Manchester
RANK #577 / 996 NAT · POP 422,733
1YR FORECAST: +1.1%
5YR OUTLOOK: +22%
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.
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.
Hillsborough County scores 42/100 on the Boom Town Index, landing in the middle of the pack among 996 U.S. counties (#577). Median household income is $95,112 and job growth is running at -0.3%. The data points to a county with mixed signals — some positive indicators alongside areas that lag faster-growing peers.
Housing in Hillsborough County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $356,200 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.27, with rents averaging $1,444/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Hillsborough County's population is growing — up +0.5% YoY — while the job market is roughly flat (employment change of -0.3%). Home values shifted +2.6% over the past year. In-migration is outpacing local hiring, which often points to remote workers or retirees driving the headcount.
Not particularly — 1.76% of Hillsborough County's population moved in from another state, which is below the national average. Most residents are long-term locals rather than recent transplants.