cranberry production and processing, aquaculture,
commercial fishing and processing, boat building, Christmas trees and wreaths,
and farming. The recent loss of most of the sardine industry in Washington
County was a blow to many coastal communities, fishermen, and canneries
that were located in Lubec, Machiasport, and Milbridge. One cannery
remains in operation in Prospect Harbor. Significant employers include
the Jackson Laboratory, University of Maine at Machias, Hinckley Boat Company,
Maine Maritime Academy, Wal-Mart, Home Depot, International Paper, Domtar,
and area hospitals and schools.
Down East Products and Services
Tourism is a large source of income for residents.
Tourist attractions are vast, and range from the natural splendor down
east (e.g., Acadia National Park, Cobscook Bay State Park) and cultural/historical
points of interest (e.g., lighthouses) to the indigenous wildlife (e.g.,
whales and puffins) and superb fishing, hunting and sporting activities.
The extensive wooded acreage and variety of forest cover support a diversified
forest industry, including paper, wood, secondary wood products, Christmas
trees and wreaths. The area also produces a variety of agricultural products.
It is most famous for its many acres of wild blueberries and its burgeoning
cranberry industry. And, of course, the region is a significant harvester
and producer of seafood: lobsters, clams, mussels, scallops, salmon, haddock,
cod, flounder, hake, and halibut. |