countyscore

Strafford County, New Hampshire — County Report Card

NH

#8 in New Hampshire

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
40.2
County Score
Income & Jobs 89.8Health 84.6Schools 56.8

County Report Card

About Strafford County, New Hampshire

Strafford County Below National Median

Strafford County earns a composite score of 40.1, which falls below the national median of 50.0. This score places the county in the lower 40th percentile of all counties across the United States.

Slightly Under State Performance Average

With a 40.1 composite score, Strafford trails the New Hampshire state average of 43.1. While it remains a significant regional hub, it faces stiff competition from higher-scoring neighbors in the Granite State.

High Incomes and Strong Health Metrics

The county shines with an Income Score of 89.8 and a Health Score of 84.6. Median household incomes reach $86,564, providing residents with significant financial resources and access to quality wellness outcomes.

Tax Burdens and Living Costs Pressure Budgets

Affordability is a major challenge, as seen in a low Tax Score of 3.4 and a Cost Score of 6.6. Residents face a high 1.980% effective tax rate and median monthly rents of $1,413.

A High-Prosperity Trade-off

Strafford is best for high-earning professionals who value health and income growth over low taxes. It offers a thriving economic environment for those who can navigate the steep cost of living and property taxes.

Score breakdown

Tax3.4Cost6.6Safety42.7Health84.6Schools56.8Income89.8Risk35.9Water35.9Weather52.3
🏛3.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠6.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼89.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡42.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤84.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓56.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡35.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧35.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤52.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨46
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱41.9
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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Deep Dives

Strafford County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Strafford County

via TaxByCounty

Strafford taxes outpace national median

Strafford County's effective tax rate of 1.98% significantly exceeds the national median of 1.09%, placing the county in the higher tier nationally. Homeowners here pay $6,582 annually on a median home valued at $332,400—more than double the national median property tax of $2,690. This higher burden reflects New Hampshire's reliance on property taxes as a primary revenue source, with limited state income or sales taxes.

Above average within New Hampshire

Strafford County ranks above the state average with an effective rate of 1.98% compared to New Hampshire's 1.85% statewide. The median property tax of $6,582 in Strafford exceeds the state median of $5,680 by $902 annually. This places Strafford among the higher-taxing counties in the state, though variation among individual towns remains substantial.

Higher than Sullivan County nearby

Strafford County's 1.98% effective rate edges out its western neighbor Sullivan County at 2.38%—but Sullivan residents pay less in absolute dollars due to lower home values. Strafford's median home value of $332,400 is $96,100 higher than Sullivan's $236,300, making Strafford's tax burden steeper despite the similar rate structure. Regional comparison shows significant variation across New Hampshire's seacoast and southern regions.

What median homeowners pay annually

A homeowner with a median-valued property of $332,400 in Strafford County pays approximately $6,582 in annual property taxes, or $549 monthly. Adding mortgage-related levies increases this to $6,944 yearly for those still financing their homes. This represents a substantial ongoing cost beyond mortgage principal and interest.

Consider a property tax appeal

Many Strafford County homeowners are overassessed relative to their home's actual market value, making a formal assessment appeal worth exploring. Tax assessments are updated cyclically, and properties may be valued above comparable sales in your neighborhood. Consulting your town's assessor or a tax professional about appeal eligibility could reduce your bill significantly.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Strafford County

via CostByCounty

Strafford rents eat 19.6% of income

Strafford County renters spend 19.6% of their median household income on rent—above the national benchmark of roughly 15-17%. While that's still manageable by affordability standards, it signals tighter household budgets than the nation's median earner experiences.

Above-average costs in New Hampshire

Strafford's 19.6% rent-to-income ratio exceeds New Hampshire's state average of 17.7%, placing it among the pricier counties in the state. At $1,413/month median rent, Strafford charges $140 more than the state median, reflecting stronger regional demand.

Strafford costs more than Sullivan

Strafford's $1,413 median rent runs $254 higher than neighboring Sullivan County's $1,159—a 22% premium for living in the eastern Seacoast region. Homeownership costs follow the same pattern: Strafford's $1,750 monthly owner cost dwarfs Sullivan's $1,316.

