Keene
RANK #466 / 996 NAT · POP 76,610
1YR FORECAST: +2.5%
5YR OUTLOOK: +24%
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.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
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 →
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Cheshire County scores 53/100 on the Boom Town Index, landing in the middle of the pack among 996 U.S. counties (#466). Median household income is $76,551 and job growth is running at -1.0%. The data points to a county with mixed signals — some positive indicators alongside areas that lag faster-growing peers.
Housing in Cheshire County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $238,800 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.32, with rents averaging $1,139/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Population and employment in Cheshire County are both close to flat — population +0.2% YoY and jobs -1.0%. Home values shifted +3.9% over the past 12 months. A steady-state county, neither expanding quickly nor shrinking.
Not particularly — 1.55% of Cheshire County's population moved in from another state, which is below the national average. Most residents are long-term locals rather than recent transplants.