countyscore

Belknap County, New Hampshire — County Report Card

NH

#10 in New Hampshire

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
38.3
County Score
Income & Jobs 90.8Health 78.5Schools 56.3

County Report Card

About Belknap County, New Hampshire

Belknap Trails the National Median

Belknap County earns a composite score of 38.3, placing it well below the national median of 50.0. This score indicates that the county faces more livability hurdles than the average American county.

Eighth Among New Hampshire Counties

The county ranks 8th out of the 8 New Hampshire counties analyzed in this group. Its score of 38.3 sits nearly five points below the state average of 43.1.

Strong Incomes and Healthy Residents

The county excels in income with a score of 90.8 and health at 78.5. Residents benefit from a robust median household income of $87,983 and high-quality health outcomes.

Housing Costs and Water Concerns

Belknap struggles with housing affordability, reflected in a cost score of 12.1. A low water score of 13.5 and an effective tax rate of 1.440% present further challenges for local households.

A Haven for High-Income Professionals

This county best serves high-earning individuals who prioritize health and income over tax efficiency. It is a solid choice for those who can manage the $340,000 median home value.

Score breakdown

Tax15.5Cost12.1Safety25.4Health78.5Schools56.3Income90.8Risk42.6Water13.5Weather54.1
🏛15.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠12.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼90.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡25.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤78.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓56.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡42.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧13.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤54.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱54.9
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Merrimack County
New Hampshire
43.6
Carroll County
New Hampshire
49
Strafford County
New Hampshire
40.2
Grafton County
New Hampshire
44.5
York County
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46.8
Sullivan County
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Hillsborough County
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Rockingham County
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48.9

Deep Dives

Belknap County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Belknap County

via TaxByCounty

Belknap's tax rate sits above national norm

Belknap County's effective tax rate of 1.440% exceeds the national median of 0.81%, placing it in the 72nd percentile nationally. Homeowners here pay a median of $4,897 annually, well above the national median of $2,690.

Below state average, middle of the pack

Belknap's 1.440% rate ranks fourth-lowest among New Hampshire's 10 counties, below the state average of 1.852%. The county's median tax bill of $4,897 falls $783 below the state median of $5,680.

Carroll County taxes the lowest nearby

Carroll County to the north charges just 1.056%, the state's lowest rate, while Merrimack County to the south is significantly higher at 2.002%. Belknap's 1.440% rate positions it as a moderate option in the central region.

On a $340,000 home: nearly $4,900

The typical Belknap County home valued at $340,000 carries an estimated annual tax bill of $4,897. With a mortgage, that figure reaches $5,001; without one, $4,699.

Assessment appeals could cut your bill

Many New Hampshire homeowners are overassessed relative to market value, meaning a formal appeal to your local assessor could reduce your tax burden. Given Belknap's solid median home values, even modest assessment reductions could save hundreds annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Belknap County

via CostByCounty

Belknap's affordability beats the nation

Renters in Belknap County spend 16.1% of their income on housing, well below the national average of 20% and better than New Hampshire's 17.7% state rate. With a median household income of $87,983—17% above the national median—residents here have more breathing room in their budgets than most Americans.

Second-most affordable in New Hampshire

Belknap County ranks among the state's most affordable counties, with only Coos County offering lower rent-to-income ratios. At 16.1%, Belknap's ratio outperforms the state average by 1.6 percentage points, making it an attractive option for renters seeking stability.

Competitive with Carroll County neighbors

Belknap and Carroll County share similar rents around $1,180/month, but Belknap residents earn $5,000 more annually, improving their overall affordability picture. Grafton County to the north commands higher rents ($1,292/month) while offering comparable incomes, making Belknap the better rental value.

Rent and mortgage costs compared

Renters spend $1,184/month while homeowners pay $1,524/month for mortgages—a $340 difference. With median income at $87,983, housing consumes roughly 16% of household earnings, leaving most families with substantial income for other expenses.

Consider Belknap for balanced living

If you're comparing New Hampshire counties, Belknap offers solid income levels and reasonable housing costs that work well for renters and modest homebuyers. The county's affordability advantage disappears at higher price points—Carroll and Grafton offer better value for budget-conscious relocators.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Belknap County

via IncomeByCounty

Belknap earns 18% above the nation

Belknap County's median household income of $87,983 outpaces the national median of $74,755 by nearly $13,000. This positions the county in the upper tier of American counties, reflecting strong regional earning power and economic stability.

Middle of the pack statewide

Belknap ranks fourth among New Hampshire's ten counties with a median household income of $87,983, just slightly above the state average of $86,521. While solid, neighboring counties like Rockingham and Hillsborough significantly outpace this figure.

Competitive with Carroll, ahead of Cheshire

Belknap households earn $5,000 more than Carroll County ($82,961) and $7,000 more than Cheshire County ($81,001), both nearby counties. Compared to the stronger economies in Rockingham ($113,927) and Hillsborough ($100,436), Belknap represents solid middle-income stability.

