Cost of Living in Merrimack County, New Hampshire
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Merrimack County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Merrimack County ranks #2,225 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 29%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Merrimack County, New Hampshire
Merrimack offers strong affordability fundamentals
Merrimack County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.5% beats both the national benchmark and New Hampshire's 17.7% state average. With a median income of $93,944—26% above the national median—residents enjoy robust earning power relative to housing costs.
Merrimack ranks among New Hampshire's best
Merrimack County's 16.5% rent-to-income ratio places it third-best in the state, trailing only Belknap and Coos counties. This solid affordability standing, combined with strong median income, makes Merrimack an attractive option for budget-conscious New Hampshire relocators.
Better value than Hillsborough, Grafton
Merrimack's median rent of $1,293/month trails Hillsborough by $239 and Grafton by just $1 while offering incomes nearly $10,000 higher than Grafton. Compared to Hillsborough and Grafton—the state's least affordable—Merrimack delivers measurably better housing value.
Balanced costs with strong income cushion
Renters pay $1,293/month while homeowners spend $1,765/month, a significant gap suggesting homeownership carries affordability trade-offs at this price point. With median income of $93,944, housing consumes roughly 16-17% of household earnings, providing healthy reserves.
Merrimack balances affordability and opportunity
Merrimack County combines strong median income ($93,944) with below-average housing costs, making it an excellent choice for relocators seeking financial stability. Compare with Belknap for similarly strong affordability, or consider Merrimack if you need slightly higher earning potential.
Cost of Living Advisory: Merrimack County
Affordability Verdict
Merrimack County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $1,293/month — about 16.5% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Merrimack County pay $1,293/month on average, compared to $1,765/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 27%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $51,720/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $75,643/year. With a median household income of $93,944, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Merrimack County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Merrimack County sits 6% more expensive than Cheshire County ($1,220/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Merrimack County
Rent Burden
16.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,192
per month
Owner Cost Burden
22.5%
of gross income
The median home in Merrimack County may be a stretch
Median home value is $330,600. Estimated monthly cost: $2,639 vs. your max of $2,192.
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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