New Hampshire Living Report — July 26, 2026

New Hampshire has long held a certain mystique for those seeking a quieter, more self-reliant way of life, and recent data suggests the state’s appeal is only growing. With a population of roughly 1.38 million, the Granite State remains one of the smaller New England states, but its combination of low unemployment, relatively high incomes, and a housing market that—while far from cheap—still offers a path to homeownership for many middle-class households. For anyone considering a move, the numbers paint a nuanced picture of opportunity and trade-off.

The cost of living in New Hampshire is a mixed bag. The median household income stands at $90,845, well above the national average, but housing costs eat up a significant chunk of that. The median home value is $337,100, which, while steep, is still below the priciest parts of the Northeast. Renters face a median one-bedroom rent of $1,336 per month. Using the standard rule of spending no more than 30% of gross income on housing, a household earning the median income would need to allocate about $2,271 per month for rent or mortgage to stay within that threshold. The typical one-bedroom rent represents roughly 17.7% of that median income—comfortably under the 30% guideline, though that calculation assumes a single earner at the median. For a single renter earning the median income, the ratio is about 17.7%; for someone earning the state’s average wage, the picture might be tighter. Still, the affordability index is better than in many coastal metros.

The job market is a clear draw. Unemployment in June 2026 sat at just 2.5%, reflecting a tight labor market where employers compete for workers. Key sectors include healthcare, manufacturing, technology, and tourism, with the state’s “Live Free or Die” ethos attracting entrepreneurs and remote workers alike. The median age of 43.1 is older than the national average, hinting at a population that includes a significant number of retirees and empty-nesters, but also families drawn to the state’s strong public schools and low crime rates. The poverty rate of 7.1% is among the lowest in the country, underscoring the state’s relative economic stability.

Quality of life in New Hampshire is defined by its landscape and culture. The White Mountains, Lake Winnipesaukee, and the seacoast offer year-round recreation, from hiking and skiing to sailing and leaf-peeping. The lack of a state income tax or sales tax is a major financial incentive for high earners, though property taxes are among the highest in the nation. The

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Data: US Census Bureau ACS 2022, BLS. Updated July 26, 2026.

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