Maine is a massive state with a tiny population. Seriously, if you look at a map, it takes up nearly half of New England’s landmass, yet it’s home to fewer people than the city of Phoenix, Arizona. When people talk about maine cities by population, they usually expect a list of bustling metropolises.
Honestly? You’re mostly looking at charming, glorified towns that happen to have a "city" charter.
If you’ve lived here a while, you know the vibe. Portland is the undisputed heavy hitter, but the rest of the pack is shifting in ways that might surprise you. We’re seeing a weird mix of coastal "zoom towns" exploding with remote workers and older industrial hubs trying to reinvent themselves. Let’s look at who’s actually on top and why those numbers are changing as we move through 2026.
The Big Five: Maine Cities by Population in 2026
For decades, the rankings haven't moved much. Portland stays at the top, Lewiston and Bangor battle for second and third, and South Portland and Auburn round out the top five. But the gap between them is what's fascinating.
1. Portland
The king of the hill. Portland’s 2024 population was pegged at roughly 69,568, and projections for 2026 have it creeping closer to 70,000. It’s almost twice the size of the next city on the list.
Why? Because everyone wants to be here. Between the food scene, the tech startups, and the waterfront, it’s the only place in Maine that feels like a "real" city to outsiders. But there’s a catch. It’s expensive. Like, "San Francisco of the East" expensive (comparatively). This has led to a plateauing effect where people want to live in Portland but end up in Westbrook or Gorham instead.
2. Lewiston
Lewiston sits at approximately 38,898 residents. It’s a gritty, beautiful former mill city that has seen a massive demographic shift over the last twenty years. While other parts of Maine are some of the "oldest" in the country, Lewiston has a younger energy, largely thanks to a vibrant immigrant community that has revitalized the downtown area.
3. Bangor
Bangor is the gateway to the North. With a population of about 32,538, it’s the hub for everything from the Canadian border down to Midcoast. It’s the home of Stephen King, yes, but it’s also a massive service center for healthcare and retail. If you live in a tiny town in Aroostook County, Bangor is your "big city."
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4. South Portland
Essentially Portland’s more industrial, suburban sibling. It clocks in at around 27,082. It has the Maine Mall and the oil terminals, but it also has Willard Beach, which is basically the holy grail of neighborhood vibes. It’s growing steadily because it offers a slightly—and I mean slightly—more affordable alternative to Portland proper.
5. Auburn
The "other half" of the Twin Cities. Auburn has roughly 25,622 people. It’s geographically huge compared to its twin, Lewiston. While Lewiston is dense and urban, Auburn is sprawling and includes everything from a bustling retail strip to literal apple orchards. It’s been growing at a faster clip recently—about 0.83% annually—as people look for more land.
The "Towns" That Are Actually Cities
Here is where the maine cities by population data gets kind of wonky. In Maine, there is a legal difference between a city and a town, mostly based on the form of government.
Take Scarborough or Brunswick. By the numbers, they are bigger than most "cities" in Maine. Scarborough has over 24,000 people. Brunswick is sitting at 22,751. Yet, they are technically towns.
Then you have Westbrook. This place is the dark horse of Maine real estate. It’s currently one of the fastest-growing spots in the state, with an annual growth rate topping 3%. It just jumped over the 22,000 mark. It used to be just "that place with the paper mill," but now it’s the go-to destination for young professionals who are priced out of Portland. It’s got a brewery scene, a river walk, and a brand-new identity.
Why the Numbers Don't Tell the Whole Story
Maine’s population is seasonal. If you look at the census for Old Orchard Beach, it says there are about 9,500 people. Go there in July? There are 75,000 people.
The same goes for Bar Harbor or Wells. The permanent population is small, but the infrastructure has to support a "ghost population" of millions of tourists. When we look at population density, South Portland and Portland are the only places that feel crowded. Once you get past Augusta (the capital, which only has about 19,000 people), the space between neighbors starts to widen significantly.
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The Fastest Growing Spots You’ve Probably Ignored
If you’re looking at where the 2026 data is trending, keep your eyes on the "Ring Towns." These are the communities just outside the major hubs.
- Sanford: This city in York County is having a moment. It’s historically been a mill town that struggled after the industry left, but it’s currently one of the fastest-growing cities in the state. Why? Location. It’s a commutable distance to Portland, Portsmouth, and even Boston if you’re brave.
- Kittery: Growth here is wild. Between the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and the outlets, Kittery has become a magnet for high earners. Its population is pushing past 11,500 with a 2.3% growth rate.
- Gorham and Windham: These are the classic bedroom communities. They’ve both crossed the 18,000–20,000 threshold because people want the "Maine woods" feel while still being 20 minutes away from a Starbucks in Portland.
What's Driving the Change?
Maine used to be a place people left. For decades, the "brain drain" was the biggest political talking point in the state.
That changed around 2020.
High-speed internet (even in the sticks) and the rise of remote work turned Maine from a vacation destination into a permanent home for thousands of out-of-staters. We’re seeing a "gentrification of the woods." This has pushed the maine cities by population rankings into a bit of a frenzy.
The demand for housing in cities like Biddeford (population ~22,000) has skyrocketed. Biddeford used to be a place people avoided; now, its old mills are full of luxury lofts and award-winning bakeries. But this growth is lopsided. While the southern coast is booming, northern cities like Presque Isle and Caribou are actually seeing slight declines or stagnation.
It's a "Two Maines" situation. The South is getting crowded and expensive, while the North is fighting to keep its younger generation from moving to the South.
Actionable Insights for Moving or Investing in Maine
If you're looking at these population numbers because you want to move or buy property, you need to look at density and growth rates, not just the total count.
Watch the "Westbrook Effect"
Any city within a 15-minute drive of Portland is a safe bet for value, but the "sweet spot" has moved. Look toward Saco and Biddeford. They have the infrastructure of established cities but are still catching up to Portland's price points.
Don't ignore the "Towns"
Don't get hung up on the "City" label. Places like Windham and Falmouth have more amenities and higher tax bases than half the official cities in the state.
Consider the Service Hubs
If you want stability, Bangor and Augusta are the way to go. They aren't "trendy" in the way Portland is, but they are the centers of government and healthcare. They don't see the massive swings in population or housing prices that the coast does.
Check the Infrastructure
Maine's biggest hurdle isn't land—it's utilities. A city might have a growing population, but if the sewer system is at capacity or the power grid is shaky, that growth will hit a wall. Always check the local municipal reports on "capacity for growth" before putting money down in a rising town.
Maine is changing. It’s no longer just a retirement community or a summer playground. The 2026 data shows a state that is finally densifying, even if it’s doing so with a stubborn, Maine-style reluctance. Keep an eye on those mid-sized cities; that’s where the real story of the state’s future is being written.
To get a true sense of a city's trajectory, look beyond the raw census count and examine the "Building Permits" section of the Maine Department of Administrative and Financial Services (DAFS) reports. This will show you exactly where the new rooftops are going up—and where the next population spike is likely to hit before the official census catches up.