In Aroostook County, the population fell from 86,936 in 1990 to 73,938 in 2000, the state s largest decrease at 15 percent. And clearly, the exodus involved mostly families with young children. The population under age 18 in Aroostook shrank from 22,352 in 1990 to 16,720 in 2000 a drop of 25.2 percent. Washington County saw a decrease of 3.9 percent in population, from 35,308 to 33,941, but the decline in those under age 18 was far more acute from 9,040 to 7,781 over the decade, a loss of 13.9 percent. Piscataquis County saw similar losses a 7.6 percent decline in population and a 17.3 percent dip in the number of youths age 18 and under.
Some general conclusions are inescapable.
Regional populations that are simultaneously declining and aging could mean future labor shortages and slow economic growth, possible school closings and the additional costs associated with caring for an elderly population. The changes in population also will affect the way Maine s political subdivisions are redrawn, and both Republicans and Democrats already are looking for ways to gain any possible advantage. But it may ultimately be of little consequence which political party manages to upstage the other. The 2000 Census shows that Maine s slight growth over the decade was surpassed by 45 other states. If Maine ever is to enjoy the kind of robust economy that can be found in other regions of the nation, it must somehow reverse the out-migration of its young people.