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Rockingham County, New Hampshire — County Report Card

NH

#2 in New Hampshire

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
48.9
County Score
Income & Jobs 98Health 95.7Schools 79.3

County Report Card

About Rockingham County, New Hampshire

Rockingham Nears the National Median

Rockingham County earns a 48.9 composite score, placing it just shy of the national median of 50.0. It is one of the highest-performing counties in the New England region.

Ranked Second in New Hampshire

The county ranks 2nd among the 8 analyzed New Hampshire counties. Its score of 48.9 easily beats the state average of 43.1.

Elite Incomes and Health Outcomes

Rockingham boasts a near-perfect income score of 98.0 and a health score of 95.7. The median household income is a staggering $113,927.

Extremely High Housing Costs

The county has a very low cost score of 3.4, with median home values at $461,400. Risk factors also result in a low score of 14.2, despite a safe environment overall.

A Premier Choice for Affluent Families

Rockingham is the ideal destination for high-net-worth families seeking the best health and schools in the state. It requires a high level of income to offset the significant cost of housing.

Score breakdown

Tax8.9Cost3.4Safety63.9Health95.7Schools79.3Income98Risk14.2Water26.4Weather52.2
🏛8.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠3.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼98
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡63.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤95.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓79.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡14.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧26.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤52.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨54
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱42
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

Essex County
Massachusetts
48.3
Strafford County
New Hampshire
40.2
Hillsborough County
New Hampshire
39.3
Middlesex County
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50.7
York County
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Merrimack County
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Suffolk County
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Belknap County
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Deep Dives

Rockingham County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Rockingham County

via TaxByCounty

Rockingham's taxes reflect premium real estate

Rockingham County's effective tax rate of 1.628% ranks in the 63rd percentile nationally, double the nation's median of 0.81%. The median tax bill of $7,512 leads all New Hampshire counties and more than triples the national median of $2,690, driven by the state's highest median home values.

Highest tax bills in New Hampshire

Rockingham County's 1.628% rate ranks sixth among 10 New Hampshire counties, below the state average of 1.852%. However, its median tax bill of $7,512 is the state's highest, reflecting the county's exceptional median home value of $461,400—far above any peer.

Seacoast dominance in property values

Rockingham's 1.628% rate is lower than Merrimack County's 2.002% to the west and Hillsborough County's 1.762% to the northwest. Yet its seacoast location commands median home values significantly exceeding all neighboring counties.

On a $461,000 home: over $7,500

The typical Rockingham County home valued at $461,400 generates an estimated annual tax of $7,512. With a mortgage, that rises to $7,702; without one, it falls to $7,163.

Premium properties demand assessment review

Rockingham County's premium seacoast properties deserve rigorous assessment appeals, as even small percentage reductions translate to significant savings. Professional appraisals comparing your home to recent sales can provide strong documentation for appeals.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Rockingham County

via CostByCounty

Rockingham commands premium prices, offers premium incomes

Rockingham County's median household income of $113,927—the nation's 52% above average—supports a 17.1% rent-to-income ratio and median rent of $1,619/month that would burden most Americans. This coastal county's high-earning residents sustain the region's premium housing market.

Rockingham balances prestige and affordability

Rockingham County's 17.1% rent-to-income ratio ranks fourth-best in New Hampshire despite the state's second-highest median rent of $1,619/month. This paradox reflects Rockingham's exceptional income levels—the highest in the state—that offset steep housing costs.

Premium pricing for premium incomes

Rockingham's median income of $113,927 outearns all other New Hampshire counties by 15-60%, supporting its median home value of $461,400—the state's highest. Even Hillsborough County, with $385,500 homes, trails Rockingham's prestige and earning power.

Highest absolute housing costs in the state

Renters spend $1,619/month and homeowners $2,109/month—New Hampshire's steepest absolute costs—but median income of $113,927 provides ample cushion. Housing consumes roughly 17% of household earnings, reasonable despite the high dollar amounts involved.

Rockingham for high earners and coastal living

Rockingham County delivers New Hampshire's strongest job market and highest incomes, justified by premium coastal location and earning opportunities. If your income approaches or exceeds $113,927, Rockingham's affordability ratio becomes competitive; otherwise, inland counties like Merrimack offer better value.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Rockingham County

via IncomeByCounty

Rockingham ranks among nation's richest

Rockingham County's median household income of $113,927 towers 52% above the national median of $74,755, placing it among the most affluent counties in America. This exceptional earning power reflects strong professional employment and proximity to Boston's economic influence.

New Hampshire's wealthiest county

Rockingham leads all New Hampshire counties with a median household income of $113,927, far exceeding the state average of $86,521 by $27,406. The per capita income of $59,710 is also the state's highest, demonstrating broad affluence across all income levels.

Outearns all peers by significant margin

Rockingham households earn $25,944 more than Hillsborough ($100,436), $39,986 more than Merrimack ($93,944), and $29,906 more than Belknap ($87,983). The county's income advantage is unmatched among New Hampshire's ten counties.