Housing costs eat 16% of income

With a rent-to-income ratio of 16.1%, Belknap households spend a manageable share of earnings on housing—well below the 30% threshold financial advisors recommend. The median home value of $340,000 remains accessible for households earning $87,983.

Build wealth beyond the paycheck

Belknap's above-average incomes create opportunity for strategic savings and investment. With housing costs controlled, households can direct 15–20% of earnings toward retirement accounts, diversified portfolios, and long-term wealth building.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Belknap County

via CrimeByCounty

Belknap County Stays Safer Than National Averages

Belknap County maintains a high safety score of 97.1 despite local activity. Its total crime rate of 1843.1 per 100K residents remains well below the national average of 2,385.5.

Comparing Belknap to New Hampshire Standards

Within the state, Belknap shows a higher crime rate than the New Hampshire average of 1242.4 per 100K. Its safety score is also slightly below the state average of 98.0.

Local Safety Trends Near Belknap County

Belknap's crime rate of 1843.1 is significantly higher than neighboring Carroll County at 1144.4. However, it stays more secure than many urban hubs across the country.

Property Crime Drives Belknap's Statistics

Property crime dominates the local landscape at 1725.8 per 100K, while violent crime is quite low at 117.3. Residents are statistically far more likely to experience theft than personal harm.

Securing Your Home in Belknap County

Even in safe areas, property theft remains the primary concern for residents. Local police recommend using security cameras and locking all entry points to deter opportunistic crimes.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Belknap County

via HealthByCounty

Belknap trails national life expectancy

Residents of Belknap County live an average of 77.4 years, roughly 1.4 years below the U.S. average of 78.8 years. About 14.6% of the county reports fair or poor health, slightly above the national rate of 12%, signaling room for improvement in preventive care and chronic disease management.

Below average for New Hampshire

Belknap County's 77.4-year life expectancy ranks below New Hampshire's state average of 78.3 years, placing it in the lower half of the state's health outcomes. This gap suggests residents face health challenges that outpace the statewide norm.

Lagging nearby healthier counties

Belknap's life expectancy falls well behind neighboring Grafton County (80.1 years) and Merrimack County (79.0 years), though it matches Cheshire County and Hillsborough County at 78.6 years. The 2.7-year gap with Grafton County reflects significant disparities within the region.

Moderate healthcare access gaps

Belknap County's uninsured rate stands at 6.9%, just above the state average of 6.7%, affecting roughly 7 in every 100 residents. The county has 48 primary care providers per 100,000 people—well below the state median—but mental health support is robust at 541 providers per 100K.

Get covered today

If you're among the 6.9% of uninsured Belknap residents, exploring your options can improve health outcomes and lower out-of-pocket costs. Visit healthcare.gov or contact your local health department to find plans and subsidies tailored to your income.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Belknap County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Network of Seven Diverse School Districts

Belknap County manages an educational infrastructure of 23 public schools serving 7,590 students. The system includes 11 elementary, 5 middle, and 6 high schools spread across 7 distinct districts. This provides a focused learning environment with one school for every 330 students on average.

Assessing Student Success and Educational Investment

The county reports a graduation rate of 82.9%, which sits below the state average of 87.2% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. Local leaders invest $12,574 per pupil, nearly matching the state average of $12,649. With a school score of 61.8, the county remains competitive against the state's 64.2 average.

Spotlight on Laconia and Shaker Regional Districts

Laconia School District stands as the largest provider, overseeing 5 schools and 1,828 students. The Shaker Regional and Gilford districts follow closely, together educating over 2,200 children. Notably, the county currently operates without charter schools, relying entirely on traditional district structures.

Rural Roots and Intimate Learning Environments

Education here feels personal, with 14 rural schools and 9 town-based settings defining the landscape. Laconia High School is the largest campus with 590 students, while many others, like Alton Central, maintain a smaller feel. The average school size of 330 ensures students do not get lost in the crowd.

Find Your Home Near Belknap Schools

Families looking for a blend of town and rural schooling will find many options in the Laconia and Gilford areas. School quality is a primary driver of local property values and long-term community stability. Explore homes in these districts to secure a place in this dedicated educational community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Belknap County

via RiskByCounty

Belknap: Well Below National Risk

Belknap County scores 57.38 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the "Relatively Low" category and well below the national average of 69.89. This means residents face lower exposure to major natural disasters compared to most American counties.

Safest County in New Hampshire

Among New Hampshire's eight counties, Belknap ranks safest with the lowest composite risk score of 57.38. Its 12-point advantage below the state average of 69.89 reflects more favorable natural disaster exposure across all hazard types.

Safer Than All Surrounding Counties

Belknap's risk profile stands notably safer than neighboring Carroll (70.96) and Merrimack (78.21) counties. Even compared to nearby Cheshire County (60.50), Belknap maintains one of the state's lowest overall risk signatures.

Watch for Hurricanes and Floods

Hurricane risk tops Belknap's hazard profile at 78.39, followed by flood risk at 70.32—both driven by the county's proximity to the Atlantic coast and major watersheds. Earthquake risk of 59.80 remains moderate, while tornado and wildfire threats are relatively contained.

