Cheshire County

As of the 2020 census, Cheshire County, NH had a population of approximately 76,458. The racial composition was 94.7% White, 1.2% Black or African American, 1.4% Asian, and 1.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino individuals made up 2.5% of the population. The median household income was around $60,354, and the county's population density was about 102 people per square mile. The total area of Cheshire County is 707 square miles, with a small population decline compared to previous years.

As of recent data, Cheshire County, NH, has a median home price of approximately $270,000. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $900 per month. The county experiences a low vacancy rate, typically under 5%. Housing stock includes a mix of older homes and newer developments, with single-family homes constituting a significant portion. The owner-occupancy rate stands at about 70%, reflecting a stable market. Affordable housing options are available but limited, often leading to competitive bidding. Property taxes average $24.82 per $1,000 of assessed property value.

Cheshire County, NH, elections involve a variety of local and county offices. For the 2022 general elections:

1. County Commissioner, District 1:

   • Terry Clark (Democrat) received 14,201 votes.
   • John E. Pratt (Republican) received 10,347 votes.

2. County Commissioner, District 2:

   • Peter S. Hansel (Democrat) received 14,280 votes.
   • Charles "Chuck" Weed (Write-In, Democrat) received 1,200 votes.

3. County Attorney:

   • Chris McLaughlin (Democrat) received 19,080 votes.

4. Sheriff:

   • Eli Rivera (Democrat, Incumbent) received 21,304 votes.

5. Treasurer:

   • Teresa M. Connolly (Democrat) received 20,950 votes.

6. Register of Deeds:

   • Anna Tilton (Democrat) received 20,768 votes.

7. Register of Probate:

   • **Leonard T. "Lenny" Holmes, Jr. (Democrat

Cheshire County, NH, exhibits notable educational attainment. As of the latest available data:

• High school graduation rate: approximately 92%
• Bachelor's degree or higher: around 34%

In comparison:

• National average high school graduation rate: about 88%

• National average for bachelor's degree or higher: roughly 33%

• New Hampshire state average:

  • High school graduation rate: approximately 93%
  • Bachelor's degree or higher: about 36%

Cheshire County's high school graduation rate slightly trails the state average but outperforms the national average. For bachelor's degrees, the county aligns closely with the national figure, though it falls slightly below the state average. Overall, Cheshire County has a relatively well-educated population in the context of both national and state metrics.

As of recent data, Cheshire County, NH has a labor force of approximately 35,000 with an unemployment rate of around 2.5%, lower than the national rate of 3.7% and just below the state average of 2.7%. The top industries include healthcare and social assistance, manufacturing, retail trade, and educational services. Healthcare and social assistance employ about 17% of workers, manufacturing accounts for 15%, retail trade for 14%, and educational services for 10%. These sectors reflect similar trends statewide but show a higher reliance on manufacturing compared to the national average, where healthcare, professional/business services, and retail trade dominate. Cheshire County's employment landscape demonstrates a strong industrial base with a significant presence in healthcare and education, aligning closely with state trends but showcasing unique local economic drivers.

As of the latest data, the average household income in Cheshire County, NH is approximately $63,000. In comparison, the median household income for the state of New Hampshire is around $77,933, and the national median household income in the United States is about $68,703. This indicates that Cheshire County's average household income is lower than both the state and national averages.

Cheshire County's income falls below the state and national figures, reflecting regional economic factors.

As of the most recent data, Cheshire County, NH maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. In 2022, the county reported a total crime rate of approximately 1,224 incidents per 100,000 residents. Here's a breakdown of various types of crimes within the county:

Cheshire County’s crime rates are significantly below the national average, making it one of the safer regions.