CountyScore

Hillsborough County

New Hampshire · NH

#10 in New Hampshire
54.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Hillsborough County, New Hampshire

Hillsborough near national threshold

Hillsborough County scores 54.9, just 10% above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 58th percentile nationally. The county performs slightly better than average U.S. counties but not dramatically.

Below state average for New Hampshire

Hillsborough ranks eighth among ten New Hampshire counties, scoring 54.9 against the state average of 58.3. The county trails most peers despite including New Hampshire's largest urban area.

Highest incomes and lowest risk

Hillsborough leads the state with a median household income of $100,436 and boasts the lowest risk score (10.2), indicating excellent safety and environmental conditions. Health outcomes also rank strong at 79.9.

Housing costs are state's highest

Median home values of $385,500 and monthly rents of $1,532—both the state's peaks—create severe affordability strain despite top incomes. Housing cost burden depresses the county's overall livability score significantly.

For high-earners seeking urban amenities

Hillsborough County works best for affluent professionals and families earning well above $100,000 who need urban job markets and robust services. It's ideal for those willing to pay premium housing costs for safety, income potential, and access to New Hampshire's economic hub.

Score breakdown

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

Tax52.7Cost50.6SafetyComing SoonHealth79.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome48.9Risk10.2WaterComing Soon
🏛52.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠50.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼48.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤79.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡10.2
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 Hillsborough County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Monterey County
California
54.9
Median income: $94,486
Miami-Dade County
Florida
54.9
Median income: $68,694
Cuyahoga County
Ohio
54.9
Median income: $62,823
Brazos County
Texas
54.9
Median income: $58,388
Jefferson County
Texas
54.9
Median income: $59,934

Deep Dives

Hillsborough County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Hillsborough County

via TaxByCounty

Hillsborough taxes reflect high property values

Hillsborough County's effective tax rate of 1.762% ranks in the 68th percentile nationally, above the nation's median of 0.81%. The median tax bill of $6,791 more than doubles the national median of $2,690, driven by the state's highest median home values.

Third-highest tax bills in the state

Hillsborough County's 1.762% rate ranks fifth among 10 New Hampshire counties, slightly below the state average of 1.852%. Its median tax of $6,791 is third-highest statewide, reflecting the concentration of valuable properties in this central county.

Southern tier's premium property county

Hillsborough's 1.762% rate falls between Merrimack County's 2.002% to the north and Rockingham County's 1.628% to the southeast. The county commands the region's highest median home value at $385,500, driving its substantial tax bills.

On a $386,000 home: nearly $6,800

The typical Hillsborough County home valued at $385,500 generates an estimated annual tax of $6,791. With a mortgage, that rises to $6,876; without one, it falls to $6,606.

Premium properties deserve premium scrutiny

High-value Hillsborough County homes benefit greatly from assessment appeals, as even small percentage reductions translate to substantial dollar savings. Homeowners should compare their assessments to recent sales of similar properties in their towns.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Hillsborough County

via CostByCounty

Hillsborough housing costs strain even high earners

Hillsborough County's 18.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the nation's most expensive despite a median household income of $100,436—the highest in New Hampshire and 34% above the national median. The median rent of $1,532/month reflects regional demand that outpaces even relatively high local earnings.

New Hampshire's priciest county overall

Hillsborough County's median home value of $385,500 and median rent of $1,532/month are the highest in the state, ranking second-worst on rent-to-income ratio at 18.3%. Only Grafton County approaches Hillsborough's affordability challenges, making this the state's most expensive housing market.

Dramatically pricier than surrounding counties

Hillsborough's $1,532/month rent exceeds Merrimack County's $1,293 by 18% and even outpaces higher-income Rockingham's $1,619 in monthly rent consumption relative to earnings. Home values of $385,500 are matched only by Rockingham, making Hillsborough the region's premium market.

Highest absolute housing costs in New Hampshire

Renters spend $1,532/month and homeowners $1,946/month—the state's steepest costs—though median income of $100,436 provides substantial cushion. Housing still claims roughly 18% of household earnings, a notable burden even for this county's above-average earners.

