Cost of Living in Strafford County, New Hampshire
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Strafford County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Strafford County ranks #2,534 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 19%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Strafford County, New Hampshire
Strafford rents eat 19.6% of income
Strafford County renters spend 19.6% of their median household income on rent—above the national benchmark of roughly 15-17%. While that's still manageable by affordability standards, it signals tighter household budgets than the nation's median earner experiences.
Above-average costs in New Hampshire
Strafford's 19.6% rent-to-income ratio exceeds New Hampshire's state average of 17.7%, placing it among the pricier counties in the state. At $1,413/month median rent, Strafford charges $140 more than the state median, reflecting stronger regional demand.
Strafford costs more than Sullivan
Strafford's $1,413 median rent runs $254 higher than neighboring Sullivan County's $1,159—a 22% premium for living in the eastern Seacoast region. Homeownership costs follow the same pattern: Strafford's $1,750 monthly owner cost dwarfs Sullivan's $1,316.
Housing takes its share here
In Strafford, renters spend $1,413/month while homeowners pay $1,750/month against a median household income of $86,564. Together, these figures show housing consumes 19.6% of renter income and roughly 24% of owner income—above-average burdens for New Hampshire.
Consider Strafford's tradeoff
Strafford County offers a median home value of $332,400 and a median income $11,809 above the national average, making it attractive for higher earners seeking the Seacoast lifestyle. If housing costs matter more than location, Sullivan County delivers similar amenities at notably lower rents and purchase prices.
Cost of Living Advisory: Strafford County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Strafford County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $1,413/month in gross rent, with 29.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Strafford County is $1,413/month, while owner costs run $1,750/month. Renting saves approximately $337/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $56,520/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $75,000/year. With a median household income of $86,564, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Strafford County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Strafford County sits 8% less expensive than Hillsborough County ($1,532/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Strafford County
Rent Burden
19.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,020
per month
Owner Cost Burden
24.3%
of gross income
The median home in Strafford County may be a stretch
Median home value is $332,400. Estimated monthly cost: $2,654 vs. your max of $2,020.
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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