Housing costs at 17.1%, highly manageable

Despite the state's highest median home value of $461,400, Rockingham's rent-to-income ratio of 17.1% is excellent, reflecting extraordinary household earning power. High incomes absorb housing costs while leaving substantial resources for savings and wealth building.

Sophisticated wealth-building strategies pay off

Rockingham's exceptional incomes support advanced investment strategies including stock portfolios, real estate ventures, and business ownership. Households should work with financial advisors to optimize tax efficiency and compound wealth across multiple generations.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Rockingham County

via CrimeByCounty

Rockingham County Sets High Safety Bar

Rockingham County is a leader in public safety with a score of 98.7. Its crime rate of 838.0 per 100K is approximately one-third of the national average of 2,385.5.

State-Leading Safety in Rockingham

Rockingham is among the safest counties in New Hampshire, with a crime rate far below the state average of 1242.4. It represents the gold standard for safety in the region.

Comparing Rockingham and Nearby Hubs

The county is notably safer than its neighbor Hillsborough, where the crime rate is much higher at 1370.4. This difference highlights Rockingham's exceptionally secure environment.

Personal Safety Is Strong in Rockingham

Violent crime is extremely rare here at 91.1 per 100K, while property crime is also low at 746.9. These numbers mean that the vast majority of residents live without direct encounters with crime.

Maintaining Rockingham's Safe Community

To maintain Rockingham’s status, experts recommend staying connected with neighbors. Simple awareness and basic alarm systems are often enough to prevent the rare property crime.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Rockingham County

via HealthByCounty

Rockingham leads in U.S. longevity

Rockingham County residents live an average of 80.5 years, 1.7 years above the U.S. average of 78.8 years, placing the county among America's healthiest. Only 12.1% report fair or poor health, matching and slightly exceeding the national average of 12%, reflecting excellent disease prevention and management.

New Hampshire's second-healthiest

Rockingham County's 80.5-year life expectancy is 2.2 years above New Hampshire's state average of 78.3 years, ranking it among the state's top performers. This premium reflects sustained investment in healthcare infrastructure and a health-engaged population.

Top performer in region

Rockingham County's 80.5 years slightly edges out Grafton County (80.1) for the highest life expectancy among the eight counties examined. The two-county gap to Merrimack and Carroll shows Rockingham's commanding health advantage, and the 6.6-year gap to Coos County illustrates the state's profound disparities.

Best insurance access statewide

Rockingham County boasts the state's lowest uninsured rate at 4.9%—2.4 percentage points better than the state average of 6.7%—meaning nearly every resident has health coverage. The county provides 79 primary care providers per 100K and 320 mental health providers per 100K.

Rockingham's coverage advantage

Rockingham County's exceptional health outcomes reflect the highest insurance enrollment rates in the state—a model other regions should follow. If you're among the rare 4.9% uninsured, visiting healthcare.gov now can connect you to affordable plans that match this county's health-first culture.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Rockingham County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Large and Prosperous School Network

Rockingham County operates 97 public schools for a large student body of 42,053. These schools are distributed across 44 districts, which is the highest count of districts in the state. The system is well-equipped with 57 elementary, 18 middle, and 18 high schools.

Top State Rankings and Strong Funding

The county leads the region with a 91.6% graduation rate, significantly higher than state and national averages. Investment is equally strong at $13,005 per pupil, exceeding both the New Hampshire state average and the national benchmark. This commitment results in a high school score of 67.3.

The Reach of Salem, Derry, and Pinkerton

Salem and Derry Cooperative are the largest districts, serving over 6,700 students combined across 16 schools. Pinkerton Academy is a unique and massive institution, enrolling 3,060 students as its own district. Charter schools are also popular, with 10 active schools representing over 10% of the county's total.

Suburban Excellence and Large Campus Life

This is New Hampshire’s suburban heartland, with 70 schools located in suburban settings and 27 in rural areas. Schools are generally large, with an average enrollment of 434 students. Massive campuses like Pinkerton and Exeter High define the educational experience for many local teenagers.

Secure a Home in a Premier School District

Families seeking the highest graduation rates and most diverse extracurriculars will find Rockingham County unmatched. The strong reputation of districts like Windham and Salem consistently bolsters local home values. Look for property in these areas to join one of the state's most successful educational communities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Rockingham County

via RiskByCounty

Rockingham County Well Above Average Risk

Rockingham County's composite risk score of 85.85 significantly exceeds the national average of 69.89, placing it in the "Relatively Moderate" category. Residents face substantially higher natural disaster exposure than most American counties.

Second-Riskiest County in State

Rockingham County ranks second-highest in disaster risk among New Hampshire's eight counties with a composite score of 85.85, trailing only Hillsborough (89.76). It substantially exceeds the state average of 69.89 in nearly every hazard category.

Much Riskier Than Western Counties

Rockingham (85.85) dramatically exceeds Belknap (57.38) and Cheshire (60.50) counties to the west. Its coastal location drives exceptional flood (92.80) and hurricane (83.77) scores, while inland neighbors face lower exposure.

Floods, Tornadoes, and Earthquakes Converge

Rockingham County experiences the state's highest flood risk at 92.80, plus severe tornado (73.54) and earthquake (87.53) risks, all well above national averages. Hurricane risk of 83.77 compounds these converging threats unique to its coastal location.

