New HampshirePop. 9,383Towns
Is Berlin a Good Place to Live? Berlin, New Hampshire: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Berlin ranks #804 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #139 of 234 towns and #20 of 20 in New Hampshire. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($131,000, #12 of 231) and low rents ($815/mo, #24 of 231), and trails on low household income ($45,180, #228 of 234) and low graduation rates (82%, #115 of 153).
Berlin by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Berlin's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Berlin?
Berlin's cost of living index is 100.5, in line with the US level of 100 and #699 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $815/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $185,545, 64% below the typical New Hampshire home ($516,306).
| Measure | Berlin | New HampshireNH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 94.3 · US 100 | 100.5#699 of 1,308 | 104.2 | 94.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $325,401 · US $368,697 | $185,545#89 of 1,187 | $516,306 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,583/mo · US $1,948/mo | $950/mo#13 of 1,115 | — | $1,583/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $131,000#53 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $815/mo#31 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 2.9x#138 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 21.6%#632 of 1,309 | — | 19.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). New Hampshire is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Berlin housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Berlin is in the Berlin, NH metro.
New Hampshire housing market →Is Berlin safe?
Berlin recorded 337 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 3% above the US rate of 328 and 2.9 times New Hampshire's 118. That ranks #614 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #104 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Berlin Police Department. Property crime runs 1,227 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Berlin | New HampshireNH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 337#614 of 1,085 | 118 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 1,227#320 of 1,085 | 818 | 1,379 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). New Hampshire is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Berlin?
The median household in Berlin earns $45,180, 46% below the US figure of $83,163 and 55% below New Hampshire ($99,782). Unemployment is 3.8% (US 4.3%). 15.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Berlin | New HampshireNH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $45,180#1283 of 1,312 | $99,782 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.3% · US 4.3% | 3.8%#390 of 1,058 | 3.2% | 3.3% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 15.3%#879 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | -0.1%#723 of 1,132 | +0.5% | 0% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). New Hampshire is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Berlin?
The median resident of Berlin is 44.6 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 14.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1281 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 62.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Berlin | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 44.6 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 14.1%#1281 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 62.6% | 65.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Berlin's schools and health?
Berlin's 3 public schools graduate 82% of students in four years (New Hampshire 87.7%), with 10.6 students per teacher and $23,015 spent per pupil. 38.7% of adults are obese and 13.3% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Berlin | New HampshireNH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 82%#809 of 1,063 | 87.7% | 87% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 10.6#20 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $23,015#89 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 38.7%#1053 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 13.3%#997 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 17.7%#799 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 11.1%#788 of 1,311 | — | 8.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). New Hampshire is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 1,003 students are enrolled in Berlin's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Berlin?
The average commute in Berlin is 18.7 minutes (New Hampshire 27.5); 0.2% of workers take transit and 3.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Berlin scores 7.5 of 20 (below average walkable), #1166 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 64.5°F and winters 19.6°F, with 43.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Berlin | New HampshireNH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 18.7 min#235 of 1,312 | 27.5 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 10.1%#1062 of 1,312 | 10% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 79.6% | 72.3% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.2% | 0.6% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 4.5% | 2.4% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0% | 0.2% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 3.5% | 16% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 7.5#1166 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). New Hampshire is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 27.2 | 5.7 | 3.1 |
| Feb | 30.3 | 7.4 | 2.5 |
| Mar | 39 | 15.9 | 2.9 |
| Apr | 52.1 | 29.4 | 3.5 |
| May | 66.6 | 41.5 | 3.6 |
| Jun | 73.8 | 49.9 | 4.2 |
| Jul | 78.9 | 54.7 | 4.2 |
| Aug | 77.8 | 51.6 | 4 |
| Sep | 70.2 | 44.1 | 3.5 |
| Oct | 57.4 | 33.8 | 4.9 |
| Nov | 44.3 | 24.6 | 3.5 |
| Dec | 33.2 | 13.8 | 3.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Gorham Airport.
| Measure | Berlin | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 42.7°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 64.5°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 19.6°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 43.3 in | 36.5 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Gorham Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Berlin?
