Measures of Growth
Welcome to the 30th 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.
For 2024, the Council assigns Gold Stars for significant progress in:
We assign Red Flags for needed attention to:
- Labor Force
- Fourth-Grade Reading
- Eighth-Grade Math
- Cost of Energy
- Housing Affordability
- Mental and Behavioral Health
Fundamental Performance Indicators
Wages-0.2%
In 2023, Maine’s wages fell 0.2% after adjusting for inflation but remained above the EPSCoR average.
Gender Wage Equity+1.5%
In 2023, women’s median wages rose 1.5% compared to men’s, but remained about 85% of men’s earnings.
Racial/Ethnic Income Equity+4%
In 2018-2022, the average incomes of BIPOC* and Latino or Hispanic Mainers rose 4% but remained 27% below White, non-Hispanic Mainers, dramatically short of full equity. *Black, Indigenous, People of Color
Labor Force+1%
Maine’s labor force grew 1% to 687,000 in 2023 but remains a serious challenge.
Labor Force Participation+0.2%
In 2023, 81% of Maine adults ages 25-54 were in the labor force, nearly the same as in 2022.
Value-Added+0.8%
In 2023, value-added per worker rose 0.8%, and was 21% below the U.S. average.
Gross Domestic Product+3%
In 2023, Maine’s GDP rose nearly 3%, outpacing other New England states.
Environment
Air Quality+15 Days
In 2023, there were 39 moderately unhealthy days, 15 more than 2022.
Sustainable Forestlands-4%
In 2022, the 1-year growth-to-removal ratio fell by 4% to 1.51 but remained above the sustainability goal.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions+1.4%
From 2020 to 2021, GHG emissions rose 1.4% but still shows major progress toward the long-term goal.
Economy
Research & Development0%
In 2021, Maine’s R&D spending increased but was still 1.1% of GDP, unchanged from 2020.
International Exports+20%
In 2021-2023, Maine exports rose 20% from the prior three years, slightly slower than the nation.
Entrepreneurship-37%
In 2022, the number of business start-ups exceeded closures by 31%, ahead of goal but down from record 2021 levels.
Prekindergarten Education+5%
In 2023, the share of Maine four-year-olds enrolled in public pre-Ks rose 5%.
Fourth-Grade Reading-7%
In 2022, 29% of Maine 4th graders were proficient in reading, a sharp drop from pre-COVID levels.
Eighth-Grade Math-10%
In 2022, 24% of Maine 8th graders were proficient in mathematics, down from 34% pre-COVID.
Postsecondary Degrees and Credentials0%
In 2022, 55% of Maine adults had a credential of value, the same as 2021.
Cost of Health Care+0.1%
Proportional health care expenditures were virtually unchanged in 2023.
Cost of Energy+13%
The price of industrial electricity rose 13% in 2023, in contrast to a decline nationwide.
Community
Internet Connectivity+3%
In 2024, 89% of Maine locations have either average or broadband internet, up 3%.
Housing Affordability+7%
In 2023, 79% of households were unable to afford the median-priced home, up from 72%.
Safety+6%
Maine’s crime rate rose 6% in 2022 but remains one of the very lowest in the nation.
Mental & Behavioral Health+4%
In 2021-2022, the percentage of children with a mental and/or behavioral condition rose 4%.
Health Insurance Coverage-1%
Maine’s health insurance coverage 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 2023
December, 2024
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