Cost of Living in Carroll County, New Hampshire
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Carroll County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Carroll County ranks #1,702 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 46%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Carroll County, New Hampshire
Carroll stays affordable against national trends
Carroll County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.1% matches the national affordability benchmark and beats New Hampshire's 17.7% state average. The median household income of $82,961 is 11% above the national median, giving residents more flexibility than typical American renters.
Carroll ranks middle of the pack statewide
Carroll County's 17.1% rent-to-income ratio places it slightly better than the state average of 17.7%, though it trails the most affordable counties like Coos and Belknap. Among New Hampshire's eight counties, Carroll offers solid but unremarkable affordability.
Similar rents, lower incomes than Belknap
Carroll's median rent of $1,179/month nearly matches Belknap County's $1,184, but Carroll residents earn about $5,000 less annually. Both counties offer comparable value to renters, though Belknap's higher incomes provide slightly better long-term financial stability.
Balanced housing costs across tenures
Renters pay $1,179/month while homeowners spend $1,278/month—the smallest gap among most New Hampshire counties. At median income of $82,961, housing takes up roughly 17% of household earnings, leaving comfortable margin for savings and other needs.
Carroll works for budget-aware relocators
Carroll County offers steady affordability without premium pricing, making it ideal for renters and first-time homebuyers in New Hampshire. Consider comparing it with Belknap (slightly better income) or Coos (significantly lower housing costs) depending on your income and lifestyle priorities.
Cost of Living Advisory: Carroll County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Carroll County is affordable. The median rent is $1,179/month against a median household income of $82,961, putting rent at 17.1% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,179/month rent versus $1,278/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $99/month cheaper — a 8% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $47,160/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $54,771/year. With a median household income of $82,961, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 24.0% of renter households in Carroll County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within New Hampshire, Carroll County is less affordable than Grafton County by roughly 9% ($1,179/mo vs $1,292/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Carroll County
Rent Burden
17.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,936
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.5%
of gross income
The median home in Carroll County may be a stretch
Median home value is $348,900. Estimated monthly cost: $2,785 vs. your max of $1,936.
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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