RANK #610 / 1001 NAT · POP 64,659
1YR FORECAST: +1.0%
5YR OUTLOOK: +27%
Belknap County, New Hampshire, is defined by its position within the state's Lakes Region, with a significant portion of Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire's largest lake, lying within its borders. The county seat, Laconia, is situated between Lake Winnipesaukee and Lake Winnisquam. Approximately 80 miles north of Boston, the county is accessible via Interstate 93 and Route 3. This central New Hampshire location offers a community feel that blends small-town charm with access to extensive outdoor recreation, including hiking trails in the Belknap Mountains and skiing at Gunstock Mountain Resort.
Life in Belknap County often attracts retirees drawn to the natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The economy is influenced by tourism, particularly around Lake Winnipesaukee, which sees increased activity in warmer months. While many residents own their homes, the area also offers various housing options. Commute options include carpooling services and a regional transit program for seniors and individuals with disabilities. Local public schools, such as Gilford High School and Gilmanton Elementary School, serve the county's families.
Belknap County is one of 35 U.S. counties in this market profile — weaker than typical on the BoomTown Index. Within this cohort, its recent home-price change of +3.2% runs above the profile's typical +1.4%.
See all 35 Secondary Market Surge counties →Overvalued relative to economy
Moderate climate & terrain
Above national median (15x)
Housing looks overvalued at 16.3x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Bars show trailing 12-month growth. The dashed Forecast bars are the model's next-12-month projection; the whisker marks the ±1% range (cooling–accelerating).
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Colonial Theater Redevelopment
Belknap Economic Development Council (and partners)
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
Residential New Construction Portfolio
Multiple Developers
|
$50M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 1001 counties.
At 38/100, Belknap County faces headwinds that place it in the lower third of the 1001 counties we track. Median income of $92,783 combined with job growth of +0.2% suggests the local economy is struggling to keep pace with national trends.
Belknap County leans toward the expensive side. A median home value of $374,900 against an income-to-home-value ratio of 0.25 means housing eats a bigger share of local earnings than the national norm. Renters face $1,167/month on average.
Belknap County's population is growing — up +0.6% YoY — while the job market is roughly flat (employment change of +0.2%). Home values shifted +3.2% over the past year. In-migration is outpacing local hiring, which often points to remote workers or retirees driving the headcount.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 3.02% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Belknap County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.