Access to Opportunity

Educational attainment between communities varies, however NH is overall a well-educated state with high levels of high school graduation and college attendance.  Many recent studies, including the 2021 Community Engagement Survey, have documented challenges families face in accessing high-quality early learning opportunities. Data below reflects the 2016-2020 American Community Survey results.

Adults over the age of 25 with a high school diploma, by selected demographics (2016-2020)

Adults with a four-year college degree, or higher, by selected demographics (2016-2020)

Improving access to quality education is essential

76% of respondents to the 2021 Community Engagement Survey believe

improving access to quality education is a high or essential priority for the state to address.

Statewide data paints a positive picture of economic stability for NH residents.  Our unemployment rate, which is lower than the national average, has returned to pre-COVID levels. Our median household income level is more than $17,000 higher than the national average, and 93% of people are living above the federal poverty level. Data below reflects the 2016-2020 American Community Survey results.

Below, we highlight a few of the NH communities who experience significantly different levels of economic stability.

People living below the poverty level, by selected demographics (2016-2020):

 Median household income in the past 12 months, by selected demographics (2016-2020): 

As of July 2022, the NH Employment Security reported a seasonally adjusted statewide unemployment rate of 2.2%. However, the 2016-2020 American Community Survey results highlights the gaps in employment across groups.

Unemployment rates, by selected demographics (2016-2020):

Compared to the rest of the country, NH has relatively low levels of food insecurity. From 2017-2019, the USDA estimated that only 7% of NH families had a hard time getting adequate food because they did not have enough money or resources. Nationally, that estimate was 11% and 9% for New England overall.   

Food deserts

This map of NH from the USDA Food Access Research Atlas shows places in the state where accessing food is more difficult for some residents.  The green shows communities where there are higher rates of people with low income AND who have to drive more than 10 miles to a grocery store.  The yellow shows communities where there are higher proportions of residents have no access to a vehicle AND live further than 1/2 mile from a grocery store. Data below reflects the 2016-2020 American Community Survey results.

Percentage of households enrolled in food stamps or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in the past 12 months, by selected demographics (2016-2020):

As the COVID-19 pandemic job loss increased the number of people eligible for SNAP (food stamps) benefits, SNAP caseloads increased.

Over the course of the pandemic, caseloads peaked in May 2020 and leveled to baseline rates by the end of 2021.

Housing availability and affordability are particularly important issues for the state, with rising housing costs and low vacancy rates.  Vacancy rates are less than 1% across the state, and, in 2022, almost one half of renters (49%) spent more than 30% of their monthly income on housing – with almost one quarter (23%) spending more than 50%.  Housing prices have steadily increased, with the statewide median purchase sitting at $302,333, and rent for a 2-bedroom apartment at $1,498.

 Homeownership by identity, as reported in the 2021 Community Engagement Survey:

 Rates of homelessness per 10,000 people, by selected demographics (2007-2020):

Creating more affordable housing is essential

99% of respondents to the 2021 Community Engagement Survey who are students believe improving access to affordable housing is a high or essential priority for the state to address.

While most of NH residents reports having access to a computer, reliable internet access is inconsistent across the state. COVID-19 increased our reliance on the internet to access important information and learning resources, contributing to a larger digital literacy divide between groups across the state. Below, we have included statewide data from the 2016-2020 American Community Survey. We also highlight communities with a different experience.

 Households that have at least one kind of internet subscription (dial-up, broadband, satellite, cellular) at home, by selected demographics (2016-2020):

 Households that have at least one type of internet-enabled device AND internet access at home, by selected demographics (2016-2020):