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Merrimack County, New Hampshire — County Report Card

NH

#4 in New Hampshire

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
43.6
County Score
Income & Jobs 93.3Health 85.6Schools 62.3

County Report Card

About Merrimack County, New Hampshire

Merrimack Below the National Midpoint

Merrimack County’s composite score of 43.6 falls under the national median of 50.0. However, it remains a highly competitive location within the context of New Hampshire.

A Solid Fourth Place Ranking

Merrimack ranks 4th among the 8 New Hampshire counties analyzed. Its score of 43.6 is slightly above the state average composite of 43.1.

High Incomes and Strong Health

The county features a standout income score of 93.3 and a health score of 85.6. Residents enjoy a high median household income of $93,944.

High Taxes and Low Affordability

The county struggles with a tax score of 3.1 and a cost score of 8.3. An effective tax rate of 2.002% makes it one of the more expensive areas for property owners.

Ideal for Established Career Professionals

Merrimack is a great fit for professionals seeking high wages and excellent health resources. It best serves those who are comfortable with higher tax assessments in exchange for economic opportunity.

Score breakdown

Tax3.1Cost8.3Safety58Health85.6Schools62.3Income93.3Risk21.8Water20.5Weather52.3
🏛3.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠8.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼93.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡58
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤85.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓62.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡21.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧20.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤52.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱52.5
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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Nearby counties

Belknap County
New Hampshire
38.3
Sullivan County
New Hampshire
42.8
Hillsborough County
New Hampshire
39.3
Strafford County
New Hampshire
40.2
Rockingham County
New Hampshire
48.9
Cheshire County
New Hampshire
43.4
Grafton County
New Hampshire
44.5
Carroll County
New Hampshire
49

Deep Dives

Merrimack County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Merrimack County

via TaxByCounty

Merrimack taxes well above national average

Merrimack County's effective tax rate of 2.002% ranks in the 76th percentile nationally, nearly 2.5 times the nation's median of 0.81%. The median tax bill of $6,617 exceeds the national median by 146%, reflecting both elevated rates and property values.

Third-highest rate among state counties

Merrimack County ranks third in effective tax rate at 2.002%, above the state average of 1.852% and second only to Cheshire and Coos counties. Its median tax of $6,617 is the second-highest in New Hampshire, trailing only Rockingham County.

Capital region carries steepest burden

Merrimack's 2.002% rate exceeds Grafton County's 1.884% to the north and Hillsborough County's 1.762% to the south. As the home of New Hampshire's capital and largest population centers, the county maintains the region's most aggressive tax rate.

On a $331,000 home: over $6,600

The typical Merrimack County home valued at $330,600 carries an estimated annual tax of $6,617. With a mortgage, that reaches $6,951; without one, $5,953.

Appeals offer significant relief potential

Merrimack County's elevated tax rate means that successful assessment appeals can yield thousands in annual savings. Homeowners should investigate whether their assessed values align with recent comparable sales in their communities.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Merrimack County

via CostByCounty

Merrimack offers strong affordability fundamentals

Merrimack County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.5% beats both the national benchmark and New Hampshire's 17.7% state average. With a median income of $93,944—26% above the national median—residents enjoy robust earning power relative to housing costs.

Merrimack ranks among New Hampshire's best

Merrimack County's 16.5% rent-to-income ratio places it third-best in the state, trailing only Belknap and Coos counties. This solid affordability standing, combined with strong median income, makes Merrimack an attractive option for budget-conscious New Hampshire relocators.

Better value than Hillsborough, Grafton

Merrimack's median rent of $1,293/month trails Hillsborough by $239 and Grafton by just $1 while offering incomes nearly $10,000 higher than Grafton. Compared to Hillsborough and Grafton—the state's least affordable—Merrimack delivers measurably better housing value.

Balanced costs with strong income cushion

Renters pay $1,293/month while homeowners spend $1,765/month, a significant gap suggesting homeownership carries affordability trade-offs at this price point. With median income of $93,944, housing consumes roughly 16-17% of household earnings, providing healthy reserves.

Merrimack balances affordability and opportunity

Merrimack County combines strong median income ($93,944) with below-average housing costs, making it an excellent choice for relocators seeking financial stability. Compare with Belknap for similarly strong affordability, or consider Merrimack if you need slightly higher earning potential.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Merrimack County

via IncomeByCounty

Merrimack exceeds national income standard

Merrimack County's median household income of $93,944 outpaces the national median of $74,755 by $19,189, placing the county in the top income tier. This 26% advantage reflects strong regional employment and professional opportunities.

Third richest county in New Hampshire

Merrimack ranks third among New Hampshire's ten counties with a median household income of $93,944, exceeding the state average of $86,521 by $7,423. The per capita income of $47,056 matches the state average, indicating income concentration in middle to upper-middle households.

Strong income, outshadowed by Rockingham

Merrimack households earn roughly $6,000 more than Belknap ($87,983) and $10,000 more than Grafton ($84,021), but $20,000 less than Rockingham County ($113,927). Within New Hampshire, Merrimack represents robust middle-to-upper-income stability.

