[4] Westport Island is located approximately 30 miles (48 km) northeast of Portland.

The island is connected to the mainland at the northwest by one modern bridge, built in 1972 over a slim gap in the Back River called Cowsegan Narrows.

23.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

Fishing is a principal employer for residents of Westport Island, as is the case with much of coastal Maine.

Fishermen are most commonly involved in the trapping of lobster and crabs for sale in the local fish markets.

Other resources gathered include groundfish, scallops, shrimp, clams, mussels, quahogs, and bloodworms.

Other local employers include the Bath Iron Works, a large shipyard where Aegis-class destroyers are built for the US Navy.