Moving to New Hampshire statistics (2025 data)

How many people move to New Hampshire?

Approximately 39,695 people moved to New Hampshire in 2023, while 46,753 moved out. This represents a net loss of 7,058 residents. This trend of losing a significant number of residents to out-migration can also be seen in other New England states, with the exception of Vermont and Maine.

Though New Hampshire’s population has increased slightly within the past decade, due to international migration, it’s not among the most popular states for domestic migrants. According to a recent ConsumerAffairs study based on a sample of 143,506 ConsumerAffairs.com users who expressed an interest in moving between January 2023 and March 2024, New Hampshire ranked as the 35th most desired state to move to.

Top 4 cities that people moved to in New Hampshire

New Hampshire ranks as the second best U.S. state to move to in 2024. Despite ranking second for economy, education and safety, based on data from several websites, a sparse population and high cost of living likely limit population growth. The largest city, Manchester, only has a population of just over 115,000.

Of those moving to the Granite State, the majority are relocating to the Southeastern portions of the state bordering Maine and Massachusetts. Rochester attracted the most new residents — adding 1,023 (3.1% growth) between 2020 and 2023. Portsmouth saw the highest population growth, growing by 3.5% within that same period.

The top four regions in New Hampshire people moved to between 2020 and 2023 were as follows:

Why do people move to New Hampshire?

While New Hampshire lacks a high volume of movers, the state experienced a slight surge in popularity between 2020 and 2022. Population growth peaked at 1.4% in 2020, but decreased significantly to 0.22% in 2023. It seems that during the Covid-19 pandemic, these movers chose New Hampshire for its quieter lifestyle and outdoor recreation. However, rising costs have driven down growth.

With a high median household income of $95,623, though, many non-remote movers are still attracted to the job opportunities available in the state. The largest industries are trade, transportation, and utilities, education and health services, and professional and business services. Collectively, these three industries employ just under 53% of nonfarm workers. The fastest-growing industry in the state is also education and health services, growing by 5.1% between July 2023 and July 2024.

New Hampshire housing statistics

With a median rent price of roughly $1,986 and a median home sale price of $496,800, New Hampshire renters and homeowners can expect to pay at least 18% more than the national median for housing. Likewise, the Granite State has some of the highest property taxes in the country. At 1.93%, property taxes here are the highest in New England and the third highest nationwide.

In 2021, the average property owner in Strafford County — where Rochester is located — paid $6,194 in annual property taxes. In general, the average property tax paid in New Hampshire is higher than average but varies greatly by county. Residents in Rockingham County paid an average of $6,796 annually in 2021, while those in Coos County paid less than half that at an average of $3,116.

Cost-of-living statistics in New Hampshire

New Hampshire’s cost-of-living index of 115 ranks it as the ninth most expensive state in the nation. In line with this, the state also has higher-than-average gas prices. The average cost per gallon in the state is $3.37, compared to the U.S. average of $3.26. In part, this can be attributed to a combination of rugged terrain and the state’s prioritization of renewable energy investment, ranking it as the fifth most green state in the nation.

The Granite State’s higher-than-average median household income plays a significant role in improving affordability. At $95,623, the median household income here is one of the highest in the nation and nearly 27% higher than the U.S. median of $75,358. The unemployment rate of 2.5% is also less than half the national unemployment rate.

Overall, New Hampshire’s high cost of living is attributed to a lack of available housing due to a sparse population combined with high incomes and desirability.

Who lives in New Hampshire?

An estimated 1,402,054 people live in New Hampshire as of 2023, making it the 10th smallest state in terms of population. This represents a population increase of 3,051 compared to 2022. The population has struggled to increase due to a low birth rate and lack of domestic or international migrants.

The Granite State’s population is almost evenly split male and female, with women accounting for 50.1% of the population and men accounting for 49.9%. In 2023, around 702,361 New Hampshire residents were female, and 699,693 were male.

On average, New Hampshire’s population is also significantly older (43.4 years old) than the U.S. average of 38.9 years. Those between 45 to 64 years old are the largest age demographic, accounting for 28.6% of the population, or 401,355 people.

The vast majority of New Hampshirites are white, accounting for 92.5% of the population (roughly 1.3 million people). This is then followed by Hispanic and Asian populations, accounting for 4.8% and 3.1% of the population, respectively.

Tips for moving to New Hampshire

Not sure how to start your move to New Hampshire? Consider these step-by-step moving tips:

1. Prepare for the cost of living

Though New Hampshire’s cost-of-living index is lower than its Southern neighbor, Massachusetts, an index of 115 is still higher than most other states. Urban areas near the Atlantic coast can be especially expensive, while northern, rural areas may offer lower housing prices. Research local property taxes, utility costs and down payment assistance programs on the New Hampshire Housing website.

2. Explore the job market

Despite its sparse population, New Hampshire still offers a diverse job market and a very high median household income. Cities like Manchester and Rochester have thriving education and health care sectors, while tourism thrives in the scenic Lakes Region and the White Mountains. To best prepare for the cost of living, we recommend looking into job listings on the New Hampshire Employment Security website.

3. Prepare for snowy winters

While summers offer mild temperatures perfect for outdoor recreation, New Hampshire winters can bring heavy snowfall and cold weather. To prepare, invest in gear like high-quality winter clothes and sturdy snow removal equipment before you move. Reliable home heating is also essential, so look into your property’s heating systems and insulation. Stay up to date on local weather conditions through the New Hampshire Department of Safety website.

4. Research transportation options

Though New Hampshire has a well-maintained road network, despite rugged terrain, it can be difficult to find public transportation options outside of the urban Atlantic coast. For safe travel in all seasons, we recommend having a vehicle with four-wheel or all-wheel drive and investing in snow tires when possible. For more commuter information and road conditions, visit New Hampshire’s Department of Transportation website.

5. Prepare for power outages

While New Hampshire is generally safe from most common U.S. natural hazards, including hurricanes, wildfires and tornadoes, the state’s rugged terrain and harsh winters can be a concern. Heavy rain and winter storms can cause lengthy power outages, especially in rural areas, making it important to stock up on emergency supplies like flashlights and nonperishable foods. You can register for local emergency alerts through ReadyNH.gov to stay informed during severe weather events.

6. Enjoy the outdoor attractions

From the largest mountains in New England to the stunning Atlantic coast, New Hampshire offers a paradise for a variety of outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you enjoy skiing, hiking, kayaking or biking, the state offers year-round recreation. Visit the New Hampshire State Parks website to discover trails, campgrounds and other outdoor activities near your new home.

7. Understand mover quotes and tipping

When moving to New Hampshire, carefully review and compare moving company quotes. Be sure to account for potential additional fees depending on where you’re relocating to. Tipping movers is customary; a tip of 10% to 20% of the total cost is standard based on the quality of service.