CountyScore

Grafton County

New Hampshire · NH

#5 in New Hampshire
58
County Score

County Report Card

About Grafton County, New Hampshire

Grafton matches national performance

Grafton County scores 58.0, slightly above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 64th percentile nationally. The county performs at parity with the typical U.S. county on overall livability.

Right at New Hampshire average

Grafton ranks seventh among ten New Hampshire counties, scoring 58.0 versus the state average of 58.3. The county represents typical New Hampshire livability, neither leading nor trailing peers significantly.

Best health outcomes in the state

Grafton boasts the state's highest health score at 80.3, reflecting strong medical infrastructure and community wellness. The county also shows the lowest risk score (18.2), suggesting strong environmental and safety conditions.

Housing costs rising faster than incomes

While median household income is solid at $84,021, monthly rents reach $1,292 and home values hit $298,500—outpacing what the income score suggests residents can easily afford. Housing cost burden represents the county's primary livability constraint.

Perfect for health-prioritizing professionals

Grafton County appeals to professionals and established families who value world-class health outcomes and low environmental risk above affordability or tax minimization. It suits those willing to stretch housing budgets for exceptional health care and outdoor quality of life.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax49.3Cost62.6SafetyComing SoonHealth80.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome38.2Risk18.2WaterComing Soon
🏛49.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠62.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼38.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤80.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡18.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Grafton County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Placer County
California
58
Median income: $114,678
LaSalle County
Illinois
58
Median income: $72,281
Albany County
New York
58
Median income: $83,149
Orleans County
New York
58
Median income: $63,838
Lucas County
Ohio
58
Median income: $60,095

Deep Dives

Grafton County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Grafton County

via TaxByCounty

Grafton's rate aligns near national levels

Grafton County's effective tax rate of 1.884% ranks in the 70th percentile nationally, above the nation's median of 0.81%. The median tax bill of $5,624 far exceeds the national median of $2,690, reflecting both higher rates and home values.

Middle ground for New Hampshire taxes

Grafton County's 1.884% rate sits slightly above the state average of 1.852%, placing it sixth among 10 counties. Its median tax of $5,624 falls near the state median of $5,680, representing a fairly typical burden for the state.

Western tier balances rate and values

Grafton outpaces Carroll County's 1.056% but trails Coos County's 2.070% to the north and Cheshire County's 2.320% to the south. The county occupies a moderate position within the western region's tax landscape.

On a $299,000 home: over $5,600

The typical Grafton County home valued at $298,500 carries an estimated annual tax of $5,624. With a mortgage, that reaches $5,791; without one, $5,384.

Assessments merit periodic review

Grafton County homeowners should periodically review their assessed values against comparable sales in their towns, as overassessment is common. A successful appeal could reduce your tax burden by hundreds of dollars annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Grafton County

via CostByCounty

Grafton's rental costs strain household budgets

Grafton County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.4% represents some of the highest affordability stress in New Hampshire and exceeds the national sustainable benchmark. Despite a solid median income of $84,021—12% above the national average—the $1,292/month median rent consumes a larger share of earnings than most peers.

Grafton among the state's least affordable

Grafton County's 18.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks second-worst in New Hampshire, surpassed only by Hillsborough County. This places Grafton households under greater housing cost pressure than most other counties statewide.

Pricier rents, comparable incomes to Belknap

Grafton's $1,292/month rent exceeds Belknap's $1,184 by $108, while incomes are nearly identical ($84,021 vs. $87,983). Grafton's higher rents create measurable affordability disadvantage; Belknap and Carroll counties offer better rental value in the region.

Rents and mortgages demand significant income share

Renters spend $1,292/month and homeowners $1,457/month, reflecting robust mountain-region demand for housing. Combined with a median income of $84,021, housing costs consume roughly 18% of household earnings, limiting flexibility for savings and emergencies.

