Cost of Living in Rockingham County, New Hampshire
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Rockingham County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Rockingham County ranks #1,714 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 45%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Rockingham County, New Hampshire
Rockingham commands premium prices, offers premium incomes
Rockingham County's median household income of $113,927—the nation's 52% above average—supports a 17.1% rent-to-income ratio and median rent of $1,619/month that would burden most Americans. This coastal county's high-earning residents sustain the region's premium housing market.
Rockingham balances prestige and affordability
Rockingham County's 17.1% rent-to-income ratio ranks fourth-best in New Hampshire despite the state's second-highest median rent of $1,619/month. This paradox reflects Rockingham's exceptional income levels—the highest in the state—that offset steep housing costs.
Premium pricing for premium incomes
Rockingham's median income of $113,927 outearns all other New Hampshire counties by 15-60%, supporting its median home value of $461,400—the state's highest. Even Hillsborough County, with $385,500 homes, trails Rockingham's prestige and earning power.
Highest absolute housing costs in the state
Renters spend $1,619/month and homeowners $2,109/month—New Hampshire's steepest absolute costs—but median income of $113,927 provides ample cushion. Housing consumes roughly 17% of household earnings, reasonable despite the high dollar amounts involved.
Rockingham for high earners and coastal living
Rockingham County delivers New Hampshire's strongest job market and highest incomes, justified by premium coastal location and earning opportunities. If your income approaches or exceeds $113,927, Rockingham's affordability ratio becomes competitive; otherwise, inland counties like Merrimack offer better value.
Cost of Living Advisory: Rockingham County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Rockingham County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $1,619/month in gross rent, with 29.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Rockingham County pay $1,619/month on average, compared to $2,109/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 23%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $64,760/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $90,386/year. With a median household income of $113,927, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Rockingham County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Hillsborough County where rent averages $1,532/month, Rockingham County is approximately 6% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Rockingham County
Rent Burden
17.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,658
per month
Owner Cost Burden
22.2%
of gross income
The median home in Rockingham County may be a stretch
Median home value is $461,400. Estimated monthly cost: $3,684 vs. your max of $2,658.
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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