New Hampshire Living Report — July 19, 2026

New Hampshire has long held a quiet reputation as a place where people go to escape—not from something, but toward something. With a population of just over 1.38 million, the Granite State offers a blend of rural charm, small-city convenience, and a fiercely independent spirit that draws a particular kind of resident: those who value space, nature, and a slower pace of life. But what does that actually cost, and who can afford it?

The numbers paint a picture of relative stability. The median household income in New Hampshire sits at $90,845 per year, well above the national average. That income goes a long way in a state where the median one-bedroom rent is $1,336 per month—meaning a single person earning the median household income would spend only about 17.6% of their gross monthly pay on rent, a figure well below the typical 30% affordability threshold. For households earning the median, that ratio is even more favorable. Homeownership, however, requires more capital: the median home value is $337,100, which, while steep, remains more attainable than in much of coastal New England.

The job market is notably tight. As of May 2026, the unemployment rate stands at just 2.6%, reflecting a labor environment where employers compete for workers. Key industries include healthcare, manufacturing, technology, and tourism, with a growing number of remote workers choosing New Hampshire for its tax-friendly policies—no state income tax or sales tax—and its high-speed internet access in many rural areas. The state’s poverty rate is remarkably low at 7.1%, the second lowest in the nation, which speaks to the overall economic security of its residents.

Quality of life in New Hampshire is defined by its seasons and its solitude. The median age is 43.1, older than the national average, which hints at a population that includes many retirees and empty-nesters. But the state also attracts young families drawn to top-rated public schools and low crime rates

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Browse utility costs, housing data, Census demographics, and climate data for all 119 tracked cities in New Hampshire.

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Data: US Census Bureau ACS 2022, BLS. Updated July 19, 2026.

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