Grafton rewards those who can afford it

Grafton County's scenic beauty and outdoor recreation justify higher housing costs for many relocators, but budget-conscious movers should compare with Belknap or Carroll counties. If affordability is your threshold, consider that Grafton's 18.4% rent-to-income ratio approaches financial stress for median-income households.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Grafton County

via IncomeByCounty

Grafton earns 12% above national median

Grafton County's median household income of $84,021 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by approximately $9,266. This solid upper-middle-income position reflects a diverse, stable regional economy.

Fifth statewide, slightly below state average

Grafton ranks fifth among New Hampshire's ten counties with a median household income of $84,021, falling short of the state average of $86,521 by $2,500. The per capita income of $49,835, however, exceeds the state average of $47,027, indicating broad-based earning across households.

Outearned by Belknap, ahead of Cheshire

Grafton households earn nearly $3,000 more than Belknap County ($87,983 vs. $84,021) when adjusted, and roughly $3,000 more than Cheshire County ($81,001). The county's strong per capita income suggests multiple earners and income diversity.

Housing costs at 18%, slightly elevated

Grafton's rent-to-income ratio of 18.4% is among the state's highest, reflecting rising home values in desirable areas like the White Mountains. The median home value of $298,500 requires careful budgeting but remains attainable for median households.

Invest in education and real estate

Grafton's strong per capita income and diverse earning base support household investment in professional development and property appreciation. Real estate ownership offers both stability and long-term wealth accumulation in this economically resilient region.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Grafton County

via HealthByCounty

Grafton leads nation in longevity

Grafton County residents enjoy a life expectancy of 80.1 years, 1.3 years above the U.S. average of 78.8 years, placing the county among the healthiest in the nation. Only 12.7% report fair or poor health, closely matching the national average and indicating strong population health outcomes.

New Hampshire's healthiest county

Grafton County's 80.1-year life expectancy is 1.8 years above New Hampshire's state average of 78.3 years, making it the healthiest county in the state. This premium performance reflects excellent healthcare access, strong prevention programs, and a health-conscious population.

Leader among eight-county region

Grafton County's 80.1 years edges out Rockingham County (80.5) by just 0.4 years, but both dominate the region and are 6.2 years ahead of struggling Coos County. Grafton's exceptional life expectancy demonstrates what sustained investment in healthcare and community wellness can achieve.

Elite healthcare provider network

Grafton County leads all eight counties with 189 primary care providers per 100K—nearly quadruple Belknap County's 48—ensuring robust preventive care access. The county also leads in mental health support at 600 providers per 100K, with an uninsured rate of 7.0% just slightly above the state average of 6.7%.

Maintain Grafton's health advantage

Grafton County's exceptional health outcomes depend on keeping residents covered and connected to care. Even the 7% of uninsured residents should explore marketplace plans to ensure continuity of preventive services that sustain the county's national leadership.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Grafton County

via RiskByCounty

Grafton County Exceeds National Risk

Grafton County's composite risk score of 81.77 significantly exceeds the national average of 69.89, placing it in the "Relatively Moderate" category. This mountain county faces notably higher natural disaster exposure than most American counties.

Highest-Risk County in New Hampshire

Grafton County ranks third-riskiest among New Hampshire's eight counties with a composite score of 81.77, substantially above the state average of 69.89. Only Hillsborough and Rockingham counties exceed Grafton's overall disaster risk.

Significantly Riskier Than Coos County

Grafton's 81.77 score towers over neighboring Coos County (72.77) and Belknap County (57.38) across the state. Its exceptional flood risk of 90.08 and elevated earthquake risk of 69.62 set it apart among northern counties.

Floods and Earthquakes Are Major Threats

Grafton County leads the state in flood risk at 90.08, driven by its mountainous terrain and major river systems including the Connecticut River. Earthquake risk of 69.62 reflects the county's proximity to tectonic activity, while wildfire and tornado risks remain moderate.

Essential: Flood and Earthquake Coverage

Grafton County residents must secure comprehensive flood insurance and earthquake coverage given flood risk of 90.08 and earthquake risk of 69.62—among the state's highest. Standard homeowners policies exclude both hazards, making separate policies critical.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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