Coos County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 81% of measured days were rated good; 4 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Coos County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, hurricane, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.25% of building value, higher than 82% of US counties.
| Measure | Berlin | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 38 | 44#571 of 1,138 | 38 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 4#645 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.25%#1047 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Coos County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Coos County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | 0.2% | 96% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.014% | 78% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0023% | 77% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0025% | 47% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Berlin compare with similar-size cities?
Berlin is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #139 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 9,383.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berlin, NHPop. 9,383 | #804 | 53.3 | $45,180 | $815/mo | 337 | 18.7 min |
| Tanaina, AKPop. 9,646 | #923 | 51.4 | $105,536 | $1,398/mo | no data | 37.9 min |
| Bluefield, WVPop. 9,387 | #1208 | 44.7 | $49,375 | $804/mo | 365 | 23.7 min |
| Wakefield-Peace Dale, RIPop. 9,302 | #282 | 62.5 | $106,551 | $1,258/mo | no data | 24 min |
| Havre, MTPop. 9,258 | #1228 | 43.8 | $50,329 | $844/mo | 763 | 10.5 min |
| Bennington, VTPop. 9,245 | #603 | 56.7 | $54,257 | $1,115/mo | county/metro | 17.2 min |
| Old Orchard Beach, MEPop. 9,244 | #295 | 62.2 | $60,050 | $1,246/mo | 157 | 22 min |
| Gretna, NEPop. 9,193 | #173 | 65.3 | $123,992 | $1,540/mo | no data | 21.1 min |
| Claymont, DEPop. 8,786 | #805 | 53.3 | $74,712 | $1,306/mo | no data | 26.2 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Berlin compare with the rest of New Hampshire?
Berlin ranks #20 of the 20 New Hampshire cities we track, with a score of 53.3 against New Hampshire's statewide 83.4. Its households earn 55% below the New Hampshire median. Violent crime is 2.9 times the statewide rate. Homes are 64% below the typical New Hampshire home.
| City | Rank in NH | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hanover, NHPop. 8,479 | #1 | 80.8 | $153,281 | $2,254/mo | 17 |
| Lebanon, NHPop. 14,999 | #2 | 72.2 | $98,147 | $1,744/mo | 134 |
| Durham, NHPop. 10,681 | #3 | 71.2 | $112,070 | $1,302/mo | 92 |
| Portsmouth, NHPop. 22,545 | #4 | 68.9 | $106,219 | $1,869/mo | 203 |
| Dover, NHPop. 33,364 | #5 | 67.6 | $94,829 | $1,607/mo | 64 |
| Londonderry, NHPop. 12,225 | #6 | 66.7 | $119,571 | $1,952/mo | county/metro |
| Exeter, NHPop. 9,964 | #7 | 65.9 | $87,346 | $1,711/mo | county/metro |
| Concord, NHPop. 44,375 | #8 | 64.4 | $84,902 | $1,441/mo | 181 |
| Keene, NHPop. 22,939 | #9 | 63.7 | $78,445 | $1,342/mo | 143 |
| Hampton, NHPop. 10,101 | #10 | 63.5 | $97,163 | $1,654/mo | county/metro |
| Nashua, NHPop. 91,294 | #11 | 63.2 | $96,326 | $1,737/mo | 110 |
| Milford, NHPop. 8,956 | #12 | 61.1 | $78,684 | $1,557/mo | county/metro |
| Somersworth, NHPop. 12,111 | #13 | 60.8 | $74,504 | $1,477/mo | 114 |
| Derry, NHPop. 21,339 | #14 | 60.4 | $91,673 | $1,549/mo | county/metro |
| Rochester, NHPop. 33,144 | #15 | 60.2 | $80,836 | $1,369/mo | 106 |
| Laconia, NHPop. 17,085 | #16 | 60.0 | $73,218 | $1,224/mo | 184 |
| Franklin, NHPop. 8,799 | #17 | 57.6 | $71,648 | $1,110/mo | 113 |
| Manchester, NHPop. 115,643 | #18 | 57.3 | $81,007 | $1,564/mo | 323 |
| Claremont, NHPop. 13,078 | #19 | 57.2 | $59,096 | $1,146/mo | 183 |
| Berlin, NHPop. 9,383 | #20 | 53.3 | $45,180 | $815/mo | 337 |
All 20 New Hampshire cities we track, by overall score. New Hampshire statewide: median income $99,782, violent crime 117.6 per 100,000.
