While Maine and New Hampshire share many similarities, we’re here to answer the question: which state has more people?

WQCB Brewer Maine logo
Get our free mobile app

Maine and New Hampshire might have a pretty intense college hockey rivalry (Go Black Bears!), but when you look closer, the two states are more alike than different—they’re practically siblings.

Credit: Canva / Getty Stock
Credit: Canva / Getty Stock
loading...

So, how do we determine and confirm which of these two New England states has the larger population?

We used the U.S. Census Bureau's population estimates for July 1st, 2024 to determine whether Maine or New Hampshire has a larger population. These estimates are updated annually and build upon the April 1st, 2020, census base, which may be adjusted for factors like corrections, geographic updates, and alternate data sources. For more details on the process, refer to the ‘Scope and Methodology’ section provided by the Census Bureau.

Credit: Canva / Getty Stock
Credit: Canva / Getty Stock
loading...

Before diving into the estimates for today, what did the official numbers look like at the last census count?

According to the 2020 Census, Maine's population on April 1st, 2020, was 1,362,359. Meanwhile, New Hampshire's population on the same date was 1,377,529. Very close! But what do the numbers look like half a decade later?

Credit: Canva / Getty Stock
Credit: Canva / Getty Stock
loading...

Alright, which state is estimated to have more people in 2025: Maine or New Hampshire?

Maine has an estimated 1,405,012 people, while New Hampshire has 1,409,032. Although the numbers are close, New Hampshire edges out Maine by a few thousand residents.

Credit: Canva / Getty Stock
Credit: Canva / Getty Stock
loading...

Well, there it is—by the slimmest of margins, New Hampshire is estimated to have more people than Maine.

What are your thoughts on this? Does this surprise you? We’d love to hear from you! Join the conversation by messaging us on the app.

Credit: Canva / Getty Stock
Credit: Canva / Getty Stock
loading...

LOOK: Here are the pets banned in each state

Because the regulation of exotic animals is left to states, some organizations, including The Humane Society of the United States, advocate for federal, standardized legislation that would ban owning large cats, bears, primates, and large poisonous snakes as pets.

Read on to see which pets are banned in your home state, as well as across the nation.

Gallery Credit: Elena Kadvany

LOOK: This Is the Signature Sandwich From Each State

Stacker researched staple sandwiches—the kind that makes residents proud—and highlighted one from each state that everyone should try.

Gallery Credit: Stacker

The 5 Best Places to Retire in Maine

In a recent publication, the personal finance website Insider Monkey has determined the best places in America to retire; additionally, Insider Monkey has also broken it down state-by-state, including in our Pine Tree State.

Gallery Credit: Jordan Verge

Here Are the 10 Best Cities for Singles in Maine for 2024

HomeSnacks recently released their list of 'The 10 Best Cities for Singles in Maine for 2024,' ranking cities based on factors such as population density, median age, and the number of unmarried residents. Keep reading to find out which cities in Maine are the absolute best for those without a wedding ring!

Gallery Credit: Jordan Verge

The Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles in Maine

It's very possible that the car you're driving around every day is one of the most targeted vehicles in our Pine Tree State to steal, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau.

Gallery Credit: Jordan Verge

More From WQCB Brewer Maine