Housing takes its share here

In Strafford, renters spend $1,413/month while homeowners pay $1,750/month against a median household income of $86,564. Together, these figures show housing consumes 19.6% of renter income and roughly 24% of owner income—above-average burdens for New Hampshire.

Consider Strafford's tradeoff

Strafford County offers a median home value of $332,400 and a median income $11,809 above the national average, making it attractive for higher earners seeking the Seacoast lifestyle. If housing costs matter more than location, Sullivan County delivers similar amenities at notably lower rents and purchase prices.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Strafford County

via IncomeByCounty

Strafford earns 16% above the nation

Strafford County's median household income of $86,564 outpaces the U.S. median of $74,755 by nearly $12,000 annually. This positions the county in the upper income tier nationwide, reflecting a strong regional economy anchored by healthcare, education, and light manufacturing.

Strafford ranks near the state median

At $86,564, Strafford's median household income runs virtually even with New Hampshire's state average of $86,521, placing it squarely in the middle tier among the state's 10 counties. The county matches the broader prosperity of the Granite State without standing apart.

Sullivan County lags Strafford by $10,600

Strafford's $86,564 median household income significantly exceeds neighboring Sullivan County's $75,929—a gap of 13.9 percent. This difference reflects Strafford's denser population centers and larger employment base compared to Sullivan's more rural, dispersed economy.

Housing costs remain manageable here

Strafford County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.6% sits comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, meaning renters spend less than one-fifth of gross income on housing. With a median home value of $332,400, homeownership requires substantial savings, but the strong median income makes this achievable for many households.

Build on Strafford's income advantage

With median household income nearly 16% above the national average, Strafford residents have meaningful capacity to save and invest beyond basic expenses. Starting a retirement account, building an emergency fund, or consulting a financial advisor can help households convert this regional income advantage into long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Strafford County

via CrimeByCounty

Strafford County Outperforms National Safety Standards

With a total crime rate of 1296.5 per 100,000 residents, Strafford remains significantly safer than the national average of 2,385.5. The county earns an exceptional safety score of 98.0, placing it among the most secure regions in the country.

Strafford Mirrors New Hampshire's High Safety Standards

The county's safety score of 98.0 matches the New Hampshire state average exactly. While its total crime rate is slightly above the state mean of 1242.4, it remains a pillar of regional security.

Strafford Remains Competitive With Its Regional Neighbors

Strafford's total crime rate of 1296.5 is slightly higher than neighboring Sullivan's 1259.4 rate. However, Strafford maintains a lower violent crime rate of 116.8 compared to Sullivan’s 133.8 per 100,000 people.

Property Crimes Dominate the Local Safety Landscape

Property crime accounts for 1179.7 incidents per 100,000 people, while violent crime sits at a low 116.8. This violent crime rate remains lower than the state average of 128.4, highlighting a trend of primarily non-confrontational offenses.

Simple Steps to Secure Your Strafford Home

Since property crime represents the vast majority of local incidents at 1179.7 per 100,000, home security remains a wise investment. Basic measures like motion lights and smart locks can further reduce these already low-risk statistics.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Strafford County

via HealthByCounty

Strafford's life expectancy lags nationally

Residents of Strafford County live to an average age of 77.6 years, about 1.1 years below the U.S. average of 78.7 years. At the same time, 14.2% of Strafford residents report being in poor or fair health, compared to the national average of 16.3%, suggesting pockets of managed chronic conditions amid a generally healthy population.

Below average within New Hampshire

Strafford County ranks in the middle tier of New Hampshire counties for health outcomes, with a life expectancy of 77.6 years trailing the state average of 78.3 years. The county's uninsured rate of 5.6% is actually better than New Hampshire's state average of 6.7%, indicating stronger health coverage in this region.

Strafford outperforms Sullivan County

Compared to neighboring Sullivan County, Strafford residents enjoy a slight health advantage, with a life expectancy of 77.6 years versus Sullivan's 78.0 years—though both counties fall just shy of the state average. Strafford also has a lower uninsured rate at 5.6% compared to Sullivan's 7.0%, reflecting better insurance access across the region.

