Cheshire County scores 56.2 on the composite index, 12% above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 62nd percentile nationwide. The county performs solidly but without the distinction of top-tier national performers.
2 / 5
Middle of New Hampshire's pack
Cheshire ranks sixth among ten New Hampshire counties, scoring 56.2 against the state average of 58.3. The county sits close to the median statewide, with room for improvement on several dimensions.
3 / 5
Health care is county's bright spot
Health outcomes rank strong at 78.1, and housing affordability is competitive with a median home value of $257,200—among the state's lowest. These factors create a particularly livable environment for cost-conscious health-conscious residents.
4 / 5
Taxes and income growth need attention
Cheshire's effective tax rate of 2.32% is the state's highest at a tax score of only 37.0, while median household income of $81,001 falls below state averages. These dual constraints limit the county's livability score.
5 / 5
Works for price-sensitive health seekers
Cheshire County is best for budget-minded individuals and families who prioritize low housing costs and excellent health care over lower taxes or maximum incomes. It appeals to those willing to accept higher property taxes in exchange for affordability elsewhere.
Cheshire County scores 56.2 on the composite index, 12% above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 62nd percentile nationwide. The county performs solidly but without the distinction of top-tier national performers.
Middle of New Hampshire's pack
Cheshire ranks sixth among ten New Hampshire counties, scoring 56.2 against the state average of 58.3. The county sits close to the median statewide, with room for improvement on several dimensions.
Health care is county's bright spot
Health outcomes rank strong at 78.1, and housing affordability is competitive with a median home value of $257,200—among the state's lowest. These factors create a particularly livable environment for cost-conscious health-conscious residents.
Taxes and income growth need attention
Cheshire's effective tax rate of 2.32% is the state's highest at a tax score of only 37.0, while median household income of $81,001 falls below state averages. These dual constraints limit the county's livability score.
Works for price-sensitive health seekers
Cheshire County is best for budget-minded individuals and families who prioritize low housing costs and excellent health care over lower taxes or maximum incomes. It appeals to those willing to accept higher property taxes in exchange for affordability elsewhere.
Score breakdown
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Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Cheshire County's effective tax rate of 2.320% ranks in the 88th percentile nationally, nearly three times the national median of 0.81%. Homeowners pay a median tax of $5,968, more than double the national average of $2,690.
Highest tax rate in New Hampshire
Cheshire County leads all 10 New Hampshire counties with an effective tax rate of 2.320%, significantly above the state average of 1.852%. Its median tax bill of $5,968 is second-highest statewide, second only to Rockingham County.
Southwest region's steepest burden
Cheshire's 2.320% rate far exceeds Grafton County to the north (1.884%) and Merrimack County to the east (2.002%). This southwestern county carries the heaviest tax load across southern and central New Hampshire.
On a $257,000 home: nearly $6,000
The typical Cheshire County home valued at $257,200 carries an estimated annual tax of $5,968. With a mortgage, that reaches $6,001; without one, $5,900.
High rates make appeals especially valuable
Cheshire County's elevated tax rate means that successful assessment appeals can yield substantial annual savings—potentially thousands for overassessed properties. Professional assessment review is particularly worthwhile in this high-tax county.
At 18.1%, Cheshire County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds both the national average (20% is sustainable, but creeping toward stress) and New Hampshire's 17.7% state rate. The median income of $81,001 is solid at 8% above the national median, but housing costs still consume more of household budgets here.
Cheshire among New Hampshire's pricier counties
Cheshire County's 18.1% rent-to-income ratio ranks in the upper half of New Hampshire counties for affordability stress. Only Grafton County and Hillsborough exceed it, placing Cheshire in a less favorable position than most peers statewide.
Higher rents than nearby Coos County
Cheshire's median rent of $1,220/month runs 45% above Coos County's $843/month, though Cheshire's income advantage ($81,001 vs. $58,439) partially offsets the difference. Compared to Grafton County to the north, Cheshire offers lower home values but similar rental stress.
