RANK #100 / 996 · POP 76,610 · NH
PROJECTED GROWTH: +2.9%
Mount Monadnock, one of the most frequently climbed mountains globally, rises prominently in Cheshire County, New Hampshire, offering expansive views and extensive hiking trails. Located in the state's southwestern corner, Cheshire County is about 62 miles northwest of Boston. The county seat, Keene, is known for its historic downtown, classic New England architecture, and walkable streets. Commuting within the county is primarily by car, with an average commute time of 23.7 minutes, though Keene offers a local bus service. The region maintains a rural character with significant forested areas, lakes, and rivers like the Ashuelot and Connecticut, providing abundant outdoor recreation opportunities including hiking, biking, and water activities.
Life in Cheshire County blends small-city amenities with access to nature. The community has a mix of families, young professionals, and retirees, with most residents owning their homes. Educational institutions include Keene State College, Franklin Pierce University, and Antioch University-New England. The economy is driven by sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, and retail trade. Recent economic developments show a significant increase in housing prices, with median single-family home prices climbing by 79.5 percent between 2019 and 2025. The county has also seen a slight population increase since 2020, partly due to individuals seeking more space and affordable housing.
Below national median (4.7x)
Below national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Housing is fairly valued at 4.5x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Cheshire County has a Boom Town Index score of 90/100, ranking #100 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at -1.0% and a median household income of $76,551, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Cheshire County is $238,800 with median rent at $1,139/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3206, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.2% year-over-year. Job growth: -1.0%. Home values changed +3.9% in the past 12 months.