Multi-Hazard Insurance Is Essential

Rockingham County residents must obtain comprehensive flood insurance (92.80 risk), earthquake coverage (87.53 risk), and tornado/wind protection (73.54 risk) as top priorities. Given the convergence of hazards, consult a local agent to eliminate coverage gaps.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Rockingham County

via WeatherByCounty

New Hampshire's Warmest Coastal Influence

Rockingham County is the warmest in the state with a 48.2°F annual average. While still cooler than the US median, its coastal proximity provides a slightly more temperate climate.

The State's Temperature Leader

At 48.2°F, Rockingham stays nearly 3 degrees warmer than the state average of 45.4°F. It represents the warmest climate New Hampshire has to offer.

Highest Heat in the Region

Rockingham records 12 days of extreme heat, the highest in the state and double that of Carroll County. It also sees the least snow in this group at 64.9 inches.

Warm Summers and Softened Winters

Winter averages are the mildest in the state at 27.1°F. Conversely, July is the state's warmest with a 71.5°F average and frequent spikes above 90°F.

Cooling is a Summer Priority

Given the 12 days of extreme heat, robust air conditioning is a primary concern for residents. Winter still requires attention, as January averages stay below freezing at 24.4°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Rockingham County

via SoilByCounty

Highly Acidic Coastal Soil

Rockingham County has a very low pH of 3.31, making it significantly more acidic than the state average of 4.24. This level is far below the national median of 6.5, suggesting a unique and challenging chemical profile. Most traditional crops will require significant lime applications to thrive here.

Sandy Foundations Near the Coast

The soil composition consists of 32.0% sand and 6.0% clay. This creates a texture that drains well but lacks the structural 'grip' of heavier clay soils. It is easy to dig and work, making it popular for residential landscaping and gardening.

Massive Organic Reserves, Lower Capacity

Organic matter is exceptionally high at 40.86%, which is well above the state average of 32.63%. However, the available water capacity is slightly lower at 0.184 in/in compared to the state average of 0.204. This means the soil is incredibly rich in nutrients but may dry out faster than neighbors.

Rapid Drainage Challenges

With a lower water capacity and sandy profile, drainage is likely very rapid across the county. This helps prevent standing water but means gardeners must stay vigilant during the dry summer months. It is an excellent environment for plants that dislike 'wet feet' or soggy roots.

Gardeners Rejoice in Zone 6a

Zone 6a status makes this one of the warmest places to garden in New Hampshire. You can successfully grow longer-season crops like melons and tomatoes with the help of that 40.86% organic matter. Start your coastal garden today and lean into the unique benefits of this rich, sandy soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Rockingham County

via LawnByCounty

Rockingham Faces the State's Steepest Challenges

Rockingham County has the most difficult lawn conditions in the state, with a score of 42.0. This is significantly lower than the national median of 50.0 and the New Hampshire average of 47.9. Residents in Zone 6a must be more strategic and hands-on to achieve the same results as their neighbors inland.

High Heat and the Longest Growing Season

Rockingham sees a state-high 12 extreme heat days and 2,545 growing degree days, which can quickly dry out and stress traditional turf. While it receives 47.3 inches of rain, the heat often offsets these gains during the peak summer months. The long growing season runs from May 4 until October 11, requiring the most mowing sessions in the state.

Correcting Extreme Soil Acidity

The soil here is extremely acidic with a pH of 3.31, far below the 6.0-7.0 range grass needs to thrive. With 32.0% sand and 6.0% clay, the soil drains rapidly, making it difficult for plants to stay hydrated and nourished. Heavy and frequent lime applications are mandatory to fix the pH and make lawn care viable.

Coping with Coastal Drought and Heat

The county has spent 39 weeks in drought over the last year, and the combination of 12 heat days makes water conservation vital. About 11% of the county is currently in severe drought, which can be devastating for lawns in such acidic, sandy soil. Using drought-tolerant grass varieties and watering only in the pre-dawn hours are essential survival tactics.

Building a Tougher Lawn for Rockingham

Heat-tolerant tall fescues are your best bet for handling the local climate and poor soil chemistry. Focus your seeding efforts in early September to take advantage of the October 11 frost date and avoid the brutal summer heat days. While the 42.0 score is intimidating, focusing on soil pH and heat-hardy grass will yield a beautiful result.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rockingham County's county score?
Rockingham County, New Hampshire has a composite county score of 48.9 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 Rockingham County rank among counties in New Hampshire?
Rockingham County ranks #2 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 Rockingham County, New Hampshire?
The median annual property tax in Rockingham County is $7,512, with an effective tax rate of 1.63%. This earns Rockingham County a tax score of 8.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Rockingham County?
The median household income in Rockingham County, New Hampshire is $113,927 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Rockingham County earns an income score of 98/100 on CountyScore.
Is Rockingham County, New Hampshire a good place to live?
Rockingham County scores 48.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #2 in New Hampshire. The best way to evaluate Rockingham 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 Rockingham 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.