Moving to West Paris, Maine

West Paris is a small town in western Maine with a population of approximately 1,000 people. Geographically, the town sits on a hill overlooking the Androscoggin River and is surrounded by lush green hills and forests. The climate in West Paris is typically humid continental with cold winters and hot summers. In terms of history, the area has been inhabited since the 1600s when it was first settled by Europeans. The town was incorporated in 1812 and has remained relatively unchanged since then. Politically, West Paris is part of Oxford County and is represented at the state level by both Democrats and Republicans.

The economy of West Paris is largely based on farming and lumbering, but there are also small businesses located throughout the area. There are several schools located in the area including a high school, middle school, elementary school, and a technical college. The town is home to a few landmarks, including the historic West Paris Town Hall and the old West Paris Church. Additionally, there are several parks in the area, including a popular hiking trail that winds through the hills surrounding the town.

Population: 1,722. Estimated population in July 2024: 1,705 (-1.0% change)
Males: 820 (47.6%), Females: 902 (52.4%)

Oxford County

Demographics

Median resident age: 39.8 years
Median household income: $30,000
Median house value: $76,600

Population by Race

Races in West Paris:

• White Non-Hispanic (98.4%)
• American Indian (0.8%)
• Two or more races (0.8%)

Ancestries: English (27.7%), Irish (14.0%), United States (9.9%), French (6.7%), German (5.1%), French Canadian (4.3%).

Elevation: 486 feet

Population by Education

West Paris is a small town located in Oxford County, Maine. Its population was 2,367 at the 2020 census. The population is predominantly white and the median age is 43 years old. The median household income is $50,944 and the poverty rate is 8.5%. West Paris is home to many small businesses and there are several large employers such as Walmart, Shaw’s Supermarket, and Hannaford’s. There are also many family-owned stores that have been around for generations, such as the local hardware store and the general store. The town has a public library, two churches, a post office, and two schools: West Paris Elementary School and Oxford Hills Middle School. There are also several parks in town where people can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking or fishing. There are also a few historical sites in town such as the old schoolhouse which was built in 1867 or the West Paris Congregational Church which dates back to 1814. Despite its small size, West Paris has something for everyone with its various attractions and amenities that make it an attractive place to live or visit.

For population 25 years and over in West Paris

• High school or higher: 73.7%
• Bachelor’s degree or higher: 8.2%
• Graduate or professional degree: 3.1%
• Unemployed: 5.5%
• Mean travel time to work: 26.6 minutes

For population 15 years and over in West Paris town

• Never married: 21.0%
• Now married: 54.4%
• Separated: 1.2%
• Widowed: 11.1%
• Divorced: 12.4%

1.6% Foreign born

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near West Paris:

• STEPHENS MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (about 7 miles; NORWAY, ME)
• RUMFORD HOSPITAL (about 15 miles; RUMFORD, ME)
• RUMFORD HOSPITAL (about 15 miles; RUMFORD, ME)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to West Paris:

• PORTLAND INTL JETPORT (about 52 miles; PORTLAND, ME; Abbreviation: PWM)
• BRUNSWICK NAS (about 54 miles; BRUNSWICK, ME; Abbreviation: NHZ)
• PEASE INTERNATIONAL TRADEPORT (about 89 miles; PORTSMOUTH, NH; Abbreviation: PSM)

Other public-use airports nearest to West Paris:

• OXFORD COUNTY REGIONAL (about 15 miles; OXFORD, ME; Abbreviation: 81B)
• BETHEL REGIONAL (about 17 miles; BETHEL, ME; Abbreviation: 0B1)
• SWANS FLD (about 18 miles; DIXFIELD, ME; Abbreviation: 3S2)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to West Paris:

• SAINT JOSEPHS COLLEGE (about 39 miles; STANDISH, ME; Full-time enrollment: 2,376)
• UNIVERSITY OF MAINE AT FARMINGTON (about 40 miles; FARMINGTON, ME; Full-time enrollment: 2,229)
• UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MAINE (about 49 miles; PORTLAND, ME; Full-time enrollment: 7,381)
• UNIVERSITY OF MAINE AT AUGUSTA (about 57 miles; AUGUSTA, ME; Full-time enrollment: 3,172)
• UNIVERSITY OF NEW ENGLAND-UNIVERSITY CAMPUS (about 59 miles; BIDDEFORD, ME; Full-time enrollment: 2,251)
• PLYMOUTH STATE COLLEGE (about 84 miles; PLYMOUTH, NH; Full-time enrollment: 3,542)
• UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE-MAIN CAMPUS (about 87 miles; DURHAM, NH; Full-time enrollment: 12,586)

Public primary/middle schools in West Paris:

• AGNES GRAY SCHOOL (Students: 104; Location: 170 MAIN STREET; Grades: 02 – 06)
• LEGION MEMORIAL SCHOOL (Students: 33; Location: 20 KINGSBURY STREET; Grades: KG – 01)

Libraries

Library in West Paris:

• WEST PARIS PUBLIC LIBRARY (Operating income: $6,558; Location: 226 MAIN STREET; 9,314 books; 45 audio materials; 115 video materials; 25 serial subscriptions)