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Carroll County, New Hampshire — County Report Card

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
49
County Score
Income & Jobs 86.9Health 80Schools 78.3

County Report Card

About Carroll County, New Hampshire

Carroll Nears the National Median

With a composite score of 49.0, Carroll County sits just below the national median of 50.0. This score puts it in the upper tier of livability across the country.

Leading the Pack in New Hampshire

Carroll County ranks 1st among the 8 analyzed New Hampshire counties. Its performance is notably stronger than the state average composite score of 43.1.

Balanced Wealth and Quality Schools

The county features an income score of 86.9 and a strong school score of 78.3. Residents also enjoy a health score of 80.0, supported by a median household income of $82,961.

Water Quality and Housing Costs

Water quality is a significant concern with a score of only 7.5. Additionally, a cost score of 15.6 highlights the pressure of a $348,900 median home value on local families.

Ideal for Education-Focused Families

Carroll County is a premier choice for families who value top-tier schools and a healthy lifestyle. It rewards those who can look past water infrastructure challenges to enjoy high regional livability.

204060801003415.6498078.386.9297.550.5Tax34Cost15.6Safety49Health80Schools78.3Income86.9Risk29Water7.5Weather50.549/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Carroll County DNA

Foverall

How Carroll County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Carroll County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (86.9/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (7.5/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
34-18
Cost
15.6-32.4
Safety
49
Health
80+30
Schools
78.3+24.299999999999997
Income
86.9+35.900000000000006
Risk
29-18
Water
7.5-50.5
Weather
50.5
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$348,900

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,179/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$348,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$47,160/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $82,961/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

29.3

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

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49.1

Nearby counties

Belknap County
New Hampshire
38.3
Grafton County
New Hampshire
44.5
Cumberland County
Maine
47.4
York County
Maine
46.8
Strafford County
New Hampshire
40.2
Oxford County
Maine
45.3
Merrimack County
New Hampshire
43.6
Androscoggin County
Maine
38.2

Deep Dives

Carroll County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Carroll County

via TaxByCounty

Carroll County charges lowest rate statewide

Carroll County's effective tax rate of 1.056% ranks in the 58th percentile nationally, below the nation's 0.81% median. Despite higher home values here, residents pay a median tax of just $3,685—well above the national norm of $2,690.

New Hampshire's most affordable tax rate

Carroll County claims the lowest effective tax rate among all 10 New Hampshire counties at 1.056%, significantly below the state average of 1.852%. Its median tax bill of $3,685 is the second-lowest in the state, offering meaningful savings for residents.

North Country breaks state tax mold

Carroll outpaces neighboring Coos County (2.070%) and Grafton County (1.884%) by a substantial margin. This combination of northern location and low tax rate makes Carroll an outlier among New Hampshire's tax-conscious counties.

On a $349,000 home: less than $3,700

The typical Carroll County home valued at $348,900 generates an estimated annual tax of $3,685. With a mortgage, that rises to $3,729; without one, it falls to $3,606.

Even the lowest rates leave room for appeals

Carroll County residents who believe their homes are overassessed can file appeals with local assessors to potentially lower their valuations. This strategy can yield savings regardless of the county's favorable baseline rate.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Carroll County

via CostByCounty

Carroll stays affordable against national trends

Carroll County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.1% matches the national affordability benchmark and beats New Hampshire's 17.7% state average. The median household income of $82,961 is 11% above the national median, giving residents more flexibility than typical American renters.

Carroll ranks middle of the pack statewide

Carroll County's 17.1% rent-to-income ratio places it slightly better than the state average of 17.7%, though it trails the most affordable counties like Coos and Belknap. Among New Hampshire's eight counties, Carroll offers solid but unremarkable affordability.

Similar rents, lower incomes than Belknap

Carroll's median rent of $1,179/month nearly matches Belknap County's $1,184, but Carroll residents earn about $5,000 less annually. Both counties offer comparable value to renters, though Belknap's higher incomes provide slightly better long-term financial stability.

