We surveyed 824 Mainers about life here. What comes next matters.

Maine Trust Launches Statewide Survey on Livability, Highlights Strengths and Gaps

The Maine Trust for Local News has released the first statewide snapshot of how Mainers feel about living and raising families in the state. In partnership with the Siena Research Institute, the organization conducted a 62‑question survey that reached 824 residents across Maine’s 16 counties.

The survey found that 75 percent of respondents say they feel positive about Maine as a place to raise children. Respondents cited safety, a strong sense of community and easy access to nature as the state’s biggest strengths. “We see the key to the study in the word progress,” said Siena Research Director Don Levy. “This is not a list of where Maine is struggling but rather a snapshot of affordability, livability and opportunity that can, by using the individual measures, point stakeholders and citizens toward setting collective goals to improve life chances for all Mainers.”

While the data highlight many positives, the survey also reveals areas where Maine falls short of national averages. In particular, respondents reported challenges with affordable housing, childcare and job opportunities. “In some categories, we fall below the national average, especially on access to housing, affordable childcare and job opportunities,” the Trust said in a statement released on its website.

The Maine Trust for Local News—publisher of the Kennebec Journal, Morning Sentinel, Portland Press Herald, Sun Journal and fifteen weekly papers—will use the survey to guide a series of feature stories over the coming weeks. The organization plans to focus on the housing crisis, the lack of affordable childcare and how rising living costs are affecting residents. “We hope to offer ideas on what can be done to help solve our state’s biggest problems,” the Trust added.

The survey is the first statewide effort of its kind in Maine. The Trust noted that it is partnering with Siena to pose a broad set of questions that can help residents, business leaders and policymakers identify specific areas for improvement. The data will be available to the public, and the Trust intends to conduct interviews with a range of participants to give the numbers a human face.

“Beyond capturing the current moment, we want to offer ideas on what can be done to help solve our state’s biggest problems,” the Trust’s executive editor Carolyn Fox said. “It’s an opportunity for politicians and business leaders to see what’s really on residents’ minds.”

The Maine Trust’s next step is to publish a deeper dive into each survey category. Readers will be able to see how different communities compare on issues like affordability, education, public safety and access to services. The Trust has already begun mapping the data and will release a “progress report” series that includes visual representations of the results.

The survey’s release comes at a time when many Mainers are concerned about the cost of living. Local officials and business leaders have called for action on housing shortages and childcare costs, citing the growing need to attract and retain a diverse workforce.

In its closing remarks, the Trust urged state leaders to take the findings seriously. “We have work to do in Maine. We will do our part. We hope others will do the same,” Fox said. The organization’s next articles will be posted on its website and in the newspapers it publishes, providing residents with a clearer picture of where Maine stands and what can be done to move it forward.