Data
While Biddeford is experiencing an economic upswing, many of our most vulnerable populations – including young children – are being left behind.
Community Profile
Biddeford City Data
Population: 21,413 (8% increase 2013-2017)
Median Household Income: $52,813 (33.8% increase 2017-2000)
Median Home Price: $256,200 (42% increase 2013-2018)
Poverty Rate (general population): 17%
Poverty Rate (families with children under 5): 18%
89% high school graduation rate
50% of students in Biddeford Public Schools are eligible for free or reduced-priced school lunch
54% of renters’ experience a severe housing-cost burden, spending 50% or more of their household income on rent (HUD considers 30% or more spent on housing a burden)
(Sources: U.S. Census Bureau 2017 and 2019 Biddeford Community Profile)
Biddeford Data for Children Birth to Age 5
1,049 children under the age of 5
20-42% of children live under 5 in poverty (20% of 2-parent households and 42% of families run by a single mother)
Biddeford’s child population is diverse: 19% are non-white (with 12% Black/African American) vs. 7% of Biddeford’s total population
1 in 3 children under 5 live in poverty
156 children age birth to age 5 received Child Development Services (in 2018)
950 Biddeford children have two or more Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and 27% of that number include children under age 5
(Source: 2019 Biddeford Community Profile)
The Need
Childcare is a major expense for families
In Biddeford, early care costs 22% of the medium family income which is 3 times over the federal standard of 7% of household income for full-time child care.
(Source: Maine Children’s Alliance, THE STATE OF CHILD CARE IN MAINE: 2019)
There are barriers to childcare access
Less than one-third of Biddeford children from birth to age 5 are connected with an early child care or education provider.
(Source: 2019 Biddeford Community Profile)