Balanced housing costs across tenures

Renters pay $1,179/month while homeowners spend $1,278/month—the smallest gap among most New Hampshire counties. At median income of $82,961, housing takes up roughly 17% of household earnings, leaving comfortable margin for savings and other needs.

Carroll works for budget-aware relocators

Carroll County offers steady affordability without premium pricing, making it ideal for renters and first-time homebuyers in New Hampshire. Consider comparing it with Belknap (slightly better income) or Coos (significantly lower housing costs) depending on your income and lifestyle priorities.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Carroll County

via IncomeByCounty

Carroll beats the national income average

Carroll County's median household income of $82,961 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by approximately $8,200. This upper-middle-income standing reflects a stable regional economy with broad earning opportunity.

Sixth among New Hampshire counties

Carroll County ranks sixth statewide with a median household income of $82,961, sitting below the state average of $86,521 by about $3,500. The gap narrows to the state average when considering per capita income, where Carroll's $49,562 surpasses the state at $47,027.

Outearned by Belknap, ahead of Cheshire

Carroll households earn $5,000 less than Belknap County ($87,983) but $1,960 more than Cheshire County ($81,001). The county's strong per capita income of $49,562 suggests diverse earning households and economic resilience.

Rent claims 17% of household earnings

Carroll's rent-to-income ratio of 17.1% indicates sustainable housing costs relative to income. The median home value of $348,900 aligns with household earning power, creating stable conditions for homeownership.

Opportunity in consistent earning

Carroll's solid per capita income suggests multiple earners and stable employment across households. This foundation supports consistent savings habits, retirement planning, and investment in education or small business ventures.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Carroll County

via CrimeByCounty

Carroll County Excels in National Safety

Carroll County achieves a stellar safety score of 98.2 in national comparisons. Its total crime rate of 1144.4 per 100K is less than half the national figure of 2,385.5.

Carroll County Leads State Safety Rankings

The county ranks favorably within New Hampshire, beating the state safety average of 98.0. Its total crime rate is also lower than the state's average of 1242.4 per 100K.

Regional Safety Around Carroll County

Carroll is notably safer than its southern neighbor Belknap County, which reports 1843.1 crimes per 100K. It also edges out Coos County for local safety honors.

Low Violent Crime Rates in Carroll

Violent crime sits at a low 138.1 per 100K, while property crime accounts for 1006.3 occurrences. These figures highlight a quiet community where personal safety is a strong standard.

Simple Steps for Home Security

Maintaining this high safety level starts with individual vigilance in residential neighborhoods. Simple steps like exterior lighting and motion sensors provide effective deterrents against property crime.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Carroll County

via SchoolsByCounty

Broad Educational Access in Carroll County

Carroll County operates 25 public schools across 12 different school districts to serve its 5,303 students. The landscape is dominated by 17 elementary schools, supported by 4 middle and 4 high schools. This decentralized structure ensures that even the most remote residents have access to local classrooms.

High Performance and Significant Student Investment

Carroll County excels with a 91.0% graduation rate, significantly outperforming both the state average of 87.2% and the national average of 87.0%. This success is backed by a robust per-pupil expenditure of $14,666, which is roughly $2,000 higher than the state average. The county's school score of 70.6 reflects this high level of academic achievement.

Leading Districts and Growing Charter Options

The Governor Wentworth Regional School District is the county's largest, serving 2,131 students across 8 schools. Charter schools have a notable presence here, making up 12% of the total school count with 3 active institutions. Conway School District also plays a major role, educating 1,540 students in the northern part of the county.

A Predominantly Rural Learning Experience

Attending school in Carroll County feels quiet and connected, as 22 of the 25 schools are in rural locales. Schools are smaller than average, with a typical enrollment of just 212 students per building. Kingswood Regional High is the largest hub with 720 students, while many primary schools remain very small.

