Cost of Living in Belknap County, New Hampshire
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Belknap County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Belknap County, New Hampshire
Belknap's affordability beats the nation
Renters in Belknap County spend 16.1% of their income on housing, well below the national average of 20% and better than New Hampshire's 17.7% state rate. With a median household income of $87,983—17% above the national median—residents here have more breathing room in their budgets than most Americans.
Second-most affordable in New Hampshire
Belknap County ranks among the state's most affordable counties, with only Coos County offering lower rent-to-income ratios. At 16.1%, Belknap's ratio outperforms the state average by 1.6 percentage points, making it an attractive option for renters seeking stability.
Competitive with Carroll County neighbors
Belknap and Carroll County share similar rents around $1,180/month, but Belknap residents earn $5,000 more annually, improving their overall affordability picture. Grafton County to the north commands higher rents ($1,292/month) while offering comparable incomes, making Belknap the better rental value.
Rent and mortgage costs compared
Renters spend $1,184/month while homeowners pay $1,524/month for mortgages—a $340 difference. With median income at $87,983, housing consumes roughly 16% of household earnings, leaving most families with substantial income for other expenses.
Consider Belknap for balanced living
If you're comparing New Hampshire counties, Belknap offers solid income levels and reasonable housing costs that work well for renters and modest homebuyers. The county's affordability advantage disappears at higher price points—Carroll and Grafton offer better value for budget-conscious relocators.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Belknap County
Rent Burden
16.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,053
per month
Owner Cost Burden
20.8%
of gross income
The median home in Belknap County may be a stretch
Median home value is $340,000. Estimated monthly cost: $2,714 vs. your max of $2,053.
Rent Affordability Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.