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Maine Economics and Demographics Program
Recent information:
(April 20, 2012) Total taxable retail sales in February 2012 grew 9.0% from February 2011 (not adjusted for inflation). Total taxable retail sales for the last three months, December through February, were 5.8% higher than the same three-month period a year ago.
Full Release (PDF)
(March 14, 2012) Total taxable retail sales in January 2012 grew 4.4% from January 2011 (not adjusted for inflation). Total taxable retail sales for the last three months, November through January, were 5.0% higher than the same three-month period a year ago.
Full Release (PDF)
(February 13, 2012) Total taxable retail sales in December 2011 grew 3.7% from December 2010 (not adjusted for inflation). Total taxable retail sales for the last three months, October through December, were 4.9% higher than the same three-month period a year ago.
Full Release (PDF)
(January 24, 2012) The State Planning Office released the 2011 edition of its annual report on progress made toward the tax burden reduction goal established by PL 2005, chapter 2 (also known as LD 1).
Full Report (PDF)
(January 13, 2012) Total taxable retail sales in November 2011 grew 3.8% from November 2010 (not adjusted for inflation). Total taxable retail sales for the last three months, September through November, were 4.1% higher than the same three-month period a year ago.
Full Release (PDF)
(January 11, 2012) Each year since 1998, the Maine State Planning Office has reported on the subject of poverty in Maine. The 2012 report (PDF) contains indicators updated through November 2011. Released January 2012.
2012 Report on Poverty (PDF)
(December 15, 2011) Total taxable retail sales in October 2011 grew 4.2% from October 2010 (not adjusted for inflation). Total taxable retail sales for the last three months, August through October, were 4.1% higher than the same three-month period a year ago.
Full Release (PDF)
(November 16, 2011) Total taxable retail sales in September 2011 grew 3.2% from September 2010 (not adjusted for inflation). Total taxable retail sales for the last three months, July through September, are 3.6% higher than the same three-month period a year ago.
Full Release (PDF)
(October 19, 2011) On September 29, leaders of several business and industry groups assembled at the State House to share economic data and industry-specific information with the Consensus Economic Forecasting Commission (CEFC).
Summary of the Meeting (PDF)
(October 18, 2011) Total taxable retail sales in August 2011 grew 3.9% from August 2010 (not adjusted for inflation). Building supply sales and auto/transportation sales led the way, growing 12.1% and 6.0% year-over-year, respectively.
Full Release (PDF)
(January 11, 2012) Each year since 1998, the Maine State Planning Office has reported on the subject of poverty in Maine. The 2012 report (PDF) contains indicators updated through November 2011. Released January 2012.
2012 Report on Poverty (PDF)
(September 29, 2011) On Thursday, September 22, the US Census Bureau released the latest results of the ongoing American Community Survey (ACS), the nation’s most comprehensive source of economic and demographic data. The ACS uses sampling to provide estimates of various economic and demographic indicators every year. The data released last week are 1-year estimates; they are based on sampling over the course of calendar year 2010 and cover geographic areas with 65,000 people or more. 5-year and 3-year estimates that cover smaller geographic areas like Maine’s towns and cities will be released later this fall.
Full State Data Center News Release (PDF)
(May 5, 2011) The U.S. Census Bureau today released the 2010 Demographic Profile for Maine. Data include age and sex distributions, race, Hispanic or Latino origin, household relationship and type, housing vacancy/occupancy, and housing tenure (whether the housing occupant owns or rents). State, county, and municipality data were all part of this release.
(March 24, 2011) The U.S. Census Bureau has released the official 2010 Census Redistricting Data Summary File, detailed 2010 Census population totals and demographic characteristics specific to Maine. These data provide the first look at population counts for small areas and race, Hispanic origin, voting age and housing unit data released from the 2010 Census and will be used to redraw federal, state and local legislative districts under Public Law 94-171.
(January 26, 2011) Each year since 1998, the Maine State Planning Office has reported on the subject of poverty in Maine. The 2010 report (PDF) contains indicators updated through November 2010. Released January 2011.
2011 Report on Poverty (PDF)
(December 21, 2010) The first 2010 Census results are now available. The Census Bureau has fulfilled its Constitutional mandate by releasing the resident population for the nation and states, as well as congressional apportionment totals for each state.
