Wells, Maine Population, Hospitals, Airports, and Schools
Wells, Maine is a small coastal town located in the state of Maine. The city has a population of just over 10,000 people and covers an area of 24 square miles. The topography of the area is mostly flat with some hills and valleys. Wells lies on the eastern seaboard and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east, New Hampshire to the south, and New York to the west.
The climate in Wells is typical for Maine with cold winters and mild summers. Average temperatures range from lows in the 20s during winter months to highs in the 70s during summer months. Precipitation is abundant throughout all seasons with snowfall occurring during winter months.
The history of Wells dates back to 1605 when it was first settled by Europeans. It was incorporated as a town in 1763 and has since been home to many seafaring families who have made their living from fishing, farming, trade, and tourism.
Politics in Wells are dominated by two main political parties: Democrats and Republicans. In recent years, Democrats have held sway over local elections due mainly to their support for progressive policies such as same-sex marriage and renewable energy initiatives.
The economy of Wells has historically been dependent on fishing, farming, trade, tourism, and manufacturing industries such as textiles and furniture making. More recently there has been an increase in service-based businesses such as restaurants, retail stores, medical services, etc., which have helped diversify the local economy and bring more jobs into the area.
Wells is home to several schools including Wells Elementary School (K-5), Wells Junior High School (6-8), Wells High School (9-12), York County Community College (2 year degree programs) ,and York County Technical College (career training programs). All schools are well maintained with modern facilities that encourage student learning success both academically and socially.
Notable landmarks in Wells include The Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge which protects over 5500 acres of salt marsh habitat along Maine’s coast; Emily’s Bridge which spans across Branch Brook; Old Orchard Beach Pier which stretches out over 500 feet into the ocean; Moody’s Diner Museum which houses vintage cars from 1920’s through 1940’s; Laudholm Farms which offers educational programs about sustainable agriculture; Rachel Carson Homestead which offers tours about her life’s work; Ogunquit Playhouse which produces live shows throughout summer season; Footbridge Beach Park that provides access to miles of sandy beach shoreline; Marginal Way path offering stunning views along its one mile stretch overlooking Atlantic Ocean; Mount Agamenticus one of highest peaks in southern Maine offering hiking trails with breathtaking views at its summit; Mount A where visitors can take part in skiing or snowboarding activities during winter season; Moody Beach State Park ideal for camping or beach activities throughout summer season.
Population: 9,400. Estimated population in July 2024: 10,088 (+7.3% change)
Males: 4,575 (48.7%), Females: 4,825 (51.3%)
York County
Demographics
Median resident age: 43.3 years
Median household income: $46,314
Median house value: $151,200
Population by Race
Races in Wells:
- White Non-Hispanic (97.8%)
- Two or more races (0.8%)
- Hispanic (0.6%)
- American Indian (0.6%)
Ancestries: English (21.8%), Irish (17.5%), French (11.6%), French Canadian (8.5%), German (7.4%), United States (7.2%).
Elevation: 69 feet
Population by Education
Wells, Maine is a small town located in York County on the southern coast of Maine. The population of Wells is approximately 10,000 people. The majority of the population is white (87%), with a small percentage of African American (4%) and Hispanic (3%) residents. There is also a small Asian population (2%). The median age in Wells is 43, which is slightly higher than the national average. The median household income in Wells is $50,819, which is slightly below the national average.
The town of Wells has seen an influx of young families over recent years as they look to take advantage of the lower cost of living and access to beaches and other outdoor activities that the area provides. This has resulted in an increase in school enrollment and also an increase in housing prices as demand increases for properties close to the beach or nearby attractions like Ogunquit or Kennebunkport.
The town also has a strong sense of community spirit with many local events throughout the year such as weekly farmers markets, summer festivals and holiday parades. There are several churches located throughout town that provide spiritual guidance for those looking for it as well as plenty of outdoor activities like golfing, fishing and camping nearby to keep everyone entertained. In addition to these things, there are many restaurants and shops located throughout downtown that offer everything from seafood dishes to antiques for sale.
For population 25 years and over in Wells
- High school or higher: 92.0%
- Bachelor’s degree or higher: 29.1%
- Graduate or professional degree: 9.3%
- Unemployed: 4.6%
- Mean travel time to work: 26.2 minutes
For population 15 years and over in Wells town
- Never married: 21.4%
- Now married: 60.6%
- Separated: 0.3%
- Widowed: 6.4%
- Divorced: 11.3%
2.9% Foreign born (2.0% Europe, 0.4% North America).
Hospitals
Hospitals/medical centers near Wells:
- YORK HOSPITAL (about 13 miles; YORK, ME)
- SOUTHERN MAINE MEDICAL CENTER (about 14 miles; BIDDEFORD, ME)
- HENRIETTA D GOODALL HOSPITAL (about 14 miles; SANFORD, ME)
Airports
Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Wells:
- PEASE INTERNATIONAL TRADEPORT (about 24 miles; PORTSMOUTH, NH; Abbreviation: PSM)
- PORTLAND INTL JETPORT (about 29 miles; PORTLAND, ME; Abbreviation: PWM)
- BRUNSWICK NAS (about 60 miles; BRUNSWICK, ME; Abbreviation: NHZ)
Other public-use airports nearest to Wells:
- SANFORD REGIONAL (about 10 miles; SANFORD, ME; Abbreviation: SFM)
- BIDDEFORD MUNI (about 12 miles; BIDDEFORD, ME; Abbreviation: B19)
- LITTLEBROOK AIR PARK (about 19 miles; ELIOT, ME; Abbreviation: 3B4)
Amtrak station:
WELLS (696 SANFORD ST.). Services: ticket office, enclosed waiting area.
Colleges and Universities
Colleges/Universities in Wells:
- YORK COUNTY TECHNICAL COLLEGE (Full-time enrollment: 337; Location: 112 COLLEGE DR; Public; Website: www.yctc.net)
- SEACOAST WORKS BUSINESS SCHOOL (Full-time enrollment: 11; Location: ABENAKI PROFESSIONAL PK STE B3; Private, for-profit; Website: seacoastworks.com)
Colleges and Universities
Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Wells:
- UNIVERSITY OF NEW ENGLAND-UNIVERSITY CAMPUS (about 14 miles; BIDDEFORD, ME; Full-time enrollment: 2,251)
- UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE-MAIN CAMPUS (about 30 miles; DURHAM, NH; Full-time enrollment: 12,586)
- SAINT JOSEPHS COLLEGE (about 31 miles; STANDISH, ME; Full-time enrollment: 2,376)
- UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MAINE (about 33 miles; PORTLAND, ME; Full-time enrollment: 7,381)
- NORTHERN ESSEX COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 51 miles; HAVERHILL, MA; Full-time enrollment: 3,388)
- MERRIMACK COLLEGE (about 58 miles; NORTH ANDOVER, MA; Full-time enrollment: 2,384)
- NORTH SHORE COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 58 miles; DANVERS, MA; Full-time enrollment: 3,663)
Schools
Public high school in Wells:
- WELLS HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 518; Location: 222 SANFORD RD PO BOX 579; Grades: 09 – 12)
Public primary/middle schools in Wells:
- WELLS JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 485; Location: 1470 POST RD PO BOX 310; Grades: 05 – 08)
- WELLS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 463; Location: 276 SANFORD RD PO BOX 429; Grades: KG – 04)
Libraries
Library in Wells:
- WELLS PUBLIC LIBRARY (Operating income: $213,810; Location: 1434 POST ROAD; 38,798 books; 790 audio materials; 815 video materials; 115 serial subscriptions)