Community sustainability in the year-round islands of Maine

This article examines community sustainability in the year-round islands of Maine, USA, with a critical focus on the impacts of seasonal residents on sustainability. The context of this research is to provide foundational material to determine and measure sustainability in island communities. Data examined includes population, housing, housing affordability, housing occupancy, property valuation, and taxable sales. Food availability is an important secondary consideration. The overall finding is that the island communities as they have historically existed are not likely to be sustainable but may become sustainable in a new form. The overall impact of seasonal residents on sustainability is inconclusive except that there is a clear negative impact in the area of housing. Directions for additional research are discussed.