(December 10, 2010) The 2010 Census is different from previous decennial censuses. Every household in the nation received the same 10-question form, but no households were asked about income, educational attainment, occupation, or commuting on Census Day. Such detailed information is now collected by the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS). The Bureau will be publishing statistics from both of these major data source this December – the 2005-2009 ACS and the first results from the 2010 Census Decennial Count. The 2005-2009 ACS estimates should not be confused with the 2010 Census counts. The ACS measures the characteristics of our population such as our education, income, housing, and employment while the 2010 Census measures the size of our population.
(September 29, 2010) The Census Bureau has released 2009 ACS single-year estimates on American FactFinder. Tables with social, demographic, housing, and economic data are provided for areas with populations of 65,000 or more.
(July 27, 2010) The Census Bureau has released health insurance estimates by age and income level for the nation's population. Maine and Connecticut are tied for the 5th lowest rate (10.8% uninsured). Massachusetts has the best rate in the nation (7.8% uninsured). Vermont and Rhode Island are 9th and 10th, respectively (11.3% and 11.8% uninsured). New Hampshire shares the 11th rank with DC (11.9% uninsured). In Maine, the estimated rates of uninsured range from 8.7% in Androscoggin County to 17.8% in Hancock County with an estimated 119,750 people uninsured statewide.
(July 21, 2010) The US Census Bureau released a report examining data from the 2004 Survey of Income and Program Participation on how often and how long US residents were unemployed between January 2004 and the official start of the recession in December 2007. The data are presented by a variety of demographic characteristics, including race, Hispanic origin, sex, age and educational attainment.
Dynamics of Economic Well-Being: Spells of Unemployment, 2004-2007 (PDF)
(November 1, 2010) The Commission convened on October 26, 2010, to revise its February 2010 forecast.
CEFC Report, November 2010 (PDF)
CEFC Background Materials, November 2010 (PDF)
(June 21, 2010) "America is slowly coming out of the Recession of 2007 -- only to find itself on a collision course with the future: not enough Americans are completing college. The Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce shows that by 2018, we will need 22 million new college degrees -- but will fall short of that number by at least 3 million postsecondary degrees, Associate's or better. In addition, we will need at least 4.7 million new workers with postsecondary certificates. At a time when every job is precious, this shortfall will mean lost economic opportunity for millions of American workers."
Maine Projections of Jobs and Education Requirements Through 2018 (PDF)
(March 30, 2010) Demographics are important for companies making future plans based on workforce characteristics and for policy makers to make informed decisions about what skills, services, and resources will be needed years in advance. A few aspects of Maine’s demographic picture stand out: an older population with a large number of baby boomers, relatively few children, and low numbers of racial and ethnic minorities. These factors all combine to give Maine a rapidly aging population and slow population growth, and this report estimates the 20-year population outlook if recent demographic trends continue.
Maine Population Outlook: 2013-2028 (PDF)
State and county population projections by age and sex (XLS)
State and county projection methodology (PDF)
(February 1, 2010) The Maine Consensus Economic Forecasting Commission (CEFC) convened in January to revise its November 2009 forecast. This report provides a summary of the Commission’s findings.
CEFC Report, February 2010 (PDF)
(January 24, 2012) The State Planning Office released the 2011 edition of its annual report on progress made toward the tax burden reduction goal established by PL 2005, chapter 2 (also known as LD 1).
Full Report (PDF)
(October 19, 2011) On September 29, leaders of several business and industry groups assembled at the State House to share economic data and industry-specific information with the Consensus Economic Forecasting Commission (CEFC).
Summary of the Meeting (PDF)
(October 3, 2011) With the passage of “LD 1” in 2005, towns and counties are required to calculate a property tax levy limit each year based on local property growth and statewide average personal income growth. Each town and county is responsible for calculating its property growth. The State Planning Office (SPO) is responsible for calculating income growth. For the 2011 property tax year (the 2012 budget year for most towns), SPO has determined that figure to be 1.43%. Read the full release for more information and calculations.
2012 Average Personal Income Growth (PDF)
(September 20, 2010) With the passage of “LD 1” in 2005, towns and counties are required to calculate a property tax levy limit each year based on local property growth and statewide average personal income growth. Each town and county is responsible for calculating its property growth. The State Planning Office (SPO) is responsible for calculating income growth. For the 2010 property tax year (the 2011 budget year for most towns), SPO has determined that figure to be 1.66%. Read the full release for more information and calculations.
