Measures of Growth
Since 1994, MDF’s annual Measures of Growth has tracked 25+ indicators that provide a comprehensive snapshot of how Maine’s economy is faring.
Each year, MDF works with the Maine Economic Growth Council to develop the Measures of Growth Report. The indicators included collectively support the idea that Maine’s quality of life depends upon a vibrant and sustainable economy, thriving communities, and a healthy environment. Past performance and current conditions inform the establishment of future benchmarks for each indicator that are aspirational, potentially attainable and against which we can measure our collective progress.
For 2021, the Council assigns Gold Stars for significant progress in:
We assign Red Flags for needed attention to:
Fundamental Performance Indicators
Gender Income Equity-4%
In 2019, women’s average earnings fell 4% further behind men’s earnings, to 80%.
Gross Domestic Product-4%
Maine’s GDP fell 4% in 2020, mirroring declines elsewhere in the U.S.
Labor Force Participation (New)-2%
In 2020, 60.5% of Maine adults were in the labor force, down 2 percentage points.
Poverty+1%
In 2019, poverty fell about 1%. Official 2020 estimates are not yet available.
Racial/Ethnic Income Equity+2%
In 2015-2019, the average incomes of BIPOC*and Latino or Hispanic Mainers rose but remained 37% below White Mainers, dramatically short of full equity. *Black, Indigenous, People of Color
Value-Added+2%
In 2020, value-added per worker rose 2%, but remained 25% below the U.S. average.
Wages+10%
In 2020, average wages rose 10%, but may be distorted because many low-wage jobs were lost due to COVID.
Environment
Air Quality+2 Days
In 2020, there were 26 moderately unhealthy days, slightly worse than last year.
Sustainable Forest Lands-8%
In 2019, the growth-to-harvest ratio fell 8% but remained well above the sustainability goal, at 1.27.
Water Quality0%
Maine’s water quality remains high but no new data have been released since 2016.
Economy
Cost of Energy-3¢
The price of industrial electricity fell 0.3¢/kWh in 2020 but still exceeds the U.S. average.
Cost of Health Care-0.7%
In 2020, health care spending dropped to 17.3% of total expenditures, but above-average health care costs are a continuing challenge for Maine.
Eighth-Grade Math-2%
The share of 8th graders proficient in math dropped slightly and has remained below 40% for decades.
Entrepreneurship (New)+4%
In 2019, the number of business starts exceeded closures by 4%.
Fourth-Grade Reading0%
In 2019, the share of 4th graders proficient in reading remained at 36%.
International Exports-14%
In 2020, Maine’s exports fell 14%, similar to the national decline of 13%.
Postsecondary Degrees and Credentials+2%
In 2019, 53% of Mainers had a degree or a professional credential, up 2% from 2018 but still below the New England average of 58%.
Prekindergarten Education+2%
In 2020-21, the share of schools with a pre-K program rose from 77% to 79%.
Community
Broadband Connectivity
COVID highlighted the critical need for high-speed internet but new data show just 18% of Maine locations have access to high-speed service (100 Mbps/100 Mbps).
Food Security-0.6%
In 2018-2020, Mainers experiencing food insecurity fell 0.6% to 11.4%. Federal COVID relief may have helped bolster food security in 2020.
Health Insurance Coverage0%
In 2019, 92% of Mainers had health insurance, unchanged from 2018.
Transportation+1%
In 2020, 59% of Maine roads were rated good or fair, about the same as 2019.
Wellness & Prevention0%
In 2019, the share of overweight or obese adults remained about 66%.
Publication Archive
Measures of Growth 2020
December, 2020
Measures of Growth 2019
April, 2019
Measures of Growth 2019
April, 2019
Measures of Growth 2018
Maine’s quality of life depends upon a vibrant and sustainable economy, thriving communities, and a healthy environment.
June, 2018
Measures of Growth 2017
A long-term perspective on Maine’s economy
April, 2017
Measures of Growth 2016
At the heart of it all, it’s about our people
April, 2016
Measures of Growth 2015
A report card on Maine’s economy
April, 2015
Measures of Growth 2014
A high quality of life for all Maine people
March, 2014
Measures of Growth 2013
Maine’s prosperity action plan
March, 2013
Measures of Growth 2012
Policy recommendations for Maine’s economy
March, 2012
Measures of Growth 2011
Finding the way to move Maine’s economy forward
March, 2011
Measures of Growth 2010
Positioning Maine for growth in the new economy
February, 2010