According to Countryaah, Cumberland County, Maine is located in the southern part of the state and is bordered by Androscoggin County to the north, York County to the east, Sagadahoc County to the south, and Oxford County to the west. The county seat is Portland, which is also the state’s largest city. The county covers an area of 1,270 square miles and has a population of over 285,000 people.
The geography of Cumberland County is largely made up of mountains and hills, with several rivers running through it. Mount Washington is one of its most prominent peaks and stands at 5,500 feet in elevation. The county also contains numerous lakes including Sebago Lake – Maine’s second-largest lake – as well as Long Lake and Flagstaff Lake.
The county is home to several communities including Portland (the largest), Westbrook (the second-largest city), Falmouth (the third-largest), South Portland (the fourth-largest), Scarborough (the fifth-largest city) and Gorham (the sixth-largest). Other towns include Brunswick, Freeport, Yarmouth, North Yarmouth and Pownal.
Cumberland County has a rich history that dates back to its founding in 1636 when it was part of Massachusetts’ York County. In 1760 it became part of Maine when it was separated from Massachusetts during the American Revolution. Throughout its history it has been home to many industries such as shipbuilding and textiles along with its more modern industries like tourism and technology.
Today Cumberland County offers many attractions for visitors such as Fort Williams Park which features an old military fort built during World War I; Scarborough Marsh which is a popular spot for bird watching; Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park which provides hiking trails; Sebago Lake State Park which offers boating opportunities; Bradbury Mountain State Park which features biking trails; Two Lights State Park where visitors can view lighthouses; Crescent Beach State Park where beachgoers can enjoy swimming or sunbathing; plus numerous other parks throughout the county. There are also plenty of restaurants offering cuisine from around the world as well as museums that offer historical exhibits on local culture.
Demographics of Cumberland County, Maine
Cumberland County, Maine is the most populous county in the state with a population of over 285,000 people. The racial makeup of the county is 82.5% White, 8.3% African American, 4.2% Asian, 1.7% Native American/Alaskan Native, and 1.9% from two or more races. The median age of the population is 39 years old and there are slightly more women than men living in the area – 51.7% female and 48.3% male.
The largest ancestry group in Cumberland County is Irish (19%), followed by English (17%), French Canadian (14%), German (13%), Italian (6%), and Scottish (4%). In terms of religion, the majority of residents identify as Christian with Protestant representing 32%, Catholic representing 25%, Non-Denominational representing 6%, and other religions making up 8%.
The educational attainment level of Cumberland County residents is high; 86% have completed high school or higher while 36% have achieved a bachelor’s degree or higher and 10% have earned a graduate or professional degree.
In terms of employment, the largest sectors are Health Care & Social Assistance at 17%, Retail Trade at 12%, Accommodation & Food Services at 11%, Manufacturing at 10%, Construction at 9%, Educational Services at 7%, Professional Scientific & Technical Services at 6%, Finance & Insurance at 5%, Arts Entertainment & Recreation at 4%.
In terms of income levels, median household income in Cumberland County is $67,633 while per capita income stands at $37,616; both figures are higher than state averages for these metrics. Additionally, poverty levels in the county stand below state averages with 11% living below poverty level compared to 14%.
Places of Interest in Cumberland County, Maine
Cumberland County, Maine is home to numerous places of interest. From outdoor activities to cultural attractions, there is something for everyone in the area.
For those who love the outdoors, Cumberland County has plenty of activities to enjoy. There are several state parks located in the county including Bradbury Mountain State Park, Crescent Beach State Park, and Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park. These parks offer a variety of activities such as hiking trails, beach access, camping sites and more. Additionally, there are numerous lakes and rivers where visitors can enjoy fishing or boating activities.
Those looking for cultural attractions will also find plenty to explore in Cumberland County. The Portland Museum of Art is a great place to check out some of Maine’s finest artwork from both local and international artists. Other museums include the Portland Children’s Museum which offers educational exhibits for children and the Saco Museum which features a collection of artifacts from Native American tribes in Maine.
The county also boasts several historic sites including Fort Williams Park which was once an active military base as well as several lighthouses such as Portland Head Light and Two Lights State Park. There are also many educational centers located throughout the area such as The Center for Gifted Education at USM that offers classes for gifted students and The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at USM that provides courses on various topics for seniors aged 50+.
Finally, Cumberland County has a vibrant nightlife with several bars, clubs, pubs and restaurants offering delicious cuisine from around the world. Whether you’re looking for an evening out or just want to explore some of Maine’s cultural attractions, Cumberland County has something to offer everyone.
Notable People of Cumberland County, Maine
Cumberland County, Maine has produced some remarkable and memorable people throughout its history. From renowned authors to famous athletes, this county has been home to many influential individuals who have made their mark on the world.
One of the most notable people from Cumberland County is author Stephen King. King was born in Portland and set many of his stories in Maine. His works have become iconic, selling over 350 million copies worldwide and inspiring numerous movie adaptations.
Another famous person from Cumberland County is Hall of Fame baseball player Jackie Robinson. Robinson lived in Portland during his childhood and attended Deering High School, where he excelled as a student-athlete before going on to become one of the greatest players in baseball history.
Other notable people from Cumberland County include comedian Bob Marley, actor Patrick Dempsey, astronaut Alan Shepard, and former Vice President Hannibal Hamlin among many others.
In addition to these famous individuals, there are also several notable politicians from Cumberland County such as Senator Susan Collins who represents Maine in Washington D.C., former Governor Angus King who served two terms as governor of Maine from 1995 – 2003, and former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright who served under President Bill Clinton from 1997 – 2001.
These are just a few examples of the many remarkable people that have come out of Cumberland County over the years. From artists to athletes to politicians, this county has produced some incredible individuals that have gone on to make an impact on the world.