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Cheshire County, New Hampshire — County Report Card

NH

#5 in New Hampshire

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
43.4
County Score
Income & Jobs 84.8Health 84.5Schools 70.6

County Report Card

About Cheshire County, New Hampshire

Cheshire Below the National Median

Cheshire County posts a composite score of 43.4, falling short of the national median of 50.0. Despite this, it remains a competitive option within the New England region.

Holding Steady in the Middle

The county ranks 5th among the 8 New Hampshire counties featured here. Its composite score of 43.4 is almost exactly aligned with the state average of 43.1.

Exceptional Health and Strong Income

Cheshire shines with a health score of 84.5 and an income score of 84.8. A median household income of $81,001 supports a high standard of living for many residents.

High Tax Burdens and Affordability

The county faces a very low tax score of 1.3 due to an effective tax rate of 2.320%. Housing affordability is also tight, reflected in a cost score of 11.7.

Best for Health-Conscious Renters

Cheshire County is ideal for residents who prioritize physical well-being and steady incomes. It particularly suits those who can navigate a high property tax environment.

Score breakdown

Tax1.3Cost11.7Safety43.6Health84.5Schools70.6Income84.8Risk39.5Water51.2Weather51.8
🏛1.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠11.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼84.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡43.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤84.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓70.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡39.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧51.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤51.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨66.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱43.1
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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Deep Dives

Cheshire County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Cheshire County

via TaxByCounty

Cheshire taxes among the nation's highest

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Cheshire County

via CostByCounty

Cheshire rents outpace national affordability

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Cheshire County

via IncomeByCounty

Cheshire outperforms the national baseline

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Cheshire County

via CrimeByCounty

Cheshire County Beats National Crime Averages

Cheshire County maintains an impressive safety score of 98.0. Its total crime rate of 1271.4 per 100K is much lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Cheshire County Matches New Hampshire Averages

The county aligns perfectly with the New Hampshire safety average of 98.0. While its crime rate of 1271.4 is slightly above the state average of 1242.4, it remains a very safe region.

Safety Comparisons with Neighboring Counties

Cheshire is significantly quieter than neighboring Hillsborough County, which sees 1370.4 crimes per 100K. This regional comparison underscores Cheshire's relatively peaceful environment.

Property Concerns Over Physical Threats

Property crimes make up the bulk of the 1271.4 total rate, while violent crime remains low at 150.1. Most reported incidents involve non-confrontational property issues rather than physical violence.

Visible Deterrents for Your Cheshire Home

Property safety is the most relevant focus for local residents given the data breakdown. Visible security measures like smart doorbells help maintain the county's strong safety profile.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Cheshire County

via HealthByCounty

Cheshire matches national health trends

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Cheshire County

via SchoolsByCounty

Educational Infrastructure Across Cheshire County

Cheshire County maintains a robust network of 40 public schools serving 8,573 total students. The system is managed by 16 different districts and features 26 elementary schools and 7 high schools. This infrastructure provides a diverse range of educational paths for families in the Monadnock Region.

Strong Graduation Rates with Efficient Spending

The county boasts a graduation rate of 89.6%, surpassing the New Hampshire state average of 87.2%. Cheshire achieves these results while spending $11,725 per pupil, which is more efficient than the state average of $12,649. Its composite school score of 63.5 is nearly on par with the statewide benchmark.

The Influence of Keene and Monadnock Districts

The Keene School District is the largest in the area, educating 3,044 students across 7 different schools. Choice is a key factor here, as 5 charter schools represent 12.5% of all public education options. The Monadnock Regional School District also maintains a significant footprint with 1,621 students enrolled.

A Mix of Town Hubs and Rural Schools

The school experience varies between the 15 town-based schools and the 25 schools located in rural settings. Keene High School is the primary regional hub with 1,291 students, while the county average school size remains small at 214 students. This allows for a mix of large-school opportunities and small-school intimacy.

Discover Homes in Top Monadnock Districts

Cheshire County offers a compelling case for families seeking high graduation rates and diverse school types. Whether you prefer the bustling environment of Keene or the quiet rural districts, school quality remains a strong local asset. Look for your next home in a community that values both efficiency and academic success.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Cheshire County

via RiskByCounty

Cheshire Below Average on Disaster Risk

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Cheshire County

via WeatherByCounty

A Typical Northeastern Temperature Range

Cheshire County averages 45.9°F annually, placing it firmly in the cooler half of the United States. Its climate is characterized by significant precipitation and distinct four-season changes.

