Maine

Size: 33,414 square miles

Population (2000): 1,274,923

Population density per square mile: 41.3

Incarceration rate 2005: 273 per 100,000 residents (lowest in the U.S.)

In 2005, had 2,084 state inmates plus 1,545 county inmates

In 2006, its state prison population saw a 1.8 percent decrease

Under the new plan, Maine would have 17 correctional facilities, 11 former county jails and the six existing state prisons

Total budget, state corrections: $145 million

In 2001, Maine spent $44,000 per state inmate, the highest total in the nation

In 2006, Maine spent about $37,676 per state inmate

Vermont

Size: 9,620 square miles

Population (2000): 608,827

Population density: 65.8 per square mile

Incarceration rate 2005: 317 per 100,000 resident (fourth-lowest in the U.S.)

In 2005, had 1,975 state inmates, which included about 500 housed out of state

In 2006, its state prison population increased 8.3 percent

Vermont has nine correctional facilities

Total budget, state corrections: $130 million

In 2001, Vermont spent only about $25,000

In 2006, Vermont spent about $42,000 per state inmate