Belfast, ME, United States

Capital City

With a population of just 6,938 as of the 2020 census, Belfast is a small coastal city with limited opportunities and a climate that can be harsh. The local economy has struggled since the collapse of the poultry industry in the 1970s, and the city has seen an exodus of residents seeking better job prospects elsewhere. While the natural beauty of the area has attracted some artists and young college graduates, the bureaucratic headaches of consolidating school districts have plagued the region. Belfast may hold appeal for those seeking a quiet, affordable slice of Maine, but it is hardly a thriving urban hub.