Prioritize Hurricane and Flood Insurance

Belknap residents should secure robust homeowners insurance covering hurricane and flood damage, as these remain the county's dominant natural disaster threats. Even in lower-risk counties, 1 in 5 properties experience costly water damage over 30 years.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Belknap County

via WeatherByCounty

A Classic Cold Continental Climate

Belknap County averages 46.7°F annually, falling significantly below the national median temperature. This humid continental climate experiences sharp seasonal swings typical of the New England interior.

Warmer Than the State Average

The county's annual average temperature of 46.7°F sits slightly higher than the New Hampshire state average of 45.4°F. It represents a transition zone between the warmer southern valleys and the cooler northern mountains.

Matching the Regional Precipitation Profile

Belknap receives 46.5 inches of annual precipitation, which is virtually identical to neighboring Cheshire County. However, it stays slightly warmer on average than Carroll County to its immediate north.

Consistent Snow and Moderate Heat

Winter brings 70.8 inches of annual snowfall and January averages of 21.1°F. Summers remain mild with a 68.6°F average, though residents still face about 7 days of extreme heat over 90°F each year.

Prepare for Ice and Humidity

Reliable heating systems are essential to handle the 24.1°F winter average. Residents should also invest in dehumidification and cooling for the July peak, when temperatures average 70.9°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Belknap County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Foundations in the Lakes Region

While specific pH data for Belknap is currently unavailable, New Hampshire soils typically skew more acidic than the 6.5 national median. The regional taxonomic profile reflects the granite-rich heritage of the state's central hills. Local gardeners should prepare to test and amend their soil for sensitive crops.

A Mystery in Mineral Makeup

Detailed percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not currently recorded for this county. Despite the lack of specific data, local landscapes often feature the rocky till common across the state. This usually results in high workability but requires careful organic additions for better structure.

Organic Potential Awaiting Discovery

Belknap lacks specific organic matter and available water capacity metrics in recent surveys. This data gap means local growers rely on historical performance rather than specific county-wide benchmarks. Adding compost is a standard practice to boost the unknown fertility of these northern soils.

Navigating Central New Hampshire Waterways

The county's dominant drainage class and hydrologic groups remain unclassified in current digital datasets. Most local sites require site-specific testing to determine if they are suitable for heavy construction or complex irrigation. Proper drainage remains essential for preventing root rot in this humid climate.

Thriving in Hardiness Zone 5b

The 5b hardiness zone provides a reliable window for growing hardy vegetables and northern-adapted fruit trees. You can expect success with apples, pears, and short-season tomatoes. Start your garden journey by focusing on cold-hardy varieties that handle the late spring frosts.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Belknap County

via LawnByCounty

Belknap County's High Lawn Success Potential

Belknap County earns a lawn difficulty score of 54.9, making it notably easier to maintain turf here than the national median of 50.0. This score also outperforms the New Hampshire state average of 47.9, providing a strong foundation for local gardeners in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. Local homeowners enjoy a significant advantage over neighbors in more challenging coastal or southern counties.

Ample Rainfall Meets Moderate New England Heat

The county receives 46.5 inches of annual precipitation, which sits perfectly within the ideal 30-50 inch range for healthy grass. With only 7 days per year reaching 90°F and a healthy 2,438 growing degree days, lawns maintain steady growth without the stress of extreme summer scorching. The frost-free window typically opens on April 30 and closes by October 18, defining a productive mowing season.

Local Soil Data and Preparation Needs

While specific soil texture and pH data are limited for this area, New England soils generally lean toward the acidic side. Local lawn care usually requires a baseline soil test to determine if lime or phosphorus amendments are necessary for optimal nutrient uptake. Ensuring proper drainage is the first step before any major fall aeration or overseeding project.

Managing Turf During Severe Dry Spells

Belknap County has spent 39 weeks in drought over the last year, with 100% of the area currently classified under severe drought conditions. To preserve your lawn, water deeply but infrequently during the early morning hours to encourage deep root systems. Raising mower blades to three inches or higher helps shade the soil and retain critical moisture during these periods.

Starting Your Zone 5b Lawn Journey

Hardy cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass and Fine Fescue thrive in this climate when seeded in late summer or early spring. Aim to get new seed or sod established after the April 30 frost date to take advantage of the warming soil and natural spring rain. With a score well above the state average, your yard is primed for success with just a little consistent care.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Belknap County's county score?
Belknap County, New Hampshire has a composite county score of 38.3 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Belknap County rank among counties in New Hampshire?
Belknap County ranks #10 among all counties in New Hampshire on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Belknap County, New Hampshire?
The median annual property tax in Belknap County is $4,897, with an effective tax rate of 1.44%. This earns Belknap County a tax score of 15.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Belknap County?
The median household income in Belknap County, New Hampshire is $87,983 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Belknap County earns an income score of 90.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Belknap County, New Hampshire a good place to live?
Belknap County scores 38.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #10 in New Hampshire. The best way to evaluate Belknap County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Belknap County with other counties side by side.

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Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.