How is Berlin's score calculated?
Berlin scores 53.3 out of 100, #804 of 1,312 (grade C+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with New Hampshire's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Berlin. Similar-size median 41.9.
40.9 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Berlin's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
76.6 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Berlin. Similar-size median 56.5.
43.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Berlin's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
77.9 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Berlin's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
82.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Berlin. Similar-size median 50.8.
31.6 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Berlin. Similar-size median 35.2.
40.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Berlin. Similar-size median 48.3.
41.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Berlin's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
34.2 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 59.2.
34.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Berlin's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 234 places under 25,000 people we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Berlin has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Berlin
Is Berlin, NH a good place to live?
Berlin ranks #804 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #139 of 234 towns and #20 of 20 in New Hampshire. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($131,000, #12 of 231) and low rents ($815/mo, #24 of 231), and trails on low household income ($45,180, #228 of 234) and low graduation rates (82%, #115 of 153).
What is the cost of living in Berlin?
Berlin's cost of living index is 100.5, in line with the US level of 100 and #699 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $815/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $185,545, 64% below the typical New Hampshire home ($516,306).
What is the crime rate in Berlin?
Berlin recorded 337 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 3% above the US rate of 328 and 2.9 times New Hampshire's 118. That ranks #614 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #104 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Berlin Police Department. Property crime runs 1,227 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Berlin?
The median household in Berlin earns $45,180, 46% below the US figure of $83,163 and 55% below New Hampshire ($99,782). Unemployment is 3.8% (US 4.3%). 15.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Berlin?
Median rent in Berlin is $815/mo (Census), #31 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $950/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 21.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Berlin?
The typical home value in Berlin is $185,545, down 3.6% in a year, against $516,306 for New Hampshire and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $131,000.
How are the public schools in Berlin?
Berlin's 3 public schools graduate 82% of students in four years (New Hampshire 87.7%), with 10.6 students per teacher and $23,015 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Berlin?
The average commute is 18.7 minutes, #235 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27.5 minutes across New Hampshire. 10.1% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Berlin?
Berlin averages 42.7°F over the year, 64.5°F in summer and 19.6°F in winter, with 43.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Berlin walkable?
Berlin scores 7.5 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1166 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Berlin at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Coos County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, hurricane, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.25% of building value, higher than 82% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Berlin?
Coos County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 81% of measured days were rated good; 4 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Berlin?
Berlin has 9,383 residents. The median resident of Berlin is 44.6 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 14.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1281 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 62.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Berlin compare with the rest of New Hampshire?
Berlin ranks #20 of the 20 New Hampshire cities we track, with a score of 53.3 against New Hampshire's statewide 83.4. Its households earn 55% below the New Hampshire median. Violent crime is 2.9 times the statewide rate. Homes are 64% below the typical New Hampshire home.
What cities are similar in size to Berlin?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Berlin's population of 9,383 are Tanaina, AK (#923 overall), Bluefield, WV (#1208 overall), Wakefield-Peace Dale, RI (#282 overall), Havre, MT (#1228 overall), and Bennington, VT (#603 overall). Berlin is #804.