Our Town
With 5,288 people, Norway is the 62nd most populated city in the state of Maine out of 524 cities according to the most current US Census data.
Population 2020 Census 5,077
Estimated Population (2023) 5,288
Demographics (2023)
● Median Age 52.0 years
● Population under age 5 1.1%
● Population under age 18 16.9%
● Population over age 65 27.1%
Estimated Households (2023) 2,109
● Persons per Household 2.39
Median Income (2023) $53,162
Geography
● Land 45.04 sq mi (116.65 km2)
● Water 2.29 sq mi (5.93 km2)
● Total 47.33 sq mi (122.58 km2)
● Population Density (2023) 113/sq mi (43.5/km2)
Recreation
The Roberts Farm Preserve—which has land in Norway—is part of the Western Foothills Land Trust. Here you can go hiking, biking, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. The preserve overlooks Lake Pennesseewassee, also known as Norway Lake. Each July, the town of Norway holds a triathlon that takes place in and on this five-mile-long lake and proceeds go to support the Western Foothills Land Trust. You can also go fishing for brown trout, pickerel, landlocked salmon, large and smallmouth bass, splake, or white and yellow perch. There are two marinas along the lake and a public boat in launch in Pennesseewassee Park in Norway.
On the Little Androscoggin River, which runs through South Paris, you can paddle along the waterway or take a rafting trip through the more turbulent sections. In South Paris, a bridge crosses Snow Falls Gorge and a 25-foot waterfall off Route 26. Here you’ll find views, hiking trails, and a shady spot for picnicking. In Norway, walk through Ordway Grove to see ancient oaks and pines. And hike through Witt Swamp to observe Maine’s wildlife.
If you like to dig for treasure, you may want to visit Norway and South Paris in the heart of the Oxford Hills Region. These towns boast gemstone quarries that have earned the area the name “Gemstone Capital of Maine.” You can go mining in this area for tourmaline, quartz, rose quartz or crystal.