Census: Maine most rural state in 2010 as urban centers grow nationwide

[Maine-ah]

http://bangordailynews.com/2012/03/26/business/census-maine-most-rural-state-in-2010-as-urban-centers-grow-nationwide/

Maine was the most rural state in the nation in 2010, according to new data from the U.S. Census Bureau, even as the nationwide trend was toward a growth in urban populations.

According to the new data, 61.3 percent of Maine’s population lived in rural areas. “Rural areas” are all those that aren’t classified as “urban.” The Census Bureau views areas with populations of at least 2,500 as urban — though it differentiates between urban clusters (at least 2,500 people and less than 50,000) and urbanized areas (50,000 or more people).

Maine beat out Vermont as the most rural state. According to the Census Bureau, 61.1 percent of Vermont’s population lived in rural areas.

The rural nature of the state as evidenced by the new data has implications on a variety of areas in Maine, including spending on government services, infrastructure and other issues.

[GreenPartyVoter]

1. Yay, us? LOL First we're the grayest and now the most rural. (I know I qualify for both.)

[bluedigger]

2. Oldest, whitest, and now, most rural.

Maine is not exactly mainstream these days.

[Maine-ah]

3. we're certainly falling behind.

and we were about 10 years behind the rest of the states to begin with! No jobs, low wages, tourist industry...we're getting older, and poorer...welfare rolls are climbing. We are unsustainable at this rate.

[bluedigger]

5. That's it exactly.

The economy is unsustainable, and the population is adapting. There is no opportunity for growth for the young, and older generations are just hanging on.

[snooper2]

4. In 25 years nobody will be living there at all

LOL..