countyscore

Rockingham County, New Hampshire — County Report Card

NH

#2 in New Hampshire

Explore on ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
48.9
County Score
Income & Jobs 98.1Health 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.

204060801008.93.563.995.779.398.114.226.452.2Tax8.9Cost3.5Safety63.9Health95.7Schools79.3Income98.1Risk14.2Water26.4Weather52.248.9/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Rockingham County DNA

Foverall

How Rockingham County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Rockingham County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (98.1/100) but notably weak in Cost of Living (3.5/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
8.9-43.1
Cost
3.5-44.5
Safety
63.9+8.899999999999999
Health
95.7+45.7
Schools
79.3+25.299999999999997
Income
98.1+47.099999999999994
Risk
14.2-32.8
Water
26.4-31.6
Weather
52.2
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Rockingham County

Whether buying or refinancing in Rockingham County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$497,500

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,687/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$497,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$67,480/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $118,331/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

29.0

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Rockingham County with Scott County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Scott County
Arkansas
Median income: $43,270
48.9
Modoc County
California
Median income: $59,455
48.9
Bleckley County
Georgia
Median income: $62,008
48.9
Kauai County
Hawaii
Median income: $97,668
48.9
Shoshone County
Idaho
Median income: $55,527
48.9
Marion County
Kansas
Median income: $64,695
48.9
Camden County
Missouri
Median income: $66,387
48.9
Harrison County
Missouri
Median income: $54,367
48.9

Nearby counties

Essex County
Massachusetts
48.2
Strafford County
New Hampshire
40.2
Hillsborough County
New Hampshire
39.5
Middlesex County
Massachusetts
50.6
York County
Maine
47.2
Merrimack County
New Hampshire
43.8
Suffolk County
Massachusetts
42.7
Belknap County
New Hampshire
39.2

Deep Dives

Rockingham County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 $7,839, with an effective tax rate of 1.58%. 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 $118,331 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Rockingham County earns an income score of 98.1/100 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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