New HampshirePop. 8,479Towns
Is Hanover a Good Place to Live? Hanover, New Hampshire: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Hanover ranks #1 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #1 of 234 towns and #1 of 20 in New Hampshire. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($153,281, #2 of 234) and low violent crime (17 per 100,000, #2 of 146), and trails on expensive homes ($842,600, #224 of 231) and high rents ($2,254/mo, #222 of 231).
Hanover by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Hanover'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 Hanover?
Hanover'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 $2,254/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $1,004,975, 95% above the typical New Hampshire home ($516,306).
| Measure | Hanover | 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 | $1,004,975#1118 of 1,187 | $516,306 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $842,600#1208 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $2,254/mo#1184 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 5.5x#933 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 17.6%#203 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.
Hanover 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. Hanover is in the Lebanon, NH-VT metro.
New Hampshire housing market →Is Hanover safe?
Hanover recorded 17 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 95% below the US rate of 328 and 86% below New Hampshire's 118. That ranks #3 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #2 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Hanover Police Department. Property crime runs 454 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Hanover | New HampshireNH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 17#3 of 1,085 | 118 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 454#18 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 Hanover?
The median household in Hanover earns $153,281, 84% above the US figure of $83,163 and 54% above New Hampshire ($99,782). Unemployment is 3.7% (US 4.3%). 8% of residents live below the poverty line.
| Measure | Hanover | New HampshireNH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $153,281#39 of 1,312 | $99,782 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.3% · US 4.3% | 3.7%#342 of 1,058 | 3.2% | 3.3% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 8%#326 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
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 Hanover?
The median resident of Hanover is 21.8 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 89.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 62.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Hanover | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 21.8 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 89.2%#1 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 62.4% | 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 Hanover's schools and health?
Hanover's 3 public schools graduate 97% of students in four years (New Hampshire 87.7%), with 10.2 students per teacher and $26,737 spent per pupil. 18.8% of adults are obese and 4.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Hanover | New HampshireNH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 97%#17 of 1,063 | 87.7% | 87% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 10.2#12 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $26,737#40 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 18.8%#11 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 4.6%#7 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 16.9%#618 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 5.5%#106 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. 1,485 students are enrolled in Hanover's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Hanover?
The average commute in Hanover is 19 minutes (New Hampshire 27.5); 0.3% of workers take transit and 26.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Hanover scores 14.1 of 20 (above average walkable), #142 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 68°F and winters 23°F, with 38.1 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Hanover | New HampshireNH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 19 min#261 of 1,312 | 27.5 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 6.6%#788 of 1,312 | 10% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 45.4% | 72.3% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.3% | 0.6% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 17.3% | 2.4% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 2% | 0.2% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 26.7% | 16% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 14.1#142 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 | 30.3 | 9.3 | 2.3 |
| Feb | 33.9 | 11 | 2.1 |
| Mar | 43 | 20.7 | 2.7 |
| Apr | 56.6 | 31.9 | 3 |
| May | 69.7 | 43.7 | 3.3 |
| Jun | 77.9 | 52.4 | 3.8 |
| Jul | 82.7 | 57.8 | 4 |
| Aug | 81.1 | 56.2 | 3.6 |
| Sep | 72.9 | 48.6 | 3.4 |
| Oct | 59.8 | 37.4 | 4 |
| Nov | 46.8 | 27.7 | 3 |
| Dec | 35.5 | 18.1 | 2.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Lebanon Muni Airport.
| Measure | Hanover | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 46°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 68°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 23°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 38.1 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 Lebanon Muni Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Hanover?
Grafton County's air had a median air quality index of 36, and 84% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Grafton County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, hurricane, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.22% of building value, higher than 78% of US counties.
| Measure | Hanover | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 38 | 36#161 of 1,138 | 38 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 3#572 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.22%#997 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 Grafton County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Grafton County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | 0.18% | 94% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.007% | 70% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0014% | 67% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0031% | 52% 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 Hanover compare with similar-size cities?
