New Hampshire Living Report — July 22, 2026

New Hampshire has long held a quiet reputation as a place to escape the congestion of the Northeast Corridor, but recent data suggests the Granite State is attracting a more diverse set of newcomers than ever before. With a population of just over 1.38 million, it remains one of the least densely populated states in the region, yet its housing market and job prospects are drawing serious attention from families, retirees, and remote workers alike.

The cost of living in New Hampshire is a mixed bag. The median one-bedroom apartment rents for $1,336 per month, while the median home value sits at $337,100. For a state with no sales tax and no general income tax, those figures are a draw for buyers from higher-tax states like Massachusetts or New York. But affordability depends on income. The median household income in New Hampshire is $90,845 per year, meaning a median earner nets roughly $7,570 per month. Renting a one-bedroom at $1,336 would consume about 17.6% of that gross monthly income — well below the 30% threshold that financial experts consider the maximum for housing cost burden. That suggests renting is, on average, manageable for most households, though rising property values and limited inventory continue to strain first-time buyers.

The job market is an undeniable strength. The unemployment rate as of June 2026 stood at just 2.5%, indicating a tight labor market with strong demand for workers across sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, and technology. The state’s median household income is significantly above the national average, and the poverty rate of 7.1% is one of the lowest in the country. That combination of low unemployment and high earnings has helped make New Hampshire a magnet for professionals seeking stability, as well as retirees who want to stretch their savings in a tax-friendly environment.

Quality of life here is shaped by a distinct blend of natural beauty and small-town character. The median age of 43.1 skews slightly older than the national average, reflecting the state’s appeal to empty-nesters and pre-retirees, but younger families are also arriving, drawn by strong schools and low crime rates. Outdoor recreation is a year-round draw — skiing in

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Data: US Census Bureau ACS 2022, BLS. Updated July 22, 2026.

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