Top takeaways from our new statewide survey on life in Maine

Maine Residents Express Mixed Feelings About Life in the State

A new survey conducted by the Maine Trust for Local News and the Siena Research Institute has shed light on how Mainers view their own state in 2026. The study, which gathered responses from 824 residents across Maine, paints a picture of a state that many still love, but that also faces significant challenges.

The Survey

The Maine Trust for Local News, a nonprofit that works to support independent journalism in the state, asked Siena Research Institute—best known for its work with The New York Times—to conduct a comprehensive poll. The questionnaire comprised 62 items that explored four key dimensions of life in Maine: affordability, livability, opportunity, and cultural assets.

The results are expected to be released in a series of articles over the next several weeks, with full data to be published at the end of the series. The Trust’s goal is to spark a conversation about the state’s trajectory and the issues that matter most to its residents.

Key Findings

A Mostly Positive View of Quality of Life

Three‑quarters of respondents described their local community’s quality of life as positive. The sentiment was strongest in southern Maine, where 84% of respondents—primarily from Cumberland and York counties—felt good about their living conditions. In contrast, only 68% of people in northern and western Maine reported the same level of satisfaction.

“What’s the best thing about living in Maine?” the survey asked. Respondents cited “a strong sense of community” and “the state’s natural beauty” as top reasons for their contentment. One participant noted, “It’s quiet, peaceful, and rural, but close enough to the city if you need one.” Another highlighted the “kind, supportive, welcoming people and businesses.”

Affordability: The Biggest Concern

Affordability emerged as the lowest-rated category among the four. High costs in housing, childcare, groceries, and fuel were cited as the main drivers behind this sentiment. The study found that 38% of respondents felt that life was getting somewhat worse or much worse—a figure almost twice the percentage that said life was improving.

The perception of economic strain is reflected in employment and business prospects. Only 45% of participants thought Maine was an excellent or good place to find suitable employment. A similar proportion—46%—felt that businesses could thrive in the state, and the same percentage rated healthcare availability positively.

Family Life and Youth Retention

Despite economic worries, a strong majority of respondents—75%—felt that Maine was an excellent or good place to raise children. The lack of certain amenities relative to other states was noted, but the sense of community and environment outweighed those concerns.

However, the survey also highlighted a notable issue: a significant number of respondents identified young adults leaving the state for education and higher‑paying jobs. One comment read, “Young adults often move out of state for higher education and higher income jobs.” Another echoed the affordability theme, noting that “the cost of living doesn’t match the salaries in Maine.”

Regional and Income Disparities

When respondents were broken down by region, those living in northern and Down East Maine tended to be more negative about life in the state. Lower‑income participants also reported a more unfavorable view across most categories. These disparities underscore the uneven distribution of benefits and challenges within the state.

Looking Ahead

The Maine Trust for Local News plans to dive deeper into the data in the coming weeks, sharing stories that feature the voices of participants from across the state. The full survey results will be made available at the end of the series, allowing interested parties to explore the data in detail.

“We hope you’ll read and become part of the conversation,” the Trust said in a release accompanying the study. “Understanding how people feel about living in Maine is the first step toward addressing the structural challenges that hold us back.”

For those interested in the full findings, the survey’s complete results will be published on the Maine Trust for Local News website in the near future. In the meantime, the data already offer a clear snapshot: Maine remains a place people love to call home, but its residents face significant hurdles in affordability, job prospects, and retaining young talent.

—Written by the Maine News Now editorial team