Homeownership carries steeper costs
Renters spend $1,220/month while homeowners pay $1,498/month, a substantial $278 gap suggesting ownership isn't a straightforward upgrade to affordability. Combined, housing costs consume roughly 18% of the median household income of $81,001.
Cheshire suits those prioritizing culture
Cheshire County's housing costs climb above state averages, but the region offers distinctive small-town appeal and cultural amenities worth the premium for some relocators. Compare closely with Belknap or Carroll if affordability is your primary driver; Cheshire demands more housing budget.
Cheshire County's median household income of $81,001 runs $6,246 ahead of the U.S. median of $74,755. The county maintains upper-middle-income status despite ranking lower within New Hampshire itself.
Seventh statewide, below average income
Cheshire ranks seventh among New Hampshire's ten counties with a median household income of $81,001, trailing the state average of $86,521 by $5,520. The per capita income of $41,683 falls notably short of the state average of $47,027, suggesting income concentration in fewer households.
Earning less than Belknap and Carroll
Cheshire households earn roughly $7,000 less than Belknap ($87,983) and $2,000 less than Carroll County ($82,961). However, the median home value of $257,200 is substantially lower, offering better housing affordability relative to income.
Housing costs at 18%, still manageable
With a rent-to-income ratio of 18.1%, Cheshire households dedicate roughly one-sixth of income to housing—comfortable given the lower median home values. The county's affordability advantage makes homeownership more accessible despite lower median incomes.
Leverage affordability for long-term gains
Cheshire's lower home prices create entry points for first-time buyers and investors seeking appreciation potential. Strategic real estate acquisition combined with disciplined savings can build substantial wealth over time.
Cheshire County's 78.6-year life expectancy is 0.2 years above the U.S. average of 78.8 years, indicating comparable national health performance. The county's 15% fair or poor health rate slightly exceeds the national average of 12%, suggesting opportunities for improved disease prevention.
Slightly above state average
Cheshire County's 78.6-year life expectancy is 0.3 years above New Hampshire's state average of 78.3 years, placing it solidly in the middle of the state's health rankings. This moderate performance reflects reasonable access to care and health outcomes across the county.
Mid-pack within New Hampshire
Cheshire's 78.6 years matches Hillsborough County but trails Grafton (80.1) and Rockingham (80.5) counties by roughly 1.5 to 2 years. The county edges out struggling Belknap (77.4) and Coos (73.9) counties, placing it in a stable middle range.
Low uninsured rate, solid access
Cheshire County boasts the lowest uninsured rate among the eight counties at 5.9%, compared to the state average of 6.7%, giving most residents health coverage. Primary care access is adequate at 67 providers per 100K, and mental health support is strong at 404 providers per 100K.
Stay covered, stay healthy
Cheshire County's strong insurance coverage shows what's possible when residents stay enrolled in plans that fit their needs. If you're among the small uninsured portion, now is the time to explore affordable options through the health marketplace.
Cheshire County's composite risk score of 60.50 sits solidly below the national average of 69.89 in the "Relatively Low" category. Residents enjoy one of the lowest natural disaster risk profiles in the United States.
Second Safest County in New Hampshire
Cheshire County ranks second-lowest among New Hampshire's eight counties with a composite score of 60.50, trailing only Belknap County (57.38). Its position reflects notably safer conditions compared to the state average of 69.89.
Safest in Southwest New Hampshire
Cheshire County's 60.50 score makes it significantly safer than Merrimack County to the north (78.21) and comparable to Belknap across the state. Its southwestern location provides natural protection against major hazard zones.
Floods and Hurricanes Are Primary Concerns
Cheshire County's highest risks are flood (74.84) and hurricane (76.05), typical for New Hampshire's exposed counties. Tornado risk at 43.64 is elevated compared to Belknap but remains moderate statewide.
Secure Flood and Wind Coverage
Despite low overall risk, Cheshire residents should maintain separate flood insurance and comprehensive hurricane coverage given flood and hurricane scores of 74.84 and 76.05. Even low-risk counties benefit from protection against these costly events.