As of July 1, 1998, the population of youth ages 8-17 years in Maine totaled 178, 150, coimprising 14% of the total state population.

The greatest proportion of all persons in poverty thropughout Maine are children under age 5.

The most recent statewide poverty rate declined to 14.9% but varies widely by county (see graph below).

6.7% of Maine children were uninsured in 1999, a significant decrease from the 15% of children who were uninsured in 1997.

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