New Hampshire Living Report — October 06, 2026

New Hampshire presents a compelling, albeit nuanced, picture for those considering a move. With a population of just over 1.38 million, the state is small enough to offer a strong sense of community but large enough to support a diversified economy. The median household income of $90,845 is a key starting point for any financial evaluation, reflecting a prosperous base that has attracted a steady stream of new residents over the past decade.

The housing market is the most significant factor in the state’s affordability equation. The median home value now sits at $337,100, a figure that has cooled slightly from recent peaks but remains elevated relative to historical averages. For renters, the data is equally demanding: the median cost for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,336 per month. While those numbers might seem steep, an affordability analysis reveals a relatively stable picture for the average earner. Monthly rent on a median-priced one-bedroom unit consumes roughly 17.7% of the median household’s gross monthly income—a figure well below the 30% threshold typically considered burdensome. This ratio suggests that for households earning near the median, housing is still within reach, though it pinches hard for those earning less. The state’s poverty rate of just 7.1% is among the lowest in the nation, confirming that economic distress is less widespread here than in many other regions.

The job market supports that stability. With an unemployment rate of just 2.8% as of August 2026, New Hampshire is operating near full employment. This low rate reflects a robust mix of industries, from advanced manufacturing and healthcare to a growing technology sector that has been bolstered by remote workers seeking space and scenery. The state’s workforce is older—the median age is 43.1—which aligns with its reputation as a haven for families looking for strong school districts and for retirees seeking a quieter pace. Increasingly, however, New Hampshire is also attracting younger remote workers from Boston and New York, drawn by the combination of lower taxes and access to the White Mountains, Lake Winnipesaukee, and the Seacoast.

Quality of life here is defined less by urban amenities and more by geography and governance. The state has no sales tax and no income tax on earned wages, a major draw for those earning high salaries. Outdoor recreation is a year-round fixture, from hiking the Appalachian Trail in summer to skiing at Cannon Mountain or Loon in winter. Finklick, a housing and lifestyle tracking platform, monitors 119 cities across New Hampshire, and the data from those communities shows a wide spread in cost and culture—from the college-town energy of Durham to the historic mill hub of Nashua to the remote, forested corners of Coös County.

Looking forward, New Hampshire’s outlook is one of cautious optimism. The favorable income-to-housing ratio and low unemployment provide a solid foundation, but the state faces challenges in housing inventory and an aging infrastructure. As more people discover its balance of economic opportunity and natural beauty, the pressure on that housing stock will likely persist. For now, it remains a place where a strong paycheck can still go a surprisingly long way—provided you’re willing to bundle up for the winter.

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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 October 06, 2026.