Bangor
cityBangor, Maine, is a city located in Penobscot County, serving as its county seat. Situated on the Penobscot River, it is the third-most populous city in Maine, with a population of approximately 32,809 in 2026. Known as the "Queen City," Bangor blends urban amenities with a small-town atmosphere, offering a mix of historical charm and modern services. Bangor's economy is diverse, with key sectors including healthcare, retail, education, and services. Major institutions such as Eastern Maine Medical Center, Husson University, and Bangor International Airport contribute significantly to the city's economic stability. The city has a rich history in lumber and shipbuilding, which shaped its early development and architectural character. Bangor is distinctive for its historical significance as the "Lumber Capital of the World" in the 19th century, its well-preserved Greek Revival and Victorian architecture, and its location on the Penobscot River. The city offers a high quality of life with access to outdoor recreation, cultural attractions, and a welcoming community.
Bangor, Maine
- Classification
- City
- FIPS Code
- 23-02795
- Country
- United States
- County
- Penobscot County
- Region
- Penobscot Valley
- Total Area
- 34.59 sq mi
- Land Area
- 34.26 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0.33 sq mi
- Latitude
- 44.8
- Longitude
- -68.8
- Climate
- Humid continental climate with cold winters and warm summers.
- Notable Features
- Penobscot River · Kenduskeag Stream
- Neighboring Areas
- Brewer
- Population (2020)
- 31,753
- Est. Population (2026)
- 32,809
- Median Age
- 41
- Median Income
- $59,942
- Poverty Rate
- 17.87%
- Family Households
- 47.3%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial composition of Bangor includes 88.34% White, 2.99% Black or African American, 1.68% Asian, and smaller percentages for Native American, other race, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander and multiracial populations.
- Government Type
- Mayor-Council
- Governing Body
- City Council
- Body Size
- 9 members
- School District
- Bangor School Department
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire · Public Works · Parks & Recreation
- Unemployment Rate
- 4.9%
- Economic Profile
- Commercial · Retail · Service
- Employment Sectors
- Healthcare · Retail · Education · Services
- Major Employers
- Eastern Maine Medical Center · Husson University · Bangor International Airport
- Students
- 3,434
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 13:1
- School Districts
- Bangor Public Schools
- Colleges & Universities
- Husson University · University of Maine at Augusta (Bangor campus) · Eastern Maine Community College · Bangor Theological Seminary
- Transportation
- Interstate access · Highways · Bangor International Airport
- Utilities
- Municipal water · Sewer · Storm drainage
- Major Facilities
- Hospital · Airport
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Bangor City Forest · Parks along Penobscot River
- Parks & Trails
- Bangor City Forest · Parks and trail systems
- Founded
- 1769
- Incorporated
- 1791
- Named After
- Likely named after a Welsh hymn tune.
- Historical Significance
- Significant as a major lumber port and shipbuilding center in the 19th century.
- Key Events
- European settlement began in 1769. · Became a major lumber port in the 19th century. · Briefly held by the British during the War of 1812.




