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
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Belknap County ranks #2,673 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 15%)
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Belknap County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Belknap County is affordable. The median rent is $1,184/month against a median household income of $87,983, putting rent at 16.1% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Belknap County pay $1,184/month on average, compared to $1,524/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 22%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $47,360/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $65,314/year. With a median household income of $87,983, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 30.0% of renter households in Belknap County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Grafton County where rent averages $1,292/month, Belknap County is approximately 8% less expensive.
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
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
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.
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