Relocate to a High-Performing School District

For families prioritizing academic results and high per-pupil spending, Carroll County is a premier destination. The strong graduation rates and small school sizes make towns like Wolfeboro and Conway attractive for home buyers. Consider exploring the real estate market in these top-rated regional districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Carroll County

via RiskByCounty

Carroll County Matches National Risk Trends

Carroll County's composite risk score of 70.96 places it slightly above the national average of 69.89 in the "Relatively Low" category. This means residents experience natural disaster exposure comparable to many U.S. counties, with some elevated flood and hurricane concerns.

Mid-Range Risk Among NH Counties

Carroll County ranks fourth among New Hampshire's eight counties with a score of 70.96, sitting just above the state average of 69.89. Its position reflects moderate but not extreme exposure to natural hazards.

Riskier Than Belknap, Safer Than Grafton

Carroll ranks between its neighboring Belknap County (57.38) and Grafton County (81.77), with a notably higher flood risk of 82.00 than Belknap's 70.32. Its proximity to coastal and riverine areas elevates water-related hazards above other nearby counties.

Floods and Hurricanes Lead Threats

Carroll County faces exceptional flood risk at 82.00 and hurricane risk at 86.40, among the state's highest for both hazards. These elevated scores reflect the county's mountain terrain and Atlantic-influenced weather patterns, requiring proactive preparation.

Get Comprehensive Flood and Wind Coverage

Carroll County residents need robust flood insurance and hurricane-resistant homeowners policies given the twin threats of 82.00 flood risk and 86.40 hurricane risk. Standard policies often exclude flood damage, so separate coverage is essential.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Carroll County

via WaterByCounty

Severe Drinking Water Challenges in Carroll

Carroll County receives a Grade F for drinking water, driven by 177 health violations over a five-year period. Its violation rate of 465.2 per 100,000 people is over four times the New Hampshire average of 108.8. This high rate signals a critical need for infrastructure and compliance improvements.

Watershed Health Data Currently Unavailable

Carroll County’s water bodies are not yet covered in the federal §303(d) assessment process. Without official impairment data, the county lacks a federal benchmark for watershed health compared to the 30.0% state average. Future reporting cycles are required to clarify the health of local streams and lakes.

Consistent Monitoring Tracks Nutrient Levels

Environmental agencies maintain 173 monitoring sites, recording 21,252 measurements in the Water Quality Portal over the last five years. The data collection focuses heavily on physical, nutrient, and microbiological characteristics. This active footprint ensures that local authorities can track changes in water safety over time.

Saco River Maintains Near-Normal Flow

The Saco River near Conway currently flows at 901 cfs, which represents 92% of its long-term typical discharge. This steady flow across the 385-square-mile drainage area suggests relatively stable hydrological conditions. Maintaining these levels is vital for supporting both the ecosystem and the local drinking water supply.

Testing Recommended Amid High Violations

The extremely high drinking water violation rate makes proactive home water testing essential for Carroll County residents. Since the watershed lacks a formal federal assessment, users should remain vigilant about potential microbiological contaminants mentioned in monitoring records. Using certified filtration systems can help mitigate risks from system-wide compliance failures.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Carroll County

via WeatherByCounty

Deep Within the Cooler North

Carroll County’s 44.2°F annual average is nearly 10 degrees cooler than the national median. This reflects a rugged, high-latitude climate defined by long winters and brief, pleasant summers.

Colder Than the New Hampshire Average

At 44.2°F, the county is noticeably cooler than the state average of 45.4°F. It ranks among the chillier regions of New Hampshire due to its northern position and varying elevations.

Wetter Than Neighboring Grafton

The county records a high annual precipitation of 51.2 inches, significantly outpacing Grafton County's 42.8 inches. It also sees more snowfall, averaging 83.5 inches per year.

Heavy Snow and Crisp Winters

January is particularly cold here with an average temperature of 19.1°F. While summer heat is rare with only 6 days reaching 90°F, the 83.5 inches of annual snow defines the local lifestyle.

