Measures of Growth
Welcome to the 31st Anniversary edition of 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 nonpartisan 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.
This year’s report features 31 key indicators. The Council assigns Gold Stars for significant progress in:
We assign Red Flags for needed attention to:
Fundamental Performance Indicators
Wages+1.8%
In 2024, wages remained above the EPSCoR average and rose 1.8% after adjusting for inflation.
Gender Wage Equity-1.2%
In 2024, women’s wages rose 1.2% compared to men’s but remained about 86% of men’s earnings, significantly short of full equity.
Racial/Ethnic Income Equity+3%
In 2019-2023, the average incomes of BIPOC* and Latino or Hispanic Mainers rose 3 percentage points compared to the state average but remained 22% below the state average, dramatically short of full equity. *Black, Indigenous, People of Color
Labor Force Participation+2%
In 2024, 83% of Maine adults ages 25-54 were in the labor force, up 2 percentage points from 2023.
Value-Added+1.7%
In 2024, value added per worker rose 1.7% but remained 21% below the U.S. average.
Gross Domestic Product+3%
In 2024, Maine’s GDP rose 3%, slightly above other New England states.
Environment
Air Quality-12 Days
In 2024, there were 27 moderately unhealthy days, 12 fewer than in 2023.
Sustainable Forestlands+3%
In 2023, the ten-year growth-to-removal ratio rose 3% to 1.55 and remained above the sustainability goal.
Economy
Research & Development+24%
In 2022, R&D spending as a share of GDP rose 24% but remained far below national levels.
International Exports+16%
In 2022-2024, Maine exports were 16% higher than the previous three-year period.
Entrepreneurship-12%
In 2023, the ratio of business starts to closures fell 12 percentage points but remained positive for a tenth year.
Prekindergarten Education+1%
In 2024, the share of Maine four-year-olds in public pre-K rose 1 percentage point to 49%.
Fourth-Grade Reading+4%
In 2024, the percentage of Maine 4th graders who were proficient in reading rose 4 percentage points to 33% but were below national standards.
Eighth-Grade Math+1%
In 2024, the share of Maine 8th graders who were proficient in mathematics rose 1 percentage point to 25% but remained below national standards.
Postsecondary Degrees and Credentials+1.5%
In 2023, 56.6% of Maine adults had a degree or credential of value, up 1.5 percentage points.
Cost of Health Care+0.5%
Proportional health care expenditures rose 0.5 percentage points in 2024.
Cost of Energy-6%
The average price of electricity fell 6% in 2024, although commercial and industrial rates rose slightly.
State & Local Tax Burden+.2%
In 2022, Maine’s tax burden rose 0.2 percentage points to 11.7%.
Community
Internet Connectivity+3%
In 2025, 92% of Maine locations have average or broadband internet, up 3 percentage points.
Transportation0%
In 2024, 72% of Maine roadways were rated good or fair, unchanged from 2023.
Housing Affordability+1%
In 2024, the share of households unable to afford the median-priced home worsened 1 percentage point to 64%.
Physical Wellness-.6%
In 2024, 67% of adult Mainers were overweight or obese, down 0.6 percentage points. This rate has been consistent for over a decade.
Mental & Behavioral Health+2%
In 2022-2023, the percentage of children with a mental and/or behavioral condition rose 2 percentage points.
Health Insurance Coverage+.7%
In 2023, the percentage of Mainers with health insurance coverage rose 0.7 percentage points and remains above the U.S. average.
Food Security+1%
In 2021-2023, the share of Mainers experiencing food insecurity rose by almost one percentage point.
Publication Archive
Measures of Growth 2024
November, 2024
Measures of Growth 2023
December, 2023
Measures of Growth 2022
November, 2022
Measures of Growth 2021
November, 2021
Measures of Growth 2020
December, 2020
Measures of Growth 2019
April, 2019
Measures of Growth 2018
June, 2018
Measures of Growth 2017
April, 2017
Measures of Growth 2016
April, 2016
Measures of Growth 2015
April, 2015
Measures of Growth 2014
March, 2014
Measures of Growth 2013
March, 2013
Measures of Growth 2012
March, 2012
Measures of Growth 2011
March, 2011
Measures of Growth 2010
February, 2010