New data released by the US Census Bureau confirms the long-held suspicion that Lincoln County has proportionately more older residents than the state as a whole. In a memorandum to the Lincoln County Commissioners from Lincoln County Planner Bob Faunce, the 2010 Census numbers calculate the median age in Lincoln County at 48.1 years while the state, as a whole is 42.7.
The numbers reveal that Maine is once again the oldest state in the nation and Lincoln County the oldest county by population in the state. The May 15 memo paints an alarming portrait of a county getting substantially older as fewer and fewer young people move to the area.
“What is of concern to anyone viewing the 2010 Census data is the low proportion of children and adults of child-bearing age in the county,” wrote Faunce. “While in some county communities this may be in part due to housing hosts, I attribute this primarily to the lack of good job opportunities throughout the county. How many more graduates or young families would opt to stay in or move to Lincoln County if more attractive employment opportunities were available?”
Faunce characterizes the increase in median age in Lincoln County as “nothing short of remarkable.”
“In 1990, the median age in the county was 37.4 years but (in) 20 years it had increased by 28 percent to 48.1 years,” wrote Faunce. “In practical terms, this is the difference between a parent with children in middle school and an empty nester.”
By way of explanation, Faunce points out that in 1990, Southport had the highest median age in the county at 44.6 years but in 2010 the median age in eight communities exceeded 50 years with Southport’s now over 60 years. In an interview with The Lincoln County News May 17, Faunce said that there was nothing “inherently wrong” with people moving here regardless of age.
“My concern is that we will create a social problem because of such a skewed age difference,” said Faunce. “Ultimately it will be more people like me, old as dirt, and not enough young people to offset the difference.”
Faunce said economic development is crucial to attracting and retaining younger families. He cites a greater need for development ready properties with public water and sewer systems as one obstacle to creating jobs.
“Lincoln County has such a unique geographic makeup,” he said. “A person who lives in Bremen could work in say Southport, two different areas, but the potential exists for industry.”
According to the Census figures, Lincoln County is well below the state average for young adult residents between the ages of 20-29. By comparison, the county is a third higher than the state average for retirees between the ages of 65 and 79.
The elderly population, defined as 80 years of age or older, is a third higher in the county with Damariscotta triple the state average. Lincoln County also boasts a much higher than average percentage of seasonal housing units with Boothbay Harbor, Bremen, Bristol, Monhegan, and South Bristol pegged at 40 percent above the norm.
Faunce said these trends combined with the substantial increase in median age raise serious concerns for the future of elementary schools, which he called the “lifeblood” of a community.
“Have we reached a critical point?” he said. “Certainly on a micro level for the young person trying to find a job. On a macro level, it’s a gradual process. There are people moving here because it’s a great place to live, why can’t we share that experience with young families?”