2011 Average Personal Income Growth (PDF)
(July 28, 2010) Economists Michael LeVert and Chuck Lawton examine Maine's important industries in a six-part series published in MaineBiz. "Maine has a variety of industries; some are mature like the paper industry, some are experiencing growth like health care and some, what I call 'hope industries' like renewable energy, are getting off the ground," says LeVert, Maine's state economist since February. "For Maine to prosper, we need to have all of those industries successful."
(June 21, 2010) "America is slowly coming out of the Recession of 2007 -- only to find itself on a collision course with the future: not enough Americans are completing college. The Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce shows that by 2018, we will need 22 million new college degrees -- but will fall short of that number by at least 3 million postsecondary degrees, Associate's or better. In addition, we will need at least 4.7 million new workers with postsecondary certificates. At a time when every job is precious, this shortfall will mean lost economic opportunity for millions of American workers."
Maine Projections of Jobs and Education Requirements Through 2018 (PDF)
(May 22, 2010) In the Bangor Daily News, Michael LeVert highlights "a policy that would lower Maine's tax burden, encourage business investment and expansion, reduce volatility in state revenues and put approximately $50 million directly into the hands of Maine people. All at no cost to the state's General Fund."
(May 16, 2010) In an editorial this week, titled "State Economist asks the right questions," the Portland Press Herald commended Mike LeVert’s "Choices" presentation that he has been delivering to local chambers and economic development groups around the state. The editors recognize the importance of understanding Maine’s changing demographics and economy, preserving Maine’s existing assets, and attracting skilled workers. They conclude by saying, "LeVert deserves credit for asking the right questions. It is now up to all of us to talk about which answers get us where we want to go."
(May 15, 2010) "Although Maine’s primaries are only about three weeks away, many voters have no idea who is running for governor, let alone which candidate they’ll support on June 8. This is partly because of the crowded field — seven Republicans and four Democrats — but also because there are so many competing visions for how to improve the state. To cut through this clutter, State Economist Michael LeVert, has boiled down the race for governor to three questions. They offer a helpful way to evaluate the candidates."
(November 12, 2009) The Maine State Data Center has compiled a report detailing the dramatic changes in Maine's households over the past few decades. These changes have profound implications for the way Maine people interact, live, and solve problems together. These also present an opportunity to create public policies that encourage denser, more efficient land-use planning.
Maine Families and Living Arrangements (PDF)
(September 29, 2011) On Thursday, September 22, the US Census Bureau released the latest results of the ongoing American Community Survey (ACS), the nation’s most comprehensive source of economic and demographic data. The ACS uses sampling to provide estimates of various economic and demographic indicators every year. The data released last week are 1-year estimates; they are based on sampling over the course of calendar year 2010 and cover geographic areas with 65,000 people or more. 5-year and 3-year estimates that cover smaller geographic areas like Maine’s towns and cities will be released later this fall.
Full State Data Center News Release (PDF)
(May 5, 2011) The U.S. Census Bureau today released the 2010 Demographic Profile for Maine. Data include age and sex distributions, race, Hispanic or Latino origin, household relationship and type, housing vacancy/occupancy, and housing tenure (whether the housing occupant owns or rents). State, county, and municipality data were all part of this release.
(March 24, 2011) The U.S. Census Bureau has released the official 2010 Census Redistricting Data Summary File, detailed 2010 Census population totals and demographic characteristics specific to Maine. These data provide the first look at population counts for small areas and race, Hispanic origin, voting age and housing unit data released from the 2010 Census and will be used to redraw federal, state and local legislative districts under Public Law 94-171.
(December 21, 2010) The first 2010 Census results are now available. The Census Bureau has fulfilled its Constitutional mandate by releasing the resident population for the nation and states, as well as congressional apportionment totals for each state.
(December 10, 2010) The 2010 Census is different from previous decennial censuses. Every household in the nation received the same 10-question form, but no households were asked about income, educational attainment, occupation, or commuting on Census Day. Such detailed information is now collected by the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS). The Bureau will be publishing statistics from both of these major data source this December – the 2005-2009 ACS and the first results from the 2010 Census Decennial Count. The 2005-2009 ACS estimates should not be confused with the 2010 Census counts. The ACS measures the characteristics of our population such as our education, income, housing, and employment while the 2010 Census measures the size of our population.