Aligning With State Norms

The county's 45.9°F average is very close to the New Hampshire state average of 45.4°F. This makes it a benchmark for the state’s overall climate patterns.

Similar to the Lakes Region

Cheshire’s 46.5 inches of precipitation matches Belknap County exactly. However, it experiences slightly less snowfall, recording 66.6 inches compared to higher totals found further north.

Steady Snow and Warm Julys

Winter temperatures average 24.1°F, supported by a significant 66.6 inches of snow. July brings the heat back with a 69.4°F average and roughly 7 days hitting the 90°F mark.

Versatile Home Systems Needed

Homeowners should prepare for January averages of 21.4°F with efficient heating solutions. Summers are generally mild, but air conditioning is necessary for the occasional week of 90-degree weather.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Cheshire County

via SoilByCounty

Strong Soils in the Monadnock Region

Cheshire County's soil pH sits at 4.64, which is notably higher than the state average of 4.24. While still more acidic than the 6.5 national median, this indicates a slightly more balanced environment for native plants. This soil provides a solid foundation for the region's diverse forest ecosystems.

Sandy Textures and Low Clay

The soil is comprised of 38.1% sand, 27.9% silt, and a very low 4.4% clay. This high sand content ensures excellent drainage, though it may require more frequent watering during dry spells. The low clay percentage makes the soil easy to work and less prone to compaction.

High Water Capacity and Rich Matter

With 31.29% organic matter, the soil is incredibly rich, despite being slightly below the state average of 32.63%. The available water capacity of 0.225 in/in outperforms the state average of 0.204. This combination creates a fertile environment that holds onto moisture well for thirsty plants.

Effective Natural Water Management

The high sand ratio suggests a well-drained profile that prevents waterlogging in most conditions. This drainage quality is ideal for gardening but requires attention during the peak of summer. It offers a stable base for residential building and agricultural infrastructure.

Longer Seasons in Zone 6a

The 6a hardiness zone offers one of the most temperate growing climates in the state. This allows for a wider variety of crops, including peppers and even some peach varieties. Dig in now to take advantage of the generous 0.225 water capacity and fertile organic base.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Cheshire County

via LawnByCounty

Lower Scores Demand Extra Lawn Care

Cheshire County carries a lawn difficulty score of 43.1, trailing the national median by nearly 7 points. As a Zone 6a region, it offers a slightly warmer climate than northern neighbors but remains more challenging than the state average of 47.9. Maintaining a lush lawn here requires proactive management of soil health and seasonal timing.

Standard Precipitation with Typical Heat Stress

Annual precipitation of 46.5 inches aligns well with the 30-50 inch ideal range for turf grass. The area records 7 extreme heat days annually and 2,220 growing degree days, supporting a steady but manageable mowing schedule. Gardeners should plan for a growing season that starts after the May 14 frost and ends around October 6.

Managing Highly Acidic and Sandy Soil

The soil in Cheshire County is significantly acidic with a pH of 4.64, well below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for grass. With a high sand content of 38.1% and low clay at 4.4%, water and nutrients can leach away quickly. Applying lime is a critical step for local homeowners to raise the pH and unlock nutrients for the grass roots.

Recovering from Moderate Drought Exposure

While 100% of the county is currently abnormally dry, the region has avoided the severe drought levels seen elsewhere in the state. Over the last year, the county spent 38 weeks in some level of drought, necessitating careful water management. Mulching grass clippings back into the lawn is a smart way to retain moisture and return nitrogen to the sandy soil.

Best Turf Options for Zone 6a

Turf-type tall fescues are a great choice for this area because their deep root systems handle sandy soil and drought better than other varieties. Aim to seed in late summer or early fall to avoid the spring frost risk that lingers until mid-May. With regular lime applications to balance the acidity, your Cheshire County lawn can thrive despite the lower difficulty score.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cheshire County's county score?
Cheshire County, New Hampshire has a composite county score of 43.4 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 Cheshire County rank among counties in New Hampshire?
Cheshire County ranks #5 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 Cheshire County, New Hampshire?
The median annual property tax in Cheshire County is $5,968, with an effective tax rate of 2.32%. This earns Cheshire County a tax score of 1.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cheshire County?
The median household income in Cheshire County, New Hampshire is $81,001 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Cheshire County earns an income score of 84.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Cheshire County, New Hampshire a good place to live?
Cheshire County scores 43.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #5 in New Hampshire. The best way to evaluate Cheshire 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 Cheshire 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.