Belfast, ME Demographics

Overview of Belfast Demographics

The demographics of Belfast offer invaluable insights into the composition, dynamics and needs of both urban and rural areas, empowering planners, developers and policymakers to foster prosperity, equity, and well-being for all residents. With a population of 6,710, Belfast exhibits a population density of 197 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 91. The median age stands at 59, with 63% of individuals aged 15 or older being married and 25% having children under 18. In terms of income equality in Belfast, 18% of households report a median income below $25,000, while 17% report an income exceeding $150,000, showcasing a diverse economic landscape.

Belfast Racial Demographics & Ethnicity

Recognizing the racial demographics and ethnicity breakdown of Belfast is pivotal for addressing systemic inequities, championing social justice and inclusion and fostering resilient communities. In Belfast, the racial breakdown comprises 92.9% White, 1.3% Black or African American, 0% Asian, 0.5% American Indian, and 0% Native Hawaiian, with 0.6% of the population identifying as Hispanic or Latino. 96.8% of households reported speaking English only, while 0% reported speaking Spanish only. Furthermore, 3.9% of residents were categorized as foreign-born.

Belfast Population Density

Areas with lower than average population density like Belfast, could offer a more relaxed pace of life, closer connection to nature, extraordinary sense of community, greater affordability and tend to be safer, making them attractive options for those seeking a quieter, more peaceful lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle of urban living. These areas often have a lower cost of living, with housing prices that are typically more affordable and residents may also benefit from lower taxes, living expenses and insurance rates. Low population density areas also tend to have lower crime rates compared to densely populated urban areas. This can contribute to a greater sense of safety and security for residents and their families. The Belfast population density is 197 people per square mile, which is lower than 50% of the cities across the country, putting it in a position to take advantage of all these great benefits.

Is Belfast Family Friendly?

Belfast, characterized by a reduced population of children, offers several advantages suited to a demographic where families with fewer or no children seek an ideal living environment. These benefits may include a serene atmosphere, an increased emphasis on amenities tailored for adults, decreased traffic congestion and improved affordability. Importantly, one of the key advantages could be the broader availability of housing options designed to cater to adult residents or smaller households. This may encompass various housing types like condominiums, apartments, or single-family homes tailored for couples or individuals without children, providing a diverse range of choices for prospective buyers or renters. Areas with fewer children may also indicate suitability for retirees or seniors. In Belfast, only 25% of the population have children under 18 years old, significantly lower than the national average. Moreover, 63% of residents aged over 15 are married. These demographic trends could suggest a favorable landscape for leveraging the advantages of a city with fewer children.

Why are Demographics Important?

Understanding Populations: Reporting and analyzing the demographic data in Belfast can allow us to gain insights into the characteristics and composition of populations, including age, gender, race, ethnicity, income, education and other socio-economic factors. This understanding is essential for addressing the diverse needs, preferences and challenges of different demographic groups within communities. Demographics can play a crucial role in understanding populations, informing decision-making processes and promoting equity, inclusion, and well-being for all individuals and communities. Belfast population data serves as a foundation for addressing social, economic, and environmental challenges and promoting the well-being and resilience of societies.

Education Allocation: Belfast demographics can play a pivotal role in guiding education planning, offering insights into student demographics, school enrollment patterns, and educational requirements. This data aids schools and policymakers in resource allocation and the development of effective educational programs. It serves as a critical tool for identifying disparities in educational access and outcomes among diverse demographic groups, such as racial and ethnic minorities, socio-economic status, and students with disabilities. Through the disaggregation of data by demographic factors, education planners can pinpoint areas of inequity and implement targeted interventions to enhance access, support, and outcomes for marginalized students. Ultimately, Belfast demographic data is indispensable in education for advancing equity, fostering student achievement, and cultivating inclusive learning environments tailored to the needs of all students.

Urban Development: Urban planners could use Belfast demographic data to design and create areas that accommodate the needs of residents, including housing, transportation and public services, while promoting sustainability and quality of life. Demographic shifts can contribute to gentrification and neighborhood change in urban or rural areas. As neighborhoods attract new residents with different income levels and lifestyle preferences, property values may rise, leading to displacement of long-time residents and changes in the character and identity of the neighborhood. Understanding population density, age distribution, household size and income levels helps inform decisions related to zoning, transportation infrastructure, housing development and public amenities. Lastly, using Belfast demographics for planning and development of affordable housing can help prevent displacement.