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HOME > DEPARTMENTS > CITY PLANNER Population statistics Population growth appears to be much slower than it was in the 1980s in this region. While numbers specifically for Saco are hard to come by, the Census Bureau's York County growth rate should be fairly close to Saco's. From 1980 to 1990 York County's population grew over 17 percent, as did the City of Saco's. In the five years ending July 1995, the Census estimates that York County population grew 3.9 percent. If Saco's 1990 population of 15,181 grew at a similar rate to the county, the City may now have about 15,800 people. SMRPC estimated 15,600 at the end of 1995. 15,700 to 15,800 is our best guess for now. The Planning Department, 282-3487, would be glad to try to answer your questions about Saco's demographics.
Census Information Saco did increase its population from 1980 to 1990 by a greater percentage than any of the other 20 cities in Maine. However, with 17.5 percent population growth for the decade, the city grew at a slightly slower rate than York County as a whole. Some nineteen of York County's 34 communities grew faster, including Kennebunk, 21 percent, Old Orchard Beach, 24 percent, and South Berwick, 45 percent. At times Saco's growth seemed much faster. One large spurt came in 1986 through 1988. Houses, apartments and condos seemed to be going up everywhere. In fact, the city added 30 percent more dwelling units in the 10 year period. Why 30 percent more houses for 17.5 percent more people? More houses are serving fewer people. The size of the average household in Saco dropped from 2.8 persons to 2.5 persons. That means fewer children in families, more one-parent households, and more one person households. Some 1,389 people, or 23 percent, live along, including 498 women over 65. Also, the number of elderly, who tend to have small households, has grown. In 1990 there were 860 people over 75 compared to 650 10 years earlier, a 32 percent increase. The number of Saco's youngest residents is growing, as well. Children under five numbered 1,050 in 1990, compared to 820 in 1980, but still below 1970's 1,057. Saco has 2,619 children between five and 17 years. The median age for all residents is 33.5 years. Saco's population density is 394 persons per square mile, lower than Old Orchard Beach, Biddeford, Sanford, and Kittery, but higher than all of the other towns in the county. West of the Turnpike 3,106 people live in 25.3 square miles, or 123 people per square mile. The Route 1 corridor has approximately 1,200 people in 5.5 square miles, about 219 persons per square mile. The Ferry Road and Beach area has approximately 1,967 in 3.6 square miles, or 546 people per square mile. Downtown (bounded by the river, Old Orchard Road, I-195 and the Turnpike), approximately 8,900 people live in 4.5 square miles, with a population density of 1,978 persons per square mile. (prepared immediately after release of 1990 census.)
Population history of Saco, Maine. |
Services • Get a form • Pay city bills • Register your car • Register your snowmobile • Get a fishing license • Pay traffic violations • Search marriage/death archives Information • Find your ward • Telephone numbers • More information  GIS MAPPING You can now research property lots through the city's Geographic Information System (GIS) maps. Just follow this link. Note: This will take you off the City of Saco website. |