Downtown Kennebunkport, looking toward Dock Square

Kennebunkport is a town in York County, Maine, United States. The population was 3,720 at the 2000 census.

The town center located along the Kennebunk River, approximately one mile (1.5 km) from the mouth of the river on the ocean. Historically a shipbuilding and fishing village, for well over a century the town has been a popular seaside tourist destination. Kennebunkport has a small district of souvenir shops, art galleries, seafood restaurants, and bed and breakfasts. Its reputation as an upscale community comes from the numerous large seaside estates along Ocean Avenue and other coastal thoroughfares. In the summer months, many wealthy people from across the Northeast vacation in Kennebunkport and nearby Goose Rocks Beach. It is regarded as one of the most expensive vacation areas in the Northeast. During the fall, Kennebunkport is a frequent stop for tour buses showing visitors the famous New England fall colors. Kennebunkport and neighboring Kennebunk comprise Maine School Administrative District 71.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 56.9 km² (22.0 mi²). 53.4 km² (20.6 mi²) of it is land and 3.5 km² (1.4 mi²) of it (6.19%) is water.

Summer home of the Bush family

Main article: Bush compound

Kennebunk is known as the location of the summer home of former U.S. president George H. W. Bush. It is the location of Walker's Point, the summer residence of former U.S. President George H. W. Bush, the father of President George W. Bush. First built by Bush's grandfather George Herbert Walker, it has been a family home ever since, and has been owned by Bush since shortly after he became Vice President in the 1980s. During his presidency, Bush often invited world leaders, from Margaret Thatcher to Mikhail Gorbachev, to Kennebunkport. In 2007, his son George W. Bush invited Vladimir Putin (in June) and Nicolas Sarkozy (on August 11).

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there were 3,720 people, 1,615 households, and 1,091 families residing in the town. The population density was 69.7/km² (180.4/mi²). There were 2,555 housing units at an average density of 47.8/km² (123.9/mi²). The racial makeup of the town was 98.49% White, 0.22% Black or African American, 0.16% Native American, 0.48% Asian, 0.08% Pacific Islander, 0.08% from other races, and 0.48% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.62% of the population.

There were 1,615 households out of which 24.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.1% were married couples living together, 6.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.4% were non-families. 27.4% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.30 and the average family size was 2.78.

In the town the population was spread out with 20.5% under the age of 18, 4.4% from 18 to 24, 23.7% from 25 to 44, 32.3% from 45 to 64, and 19.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46 years. For every 100 females there were 88.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.3 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $54,219, and the median income for a family was $66,505. Males had a median income of $43,125 versus $34,028 for females. The per capita income for the town was $36,707. About 1.7% of families and 4.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.4% of those under age 18 and 1.4% of those age 65 or over.

Gallery

South Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, on Temple Street

Our Forebears of the Coast by Frank Handlen on the river green in Kennebunkport

Boats on the Kennebunk River between Kennebunk and Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport city limit sign. Taken by Tim Davis

See also

• Kennebunkport (CDP), Maine
• Kennebunk, Maine

External links

• Official Town website

Coordinates: 43°21′42″N, 70°28′36″W

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