Housing costs at 16.5%, very comfortable

Merrimack's rent-to-income ratio of 16.5% is among the state's lowest, indicating excellent affordability relative to household income. The median home value of $330,600 aligns well with earning power, leaving significant disposable income for savings and investment.

Build diversified wealth with confidence

Merrimack's strong incomes and affordability enable disciplined savings and strategic investing across stocks, bonds, and real estate. Households can confidently pursue long-term wealth goals including retirement planning, college funding, and business ventures.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Merrimack County

via CrimeByCounty

Merrimack County Is a National Leader

Merrimack County is a national standout with a 98.5 safety score. Its total crime rate of 966.1 per 100K is far below the national average of 2,385.5.

Among the Safest in New Hampshire

This county is one of the safest in the state, easily beating the state average crime rate of 1242.4. Its safety score also surpasses the New Hampshire average of 98.0.

Merrimack County vs. Southern Neighbors

Merrimack is significantly quieter than Hillsborough County to the south, which reports 1370.4 crimes per 100K. It provides a peaceful alternative for those prioritizing low crime rates.

Merrimack's Low Crime Probabilities

Violent crime is low at 122.1 per 100K, while property crime is also relatively rare at 844.0. Most residents will never experience a serious crime given these low statistical probabilities.

Deterrence for Merrimack Homeowners

While numbers are low, smart security habits help keep them that way. Residents should use deadbolts and consider motion-activated lighting to discourage any potential property theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Merrimack County

via HealthByCounty

Merrimack slightly above U.S. average

Merrimack County's life expectancy of 79.0 years is 0.2 years above the U.S. average of 78.8 years, indicating above-average national health performance. The county's 13% fair or poor health rate is just above the national average of 12%, suggesting room for improvement in chronic disease prevention.

Above New Hampshire's average

Merrimack County's 79.0-year life expectancy is 0.7 years above New Hampshire's state average of 78.3 years, placing it solidly in the healthier portion of the state. This advantage reflects good access to preventive and acute care services.

Mid-tier within state

Merrimack's 79.0 years trails Grafton (80.1) and Rockingham (80.5) by roughly 1 to 1.5 years but outperforms Belknap (77.4) and Coos (73.9) by significant margins. The county sits in the healthy middle, comparable to Carroll County at 79.3 years.

Strong access, moderate coverage gaps

Merrimack County's uninsured rate of 6.9% is just above the state average of 6.7%, affecting roughly 7 in 100 residents. The county provides solid primary care access at 99 providers per 100K and strong mental health support at 540 providers per 100K.

Enroll and stay healthy

Merrimack County's strong life expectancy reflects good healthcare access—don't fall behind if you're uninsured. Marketplace enrollment can connect you to preventive services that help maintain the county's above-average health outcomes.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Merrimack County

via SchoolsByCounty

Centralized Schooling in the Capital Region

Merrimack County hosts 55 public schools serving a total of 17,493 students. The educational system is organized into 20 districts and features 33 elementary and 10 high schools. This provides a stable and wide-reaching network for families living in and around the state capital.

Steady Academic Performance and Balanced Funding

The graduation rate of 86.6% nearly matches the state's 87.2% average and the national benchmark. Spending per pupil is $12,007, slightly under the state average but reflecting a balanced approach to resource management. The county earns a school score of 62.6, maintaining solid performance in the state's middle tier.

Concord and Kearsarge Lead the Way

The Concord School District is the county's largest, managing 7 schools and 4,025 students. Merrimack Valley and Kearsarge Regional are also significant players, each overseeing 7 schools. Charter schools make up 7.3% of the local options, with 4 institutions available to residents.

A Blend of Town and Country Schools

Most schools here are rural (31) or town-based (18), though a small suburban pocket exists near the capital. Concord High School is the largest in the county with 1,467 students, providing a comprehensive large-school experience. On average, schools serve about 318 students, offering a middle-ground size for most families.

Find Your Home in the Capital’s Best Districts

Merrimack County is ideal for families who want a mix of small-town charm and large-district resources. Real estate near high-performing schools in Concord and Bow remains in high demand for local buyers. Explore the diverse housing options available in these well-regarded central New Hampshire districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Merrimack County

via RiskByCounty

Merrimack County Above National Average

Merrimack County's composite risk score of 78.21 exceeds the national average of 69.89 by about 8 points, placing it in the "Relatively Low" category. Residents face above-average disaster exposure compared to most U.S. counties.

Second-Highest Risk in New Hampshire

Merrimack County ranks second-riskiest among New Hampshire's eight counties with a composite score of 78.21, trailing only Hillsborough (89.76). It exceeds the state average of 69.89 across all major hazard categories.

Riskier Than Belknap and Cheshire

Merrimack County (78.21) significantly exceeds neighboring Belknap (57.38) and Cheshire (60.50) counties to the south. Its tornado risk of 56.17 and flood risk of 85.81 reflect its central location in New Hampshire's hazard corridor.

