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Gorham, ME

Frequently asked questions

Gorham, ME

Gorham is a town in Cumberland County, Maine, United States. The population was 18,336 at the 2020 United States Census. In addition to its urban village center known as Gorham Village or simply "the Village," the town encompasses several smaller, unincorporated villages and hamlets with distinct historical identities, including South Gorham, West Gorham, Little Falls, White Rock, and North Gorham. Gorham is home to one of the three campuses of the University of Southern Maine. In 2013, Gorham was voted second-best town in Maine after Hampden by a financial website.

Gorham is part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford, Maine metropolitan statistical area.

Initially named Narragansett Number 7, the village was renamed Gorhamtown Plantation in honor of the famous New England Ranger John Gorham I, the great-grandfather of John Gorham 4th.
 

First called Narragansett Number 7 was one of seven townships granted by the Massachusetts General Court to soldiers (or their heirs) who had fought in the Narragansett War of 1675, also called King Philip's War. The land was first settled in 1736 by Captain John Phinney and his family, followed in 1738 by Hugh McLellan and Daniel Mosher. By 1743, the first sawmill was established by John Gorham at Little River. Without window-glass, the first dwellings were constructed of logs chinked with moss and clay.

Gorham currently has a much smaller industrial infrastructure than it did in earlier years. The majority of Gorham's industry is based along its border with Westbrook, and many of the mills that formerly existed along the Presumpscot River are now underwater, flooded with the construction of the Dundee Dam. In recent decades Gorham has increased in popularity as a bedroom community of Portland. Its residents and town officials have been confronted with various issues related to managing suburban growth in a historically rural town. Today, Gorham has grown from a small village to a flourishing town. Its popularity has attracted many new housing developments and businesses. Positioned near Sebago Lake, Gorham also offers a plethora of recreational activities such as trails for hiking and a river for kayaking, canoeing, and swimming.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 51.29 square miles (132.84 km2), of which 50.62 square miles (131.11 km2) is land and 0.67 square miles (1.74 km2) is water. Gorham is drained by the Little River, Presumpscot River, and Stroudwater River.

Gorham prioritizes the health and wellness of its residents, evident in the availability of healthcare services and recreational spaces. The Gorham House, a reputable healthcare facility, contributes to the town's commitment to comprehensive healthcare. The town's natural beauty, including parks and walking trails like the Gorham Recreational Trail, provides opportunities for outdoor activities and promotes a healthy lifestyle.

Top sites in Gorham, ME are USM Ice Arena, Baxter House Museum, and Orchard Ridge Farm.

Population: 18,545 (2025). ZIP code: 04038. Area code: 207. Elevation: 207 ft (63 m). Area: 51.29 sq mi (132.84 km2).

FAQs

What is Gorham, ME is known for?

Gorham is known for its variety of quaint and historic villages. Gorham’s South Street Historic District boasts a wide collection of restaurants, shops, and historic houses that make this gateway town feel like a trip through history. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, The Baxter House Museum in Gorham is the childhood home of businessman, philanthropist, and once-mayor of Portland, James Phinney Baxter. Made into a museum in his honor at his request, the house is a slice of history for its visitors, depicting life in the 1800s and displaying artifacts from Gorham’s past.

Is Gorham Maine a city or town?

Gorham is a town in Cumberland County, Maine, United States. The population was 18,336 at the 2020 United States Census. In addition to its urban village center known as Gorham Village or simply "the Village," the town encompasses several smaller, unincorporated villages and hamlets with distinct historical identities, including South Gorham, West Gorham, Little Falls, White Rock, and North Gorham. Gorham is home to one of the three campuses of the University of Southern Maine. In 2013, Gorham was voted second-best town in Maine after Hampden by a financial website.

What is the population growth of Gorham, ME?

Gorham is a city located in Maine. Gorham has a 2024 population of 17,777. Gorham is currently declining at a rate of -0.02% annually and its population has decreased by -3.18% since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 18,361 in 2020. The average household income in Gorham is $129,978 with a poverty rate of 4.08%. The median rental costs in recent years come to - per month, and the median house value is -. The median age in Gorham is 36.5 years, 36.9 years for males, and 36.3 years for females.

Sources

Wikipedia

Town of Gorham, Maine

Gorham House

Gorham ME Myrec

Gorham Recreational Trail

USM Ice Arena

Baxter House Museum 

Orchard Ridge Farm

Visit Portland

World Population Review

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