While Maine is known for its peaceful coastal towns and scenic beauty, not every place shares the same level of development or wealth. Some small towns face serious economic challenges, and recent reports have highlighted one such place that stands out.
As of 2025, Perry, a small town in Washington County, has been officially named the poorest town in Maine based on the latest census and community data. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Perry, the factors behind its poverty ranking, and how it compares with other towns in the state.
Perry: The Poorest Town in Maine
Perry is a town with about 1,492 residents and is located in the eastern part of Maine, near the Canadian border. Despite its natural charm and scenic surroundings, Perry is facing tough economic conditions.
According to recent data, around 35.1% of Perry’s population lives below the poverty line. This is the highest poverty rate of any town in Maine, making Perry the poorest based on the percentage of residents struggling financially.
Other Towns with High Poverty Rates
Perry is not the only town in Maine facing economic struggles. Two other nearby towns in Washington County also show high levels of poverty:
Lubec: About 33.7% of residents live below the poverty line
Danforth: About 33.1% of residents live in poverty
Although these towns have beautiful landscapes and tight-knit communities, the poverty rates show that many families are finding it difficult to afford basic needs like food, healthcare, housing, and education.
Why Are These Towns So Poor?
There are many reasons small towns like Perry are facing poverty:
Lack of job opportunities: Many industries have moved out or don’t exist in these areas.
Remote location: Being far from big cities makes it harder to attract businesses.
Aging population: Many younger people move away for work, leaving behind a senior population with limited income.
Limited access to healthcare and education: Services are often harder to reach in rural areas.
These issues make it difficult for towns to grow economically or support struggling families.
What About Other Poor Cities in Maine?
In the past, places like Lewiston and Machias have also been mentioned in poverty reports. These are larger towns or cities where more people may live below the poverty line in total numbers, even if the percentage is lower than in Perry.
The recent 2025 data, however, focuses on poverty rates based on percentage, and that’s why Perry currently holds the title as the poorest town in Maine.
Perry, Maine, may be rich in natural beauty, but the economic reality for many of its residents is difficult. With over a third of the population living in poverty, Perry faces serious challenges.
While it shares these struggles with other rural towns like Lubec and Danforth, it currently ranks as the town with the highest poverty rate in the state.
Understanding these issues can help bring more attention and support to communities like Perry. It also shows how important it is to look beyond the surface when thinking about life in small American towns.
[1] https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/trip-ideas/maine/10-poorest-towns-me
[2] https://92moose.fm/is-this-maines-poorest-town/
[3] https://247wallst.com/income/2025/02/25/once-symbols-of-american-prosperity-these-cities-have-fallen-into-poverty/