(September 29, 2010) The Census Bureau has released 2009 ACS single-year estimates on American FactFinder. Tables with social, demographic, housing, and economic data are provided for areas with populations of 65,000 or more.
(September 14, 2010) The U.S. Census Bureau reports franchise businesses accounted for 10.5 percent of businesses with paid employees in the 295 industries for which franchising data were collected in 2007. Of the 4.3 million total establishments surveyed, 453,326 were either franchisee or franchisor-owned businesses.
(August 31, 2010) The Consolidated Federal Funds Report (CFFR) is a presentation of data on federal government expenditures or obligations in state, county, and sub-county areas of the United States, describing the distribution of federal funds by department and agency, and by state and county. A companion report, Federal Aid to States: 2009, shows federal grants to state and local governments. The annual percentage change (16.0 percent) is the largest since the Census Bureau began compiling these data in 1983. The increase is in part from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. Entitlement programs Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security comprised 45.7 percent of all funding, or $1.5 trillion. Social Security alone accounted for $709.7 billion of that total.
2009 Consolidated Federal Funds Report (PDF)
2009 Federal Aid to States (PDF)
(August 5, 2010) The 2010 Census is winding down, and as a census partner, we would like to take this opportunity to thank and congratulate everyone who has supported and participated in this great effort. However, there are still several quality assurance operations that will continue to take place this month, and we encourage you to cooperate with census workers should they call or visit your household. These final steps will ensure the census will provide the highest quality data possible – information that will benefit our community and the nation for the next 10 years.
(July 27, 2010) The Census Bureau has released health insurance estimates by age and income level for the nation's population. Maine and Connecticut are tied for the 5th lowest rate (10.8% uninsured). Massachusetts has the best rate in the nation (7.8% uninsured). Vermont and Rhode Island are 9th and 10th, respectively (11.3% and 11.8% uninsured). New Hampshire shares the 11th rank with DC (11.9% uninsured). In Maine, the estimated rates of uninsured range from 8.7% in Androscoggin County to 17.8% in Hancock County with an estimated 119,750 people uninsured statewide.
(April 20, 2012) Total taxable retail sales in February 2012 grew 9.0% from February 2011 (not adjusted for inflation). Total taxable retail sales for the last three months, December through February, were 5.8% higher than the same three-month period a year ago.
Full Release (PDF)
(March 14, 2012) Total taxable retail sales in January 2012 grew 4.4% from January 2011 (not adjusted for inflation). Total taxable retail sales for the last three months, November through January, were 5.0% higher than the same three-month period a year ago.
Full Release (PDF)
(February 13, 2012) Total taxable retail sales in December 2011 grew 3.7% from December 2010 (not adjusted for inflation). Total taxable retail sales for the last three months, October through December, were 4.9% higher than the same three-month period a year ago.
Full Release (PDF)
(January 24, 2012) The State Planning Office released the 2011 edition of its annual report on progress made toward the tax burden reduction goal established by PL 2005, chapter 2 (also known as LD 1).
Full Report (PDF)
(January 13, 2012) Total taxable retail sales in November 2011 grew 3.8% from November 2010 (not adjusted for inflation). Total taxable retail sales for the last three months, September through November, were 4.1% higher than the same three-month period a year ago.
Full Release (PDF)
(January 11, 2012) Each year since 1998, the Maine State Planning Office has reported on the subject of poverty in Maine. The 2012 report (PDF) contains indicators updated through November 2011. Released January 2012.
2012 Report on Poverty (PDF)
(December 15, 2011) Total taxable retail sales in October 2011 grew 4.2% from October 2010 (not adjusted for inflation). Total taxable retail sales for the last three months, August through October, were 4.1% higher than the same three-month period a year ago.
Full Release (PDF)
(November 16, 2011) Total taxable retail sales in September 2011 grew 3.2% from September 2010 (not adjusted for inflation). Total taxable retail sales for the last three months, July through September, are 3.6% higher than the same three-month period a year ago.
Full Release (PDF)
(October 19, 2011) On September 29, leaders of several business and industry groups assembled at the State House to share economic data and industry-specific information with the Consensus Economic Forecasting Commission (CEFC).
Summary of the Meeting (PDF)
(October 18, 2011) Total taxable retail sales in August 2011 grew 3.9% from August 2010 (not adjusted for inflation). Building supply sales and auto/transportation sales led the way, growing 12.1% and 6.0% year-over-year, respectively.
Full Release (PDF)
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