Hanover is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #1 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 8,479.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hanover, NHPop. 8,479 | #1 | 80.8 | $153,281 | $2,254/mo | 17 | 19 min |
| Ellsworth, MEPop. 8,657 | #328 | 61.5 | $77,375 | $1,017/mo | 67 | 24.5 min |
| Cumberland Hill, RIPop. 8,648 | #129 | 67.3 | $130,506 | $1,310/mo | no data | 26.3 min |
| Gering, NEPop. 8,550 | #672 | 55.6 | $75,093 | $823/mo | 105 | 15.1 min |
| Harrisburg, SDPop. 8,519 | #276 | 62.7 | $108,724 | $1,362/mo | no data | 21.9 min |
| Seaford, DEPop. 8,485 | #1167 | 46.2 | $54,016 | $1,176/mo | 641 | 28.1 min |
| Barre, VTPop. 8,412 | #852 | 52.5 | $65,625 | $1,093/mo | 533 | 18.6 min |
| Miles City, MTPop. 8,407 | #713 | 54.8 | $67,727 | $926/mo | 356 | 10.8 min |
| Sitka, AKPop. 8,368 | #85 | 68.9 | $101,727 | $1,341/mo | 242 | 13 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 Hanover compare with the rest of New Hampshire?
Hanover ranks #1 of the 20 New Hampshire cities we track, with a score of 80.8 against New Hampshire's statewide 83.4. Its households earn 54% above the New Hampshire median. Violent crime is 86% below the statewide rate. Homes are 95% above 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 Hanover's score calculated?
Hanover scores 80.8 out of 100, #1 of 1,312 (grade A+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 9 of 11 categories with local data; growth and outdoor access are 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 · 17% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Hanover. Similar-size median 41.9.
87.1 - SafetyCity data · 14% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Hanover's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
100.0 - HealthCity data · 14% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Hanover. Similar-size median 56.5.
86.2 - EducationCity data · 14% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Hanover's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
97.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Hanover's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
34.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Hanover. Similar-size median 50.8.
90.7 - TransportationCity data · 8% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Hanover. Similar-size median 48.3.
83.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 8% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Hanover's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
68.9 - EnvironmentCounty data · 5% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 59.2.
45.0 - GrowthNot scored
The Census does not estimate yearly population for Hanover.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Hanover'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 Hanover 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 Hanover
Is Hanover, NH a good place to live?
Hanover ranks #1 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #1 of 234 towns and #1 of 20 in New Hampshire. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($153,281, #2 of 234) and low violent crime (17 per 100,000, #2 of 146), and trails on expensive homes ($842,600, #224 of 231) and high rents ($2,254/mo, #222 of 231).
What is the cost of living in Hanover?
Hanover'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 $2,254/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $1,004,975, 95% above the typical New Hampshire home ($516,306).
What is the crime rate in Hanover?
Hanover recorded 17 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 95% below the US rate of 328 and 86% below New Hampshire's 118. That ranks #3 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #2 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Hanover Police Department. Property crime runs 454 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Hanover?
The median household in Hanover earns $153,281, 84% above the US figure of $83,163 and 54% above New Hampshire ($99,782). Unemployment is 3.7% (US 4.3%). 8% of residents live below the poverty line.
How much is rent in Hanover?
Median rent in Hanover is $2,254/mo (Census), #1184 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 17.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Hanover?
The typical home value in Hanover is $1,004,975, up 7.5% in a year, against $516,306 for New Hampshire and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $842,600.
How are the public schools in Hanover?
Hanover's 3 public schools graduate 97% of students in four years (New Hampshire 87.7%), with 10.2 students per teacher and $26,737 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Hanover?
The average commute is 19 minutes, #261 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27.5 minutes across New Hampshire. 6.6% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Hanover?
Hanover averages 46°F over the year, 68°F in summer and 23°F in winter, with 38.1 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Hanover walkable?
Hanover scores 14.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #142 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 Hanover at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Grafton County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, hurricane, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.22% of building value, higher than 78% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Hanover?
Grafton County's air had a median air quality index of 36, and 84% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Hanover?
Hanover has 8,479 residents. The median resident of Hanover is 21.8 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 89.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 62.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Hanover compare with the rest of New Hampshire?
Hanover ranks #1 of the 20 New Hampshire cities we track, with a score of 80.8 against New Hampshire's statewide 83.4. Its households earn 54% above the New Hampshire median. Violent crime is 86% below the statewide rate. Homes are 95% above the typical New Hampshire home.
What cities are similar in size to Hanover?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Hanover's population of 8,479 are Ellsworth, ME (#328 overall), Cumberland Hill, RI (#129 overall), Gering, NE (#672 overall), Harrisburg, SD (#276 overall), and Seaford, DE (#1167 overall). Hanover is #1.