RANK #494 / 996 · POP 422,733 · NH
PROJECTED GROWTH: +0.7%
Hillsborough County, New Hampshire, is defined by its blend of urban centers and natural landscapes, with its two county seats, Manchester and Nashua, serving as the state's largest cities. Located in south-central New Hampshire, bordering Massachusetts, the county offers a commute to Boston that typically takes around 1 hour and 24 minutes by car. Residents have access to extensive outdoor recreation, including hiking trails at Mount Monadnock State Park, one of the most climbed mountains globally, and Miller State Park. The county's geography features a hilly upland region with rivers and numerous small lakes.
Life in Hillsborough County balances suburban and rural living, attracting families and commuters. The public school systems in towns like Bedford and Amherst are considered above average. While many residents drive alone to work, carpooling and bus services are available. The economy, historically rooted in manufacturing and healthcare, is working to diversify. Efforts are underway to attract new businesses and industries through incentives and infrastructure investment, aiming to broaden job opportunities beyond traditional sectors.
Above national median (4.7x)
Well below national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 4.9x 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.
Hillsborough County has a Boom Town Index score of 50/100, ranking #494 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at -0.3% and a median household income of $95,112, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Hillsborough County is $356,200 with median rent at $1,444/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.267, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.5% year-over-year. Job growth: -0.3%. Home values changed +2.6% in the past 12 months.