Floods, Tornadoes, and Earthquakes Loom

Merrimack County's top hazards are flood (85.81), hurricane (84.81), and tornado (56.17), all significantly elevated compared to state averages. Earthquake risk of 76.14 adds further concern, reflecting the county's convergence of multiple disaster zones.

Secure Multi-Hazard Insurance Coverage

Merrimack County residents should carry separate flood insurance and comprehensive windstorm/tornado coverage given the combined threats of 85.81 flood, 84.81 hurricane, and 56.17 tornado risks. Standard policies rarely provide adequate protection against all three.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Merrimack County

via WeatherByCounty

Central New England's Balanced Climate

Merrimack County averages 45.7°F annually, falling on the cooler side of the national median. This region serves as a typical example of the Northeast's seasonal volatility.

Reflecting the State Average

The county's 45.7°F annual temperature almost perfectly mirrors the New Hampshire state average of 45.4°F. It acts as the climatic heart of the state.

Consistent With Regional Patterns

With 46.8 inches of annual precipitation, Merrimack is nearly identical to the state average. Its 73.7 inches of snow is also very close to the totals found in neighboring Belknap.

Standard Winters and Sunny Julys

Winters are cold with a 23.9°F average and over six feet of snow annually. July heats up to an average of 69.4°F, bringing about 7 days of 90-degree weather.

All-Season Home Preparation

Efficient HVAC systems are necessary to bridge the gap between 21.1°F Januarys and 69.4°F Julys. Good drainage is also helpful given the 46.8 inches of annual rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Merrimack County

via SoilByCounty

The Core of the Merrimack Valley

Specific soil pH and taxonomic data for Merrimack County are not present in current records. As part of the Granite State, the soil is generally expected to be more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This acidity is a defining trait of the region's historic agricultural lands.

Diverse Textures Along the River

Sand, silt, and clay percentages are not specifically documented for this area. The Merrimack River influences much of the local soil, often leaving behind productive silty deposits in the lowlands. These areas typically offer better workability than the rockier uplands.

Waiting for Fertile Data

Organic matter and water capacity metrics are missing for Merrimack County in this survey. Without these figures, it is hard to compare local fertility to the state's high average of 32.6% organic matter. Most successful growers in this area rely on regular composting to maintain peak productivity.

Monitoring Moisture in the Valley

Drainage classifications for the county remain unmapped in the current digital database. Proximity to the river system makes drainage a critical factor for both agriculture and development. Always check local water tables before planning any deep-rooted crops or basement construction.

Cultivating Crops in Zone 5b

The 5b hardiness zone offers a versatile environment for a wide range of New England staples. It is an ideal zone for berries, hardy herbs, and a variety of cool-season vegetables. With the right care, your garden can become a cornerstone of the local food landscape.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Merrimack County

via LawnByCounty

Above-Average Growing Conditions in Merrimack

Merrimack County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 52.5, placing it well above the New Hampshire state average of 47.9. This score also beats the national median, signaling that local conditions in Zone 5b are very favorable for turf. Homeowners here have a significant head start on maintaining a healthy, vibrant yard.

Steady Rain and Predictable Growth Cycles

The county receives 46.8 inches of precipitation annually, which perfectly supports the needs of cool-season grasses. With 2,187 growing degree days and 7 extreme heat days, the climate allows for steady growth without the constant risk of heat dormancy. Plan your heavy maintenance between the frost dates of May 8 and October 3.

Preparing Your Soil for Optimal Growth

Although specific pH and texture data are missing, local lawn health depends on maintaining a balance between drainage and nutrient retention. Incorporating compost can help improve soil structure, especially in areas where construction has removed natural topsoil. A quick soil test every few years will help you fine-tune your fertilizer and lime applications.

Navigating Severe Regional Drought

Merrimack County has endured 38 weeks of drought in the past year, with nearly 59% of the county currently in a severe drought stage. To keep your lawn resilient, avoid mowing during the hottest part of the day and keep the grass longer to shade the roots. Deep, infrequent watering is the best way to train roots to find moisture lower in the soil profile.

Successful Seeding in Zone 5b

Kentucky Bluegrass and fine fescue blends are the most successful varieties for this part of the state. The ideal time to seed or sod is just after the May 8 frost or during the late August cooling period. Given the county's strong difficulty score, your lawn is likely to be the envy of the neighborhood with standard care.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Merrimack County's county score?
Merrimack County, New Hampshire has a composite county score of 43.6 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 Merrimack County rank among counties in New Hampshire?
Merrimack County ranks #4 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 Merrimack County, New Hampshire?
The median annual property tax in Merrimack County is $6,617, with an effective tax rate of 2.00%. This earns Merrimack County a tax score of 3.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Merrimack County?
The median household income in Merrimack County, New Hampshire is $93,944 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Merrimack County earns an income score of 93.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Merrimack County, New Hampshire a good place to live?
Merrimack County scores 43.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #4 in New Hampshire. The best way to evaluate Merrimack 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 Merrimack 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.