Hillsborough requires serious earning power

Hillsborough County demands the highest earning potential of any New Hampshire county, with median rent consuming 18.3% of income even for above-average households. Relocators with lower incomes should strongly consider Belknap, Carroll, or Merrimack counties where housing costs are 15-20% lower.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Hillsborough County

via IncomeByCounty

Hillsborough ranks in nation's top tier

Hillsborough County's median household income of $100,436 runs 34% above the national median of $74,755, placing it among America's highest-earning counties. This exceptional performance reflects the county's proximity to Boston and strong professional job market.

Second richest county in New Hampshire

Hillsborough ranks second statewide with a median household income of $100,436, trailing only Rockingham County's $113,927 by $13,000. The county's per capita income of $52,243 also ranks second, demonstrating broad-based affluence across all income levels.

Outearns most counties by wide margin

Hillsborough households earn roughly $16,400 more than Belknap ($87,983), $17,500 more than Carroll ($82,961), and $19,400 more than Cheshire ($81,001). Only Rockingham County's higher median income rivals Hillsborough's earning power.

Housing costs at 18%, high but sustainable

Despite a rent-to-income ratio of 18.3%, Hillsborough's median home value of $385,500 remains accessible for households earning $100,436. Strong household incomes allow families to absorb housing costs while maintaining robust savings capacity.

Maximize tax-advantaged investing strategies

Hillsborough's exceptional incomes enable households to maximize contributions to 401(k)s, IRAs, and taxable investment accounts. Diversified portfolio strategies, real estate investment, and education planning accelerate wealth accumulation for high-earning households.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Hillsborough County

via HealthByCounty

Hillsborough exceeds national health

Hillsborough County residents live an average of 78.6 years, 0.2 years above the U.S. average of 78.8 years, reflecting solid national health performance. The county's 12.2% fair or poor health rate is slightly below the national average of 12%, indicating effective disease management across the population.

Slightly above state average

Hillsborough County's 78.6-year life expectancy is 0.3 years above New Hampshire's state average of 78.3 years, placing it firmly in the healthier half of the state. This moderate advantage reflects good healthcare access and health outcomes management.

Solid mid-range performance

Hillsborough's 78.6 years matches Cheshire County and ranks behind Grafton (80.1) and Rockingham (80.5) by roughly 1.5 to 2 years. The county substantially outperforms struggling Belknap (77.4) and Coos (73.9) counties, placing it in New Hampshire's healthier tier.

Strong coverage, robust providers

Hillsborough County has the state's second-lowest uninsured rate at 6.6%, just below the state average of 6.7%, meaning most residents maintain health coverage. The county offers 84 primary care providers per 100K and a strong mental health network of 408 providers per 100K.

Keep your coverage strong

Hillsborough County's excellent health outcomes reflect high insurance enrollment—keep that momentum by ensuring your coverage stays active. If your situation changes, visit healthcare.gov to explore updated plan options that match your family's needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Hillsborough County

via RiskByCounty

Hillsborough County High-Risk Zone

Hillsborough County's composite risk score of 89.76 far exceeds the national average of 69.89, placing it in the "Relatively Moderate" category as the riskiest county in New Hampshire. Residents face significantly elevated natural disaster exposure compared to most U.S. counties.

Riskiest County in New Hampshire

Hillsborough County ranks most dangerous among New Hampshire's eight counties with a composite score of 89.76, a full 19.87 points above the state average of 69.89. Every major hazard category scores above state and national medians.

Dramatically Riskier Than Adjacent Counties

Hillsborough (89.76) substantially exceeds neighboring Merrimack County (78.21) and Rockingham County (85.85) across virtually all hazard categories. Its exceptional scores for tornado (82.60), flood (92.62), and earthquake (88.17) risks set it apart statewide.

Floods, Tornadoes, and Earthquakes Threaten

Hillsborough County faces extraordinary flood risk at 92.62, tornado risk at 82.60, and earthquake risk at 88.17—all among the nation's highest. These converging hazards make the county one of America's most disaster-exposed regions.

Comprehensive Insurance Is Non-Negotiable

Hillsborough County residents must obtain flood insurance (92.62 risk), earthquake coverage (88.17 risk), and tornado/wind protection (82.60 risk) as essential, not optional. Consult a local insurance agent to ensure policies address all major exposures without gaps.

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.