Built for Winter Endurance

High-performance insulation and reliable snow removal gear are non-negotiable for the 22.0°F winter average. Summer planning is simpler, as the average temperature stays a comfortable 65.8°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Carroll County

via SoilByCounty

Mountain Soil with Deep Character

Specific pH and taxonomic data are limited for this rugged stretch of New Hampshire. Regional trends suggest soils are much more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This acidity is a hallmark of the forested slopes throughout the White Mountains.

Coarse Textures in the White Mountains

The precise mix of sand, silt, and clay for Carroll County is not currently documented. Most mountain soils here tend to be rocky and coarse, favoring trees over traditional row crops. Local workability depends heavily on the specific elevation and glacial history of the plot.

Unmapped Nutrient Reservoirs

Data for organic matter and available water capacity is currently unavailable for Carroll. Without these numbers, it is difficult to compare the county's growing potential against the state average of 32.6% organic matter. Local growers must use soil tests to find their specific fertility needs.

Steep Slopes and Swift Runoff

The drainage class for the county is unclassified, but the topography ensures rapid water movement. Building and farming here require a close eye on slope stability and natural runoff patterns. Managing water effectively is the key to preventing erosion on these steep hillsides.

Resilient Gardening in Zone 5a

The 5a hardiness zone is a challenging but rewarding environment for dedicated gardeners. Cold-tolerant crops like blueberries and cranberries thrive in the local mountain climate. Start your garden with raised beds to maximize the shorter growing season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Carroll County

via LawnByCounty

Tougher Turf Conditions in the White Mountains

Carroll County presents a challenge with a lawn difficulty score of 45.1, which falls below both the national median and the New Hampshire state average of 47.9. Operating in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a, growers here must contend with shorter seasons and harsher winters. These numbers suggest that maintaining a pristine lawn requires more effort and planning than in surrounding counties.

Plentiful Rain and a Brief Growing Window

The county receives a generous 51.2 inches of annual precipitation, slightly exceeding the ideal range and potentially leading to saturated root zones. The growing season is relatively short, with the last spring frost occurring as late as May 16 and the first fall frost arriving by October 5. Lawns here only experience 6 extreme heat days, meaning cool-season grasses rarely suffer from mid-summer burnout.

Navigating Limited Local Soil Information

Specific local soil measurements for pH and texture are unavailable, but the mountain geography often results in rocky, well-draining terrain. Homeowners should prioritize adding organic matter like compost to build up topsoil depth and improve nutrient retention. A professional soil test is essential here to identify any specific mineral deficiencies before the spring growth surge.

Persistent Drought Challenges in the North

Despite high annual rainfall, the county has faced 40 weeks of drought over the past year, with 98.2% of the land in severe drought status. During these dry periods, it is best to let the grass go dormant rather than providing light, shallow waterings that weaken the roots. If you choose to irrigate, focus on high-traffic areas and keep mower blades high to minimize evaporation.

Cool-Season Strategies for Zone 5a

Fine fescues and perennial ryegrasses are excellent choices for Carroll County because they handle the cooler temperatures and 1,990 growing degree days well. The best time for seeding is late August to take advantage of the early October frost date, ensuring roots are established before the ground freezes. Don't be discouraged by the lower score; local success just requires working with the mountain climate.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Carroll County's county score?
Carroll County, New Hampshire has a composite county score of 49 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 Carroll County rank among counties in New Hampshire?
Carroll County ranks #1 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 Carroll County, New Hampshire?
The median annual property tax in Carroll County is $3,685, with an effective tax rate of 1.06%. This earns Carroll County a tax score of 34/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Carroll County?
The median household income in Carroll County, New Hampshire is $82,961 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Carroll County earns an income score of 86.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Carroll County, New Hampshire a good place to live?
Carroll County scores 49/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #1 in New Hampshire. The best way to evaluate Carroll 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 Carroll County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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