Adequate primary care, strong mental health access

Strafford County has 67 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 330 mental health providers per 100,000—substantially above national averages in mental health support. With an uninsured rate of just 5.6%, most residents have pathways to preventive and routine care, though gaps remain for the estimated 6,000 uninsured residents.

Verify your coverage today

If you're among Strafford County's uninsured residents, now is the time to explore your options through the NH Health Plan Marketplace or contact local community health centers for subsidized care. Even small gaps in coverage can delay critical preventive screenings and treatment—don't wait to find a plan that works for your family.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Strafford County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Broad Educational Network in Strafford County

Strafford County manages a robust network of 39 public schools across 11 districts, serving 14,488 total students. The infrastructure supports a diverse age range with 24 elementary schools, 7 middle schools, and 7 high schools.

Investment and Academic Results

The county's 84% graduation rate sits below the New Hampshire state average of 87.2% and the national benchmark of 87%. Local districts invest $11,471 per pupil, which is lower than the state’s average expenditure of $12,649.

Rochester and Dover Lead the Way

Rochester School District is the county's largest with 11 schools and 3,891 students, while Dover School District follows with 3,743 students. One charter school operates within the county, representing 2.6% of the total public school options.

Suburban Focus with Scalable Learning

Education here has a suburban feel, with 28 schools in suburban locales and 11 in rural settings. While the average school size is 371 students, enrollment varies significantly between smaller rural sites and the 1,505-student Dover Senior High School.

Building a Future in Strafford Districts

Families seeking a balance of suburban convenience and established schools should explore the diverse housing options near Dover and Rochester. School performance and investment continue to be key drivers for home buyers in this growing region.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Strafford County

via RiskByCounty

Strafford faces moderate disaster risk nationally

Strafford County scores 64.09 on composite risk, rating it as Relatively Low compared to the nation's average exposure. This means the county experiences meaningful but manageable hazard threats across multiple disaster types, positioning it in the lower-to-middle range of U.S. counties.

Below-average risk within New Hampshire

Strafford's composite risk score of 64.09 sits below New Hampshire's state average of 69.89, making it one of the safer counties in the state. This relative advantage comes despite elevated earthquake and hurricane exposure compared to other hazard types.

Safer than Sullivan but exposed to coastal threats

Strafford's score of 64.09 significantly exceeds Sullivan County's 37.56, reflecting Strafford's greater exposure to earthquake (77.39 vs. 43.07) and hurricane risks (76.55 vs. 67.04). Both counties cluster well below the state average, but Strafford's proximity to the Atlantic coast amplifies its compound weather risks.

Earthquakes and hurricanes pose greatest threats

Strafford residents face the highest hazard exposure from earthquakes (77.39) and hurricanes (76.55), followed by significant flood risk (75.95)—all elevated relative to state and national baselines. Tornado and wildfire risks remain comparatively low at 42.21 and 34.51 respectively, offering some protection in those hazard categories.

Prioritize coverage for earthquakes and hurricanes

Homeowners in Strafford should ensure comprehensive insurance addressing earthquake damage and hurricane impact, as standard policies often exclude these perils. Flood insurance is also wise given the county's above-average flood score of 75.95, particularly for properties in mapped risk zones or near rivers and coastal areas.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Strafford County

via WeatherByCounty

Strafford's Temperate Continental Climate

Strafford County averages 47.3°F annually, making it significantly cooler than the national median temperature of approximately 53°F. This reflects a classic humid continental climate characterized by distinct, vigorous seasonal changes.

One of New Hampshire's Warmer Regions

At 47.3°F, Strafford remains nearly two degrees warmer than the New Hampshire state average of 45.4°F. Its annual precipitation of 46.5 inches almost exactly mirrors the statewide average of 46.4 inches.

Milder Than Its Inland Neighbors

Strafford is noticeably warmer and less snow-prone than Sullivan County, which averages only 44.3°F annually. While Strafford sees 38.9 inches of snow, its western counterparts often face much heavier winter totals.

