Study Ranks How Well Maine Would Fare if a Civil War Broke Out

Here in the Pine Tree State, we're knocking on wood that this hypothetical remains just that—a hypothetical. But it’s still interesting information, right?

Get our free mobile app

At first glance, you might not think Maine would fare well if a civil war ever broke out—but hear us out. We’re tough up here; Mainers can handle all four seasons, from harsh winters to humid summers, without missing a beat. Plus, we’re a state filled with hunters, and above all, we’re resourceful.

That said, who exactly is coming up with these rankings? And how do they even determine, or at least predict, how well Maine might fare in a civil war?

24/7 Wall St. recently released their study ‘This State Could Best Survive a Civil War: All 50 Ranked’ simplifying the complex factors that would determine a state’s ability to survive independently by focusing on three main metrics: population, GDP, and active military personnel. Using data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the Bureau of Economic Analysis, and World Population Review, 24/7 Wall St. ranked states on these metrics to create an overall score.

States were then arranged in ascending order based on their average rankings, allowing for a rough comparison of their viability as standalone nations.

While not a comprehensive analysis, this approach highlights which states have stronger assets for independence based on these key indicators.

So, now that the question's on the table: how is Maine projected to do if a civil war were to break out?

According to a study by 24/7 Wall St. titled ‘This State Could Best Survive a Civil War: All 50 Ranked,’ Maine unfortunately ranked very low—48th overall. Factors such as our international border with Canada and our Atlantic ports were highlighted, but they didn’t seem to work in our favor.

In summary, the numbers suggest Maine wouldn't fare well in a civil war. So, maybe let’s just skip the whole idea, shall we?

What do you think about 24/7 Wall St.’s ranking of Maine’s survival prospects in a civil war? Are you surprised by our placement? We'd love to hear your thoughts! Feel free to join the conversation by messaging us on the app.