RANK #393 / 996 · POP 153,918 · NH
PROJECTED GROWTH: +1.2%
Merrimack County, New Hampshire, is defined by the Merrimack River, which bisects its hilly terrain, and its status as home to Concord, the state capital and largest city. Located in central New Hampshire, the county is about an hour's drive from Boston. Commuters utilize various options, including carpooling and a regional bus service for seniors and individuals with disabilities. The community offers a blend of suburban and rural environments, with towns like Hopkinton providing a rural feel despite being close to the capital. Outdoor recreation is prominent, with numerous state parks like Bear Brook State Park offering extensive trails for hiking, biking, and water activities on lakes and ponds.
Life in Merrimack County offers a suburban feel with access to outdoor activities. The public schools in Merrimack County are generally above average. The economy is driven by state government activities in Concord, alongside manufacturing of electronic components and aircraft parts. Recent economic developments include ongoing investments in high-speed internet infrastructure by companies like Comcast, expanding multi-gigabit internet access to more homes and businesses. Additionally, local institutions like Merrimack County Savings Bank contribute to affordable housing initiatives, supporting low- and moderate-income families.
Below national median (4.7x)
Above national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Below national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 4.3x 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.
Merrimack County has a Boom Town Index score of 61/100, ranking #393 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +0.5% and a median household income of $88,806, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Merrimack County is $297,600 with median rent at $1,199/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2984, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.6% year-over-year. Job growth: +0.5%. Home values changed +3.4% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 3.81% of Merrimack County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.