Predictable Heat and Moderate Snow

The county experiences about 10 extreme heat days per year where temperatures exceed 90°F, primarily during the 70.3°F July average. Winter stays relatively mild for the state, with a December-to-February average of 26.4°F and 38.9 inches of total snowfall.

Planning for Consistent Coastal Precipitation

Residents should invest in reliable rain gear and drainage systems to handle 46.5 inches of annual precipitation. While snowfall is moderate compared to the mountains, heating systems must still handle January lows that average 23.7°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Strafford County

via SoilByCounty

Highly Acidic Soil Conditions

Strafford County features a notably acidic environment with a pH level of 3.86, falling well below the national median of 6.5. This measurement is also lower than the New Hampshire average of 4.24, suggesting a need for lime amendments in most garden plots.

Coarse Sand-Driven Soil Texture

The soil contains 39.4% sand and 25.8% silt, creating a gritty texture with only 6.2% clay. This composition generally facilitates quick drainage and easy tilling, though it may struggle to hold onto mobile nutrients compared to heavier soils.

High Organic Matter and Capacity

Organic matter reaches 28.13%, which is significantly higher than the 2.0% national average but trails the state average of 32.63%. The available water capacity of 0.158 in/in indicates moderate moisture storage, providing a decent foundation for plant growth during dry spells.

Navigating Limited Hydrologic Data

While specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not recorded for this area, the overall soil score of 46.0 sits below the state average of 59.8. This lower score suggests that builders and farmers may encounter more landscape challenges here than in neighboring counties.

Resilient Gardening in Zone 6a

Located in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a, Strafford supports a wide range of cold-hardy perennials and vegetables. Start a garden today to take advantage of the high organic content and the region's favorable growing season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Strafford County

via LawnByCounty

Strafford County Faces Steep Lawn Challenges

Strafford County earns a lawn difficulty score of 41.9, trailing both the New Hampshire average of 47.9 and the national median of 50.0. Property owners in this USDA Hardiness Zone 6a region must work harder than their neighbors to maintain lush turf. While the climate is manageable, the specific environmental hurdles here make standard maintenance more intensive.

Ample Rainfall Meets High Summer Heat

The county receives 46.5 inches of annual precipitation, which sits perfectly within the ideal range for grass health. However, Strafford averages 10 extreme heat days per year, significantly higher than the state average of 7 days. With 2,347 growing degree days, mowing schedules remain busy throughout the summer as the grass reacts to the warmth.

Highly Acidic Soil Requires Remediation

The local soil pH is a very acidic 3.86, falling far below the ideal lawn range of 6.0 to 7.0. This 39.4% sandy soil provides some drainage but lacks the structural support of significant clay, which makes up only 6.2% of the mix. Extensive lime applications and organic matter are essential to balance these ground conditions.

Severe Drought Forces Smart Watering

Grass has struggled recently as the county spent 40 weeks in drought over the last year, with 97.4% of the area currently facing severe conditions. Gardeners must prioritize deep, infrequent watering early in the morning to keep roots resilient. These conditions currently affect 100% of the county, making water conservation a necessity rather than an option.

Success Starts After the Last Frost

Kentucky Bluegrass and Tall Fescue are the best choices for this 6a climate zone. Aim to seed or sod after the last spring frost on May 7th to ensure young grass survives the transition. Be sure to finish major lawn projects before the first fall frost arrives on October 9th.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Strafford County's county score?
Strafford County, New Hampshire has a composite county score of 40.2 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 Strafford County rank among counties in New Hampshire?
Strafford County ranks #8 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 Strafford County, New Hampshire?
The median annual property tax in Strafford County is $6,582, with an effective tax rate of 1.98%. This earns Strafford County a tax score of 3.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Strafford County?
The median household income in Strafford County, New Hampshire is $86,564 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Strafford County earns an income score of 89.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Strafford County, New Hampshire a good place to live?
Strafford County scores 40.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #8 in New Hampshire. The best way to evaluate Strafford 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 Strafford 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.