New HampshirePop. 22,939Towns
Is Keene a Good Place to Live? Keene, New Hampshire: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Keene ranks #231 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #42 of 234 towns and #9 of 20 in New Hampshire. It sits near the middle of similar-size cities on income, costs, crime and commute.
Keene by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Keene'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 Keene?
Keene'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 $1,342/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $358,686, 31% below the typical New Hampshire home ($516,306).
| Measure | Keene | 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 | $358,686#533 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 | $1,812/mo#586 of 1,115 | — | $1,583/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $252,500#401 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $1,342/mo#584 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 3.2x#263 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 20.5%#514 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.
Keene 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. Keene is in the Keene, NH metro.
New Hampshire housing market →Is Keene safe?
Keene recorded 143 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 56% below the US rate of 328 and 22% above New Hampshire's 118. That ranks #224 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #45 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Keene Police Department. Property crime runs 2,114 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Keene | New HampshireNH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 143#224 of 1,085 | 118 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 2,114#740 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 Keene?
The median household in Keene earns $78,445, 6% below the US figure of $83,163 and 21% below New Hampshire ($99,782). Unemployment is 2.9% (US 4.3%). 10.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Keene | New HampshireNH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $78,445#645 of 1,312 | $99,782 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.3% · US 4.3% | 2.9%#73 of 1,058 | 3.2% | 3.3% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 10.1%#507 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | -0.2%#794 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 Keene?
The median resident of Keene is 37.6 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 44.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #364 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 55.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Keene | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 37.6 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 44.1%#364 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 55.1% | 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 Keene's schools and health?
Keene's 10 public schools graduate 85.5% of students in four years (New Hampshire 87.7%), with 11.4 students per teacher and $19,936 spent per pupil. 28.6% of adults are obese and 8.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Keene | New HampshireNH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 85.5%#697 of 1,063 | 87.7% | 87% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 11.4#45 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $19,936#209 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 28.6%#302 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 8.2%#123 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 17%#634 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 7.1%#264 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. 3,355 students are enrolled in Keene's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Keene?
The average commute in Keene is 17.2 minutes (New Hampshire 27.5); 0.1% of workers take transit and 15.6% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Keene scores 8.5 of 20 (below average walkable), #933 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 66.8°F and winters 23.3°F, with 46.1 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Keene | New HampshireNH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 17.2 min#149 of 1,312 | 27.5 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 5.4%#634 of 1,312 | 10% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 66.1% | 72.3% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.1% | 0.6% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 7.1% | 2.4% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0.6% | 0.2% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 15.6% | 16% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 8.5#933 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 | 30.4 | 10.4 | 3.1 |
| Feb | 34.3 | 11.4 | 2.8 |
| Mar | 43 | 19.7 | 3.4 |
| Apr | 56.6 | 30.1 | 3.4 |
| May | 68.6 | 41 | 3.8 |
| Jun | 76.9 | 50.7 | 4.4 |
| Jul | 81.9 | 56 | 4.5 |
| Aug | 80.5 | 54.4 | 4.3 |
| Sep | 73.2 | 47 | 4.3 |
| Oct | 59.8 | 35.7 | 4.9 |
| Nov | 46.7 | 26.8 | 3.5 |
| Dec | 35.6 | 17.8 | 3.9 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Keene.
| Measure | Keene | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 45.4°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 66.8°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 23.3°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 46.1 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 Keene.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Keene?
Cheshire County's air had a median air quality index of 37, and 79% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Cheshire County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, ice storm, and hurricane, with expected yearly losses of 0.17% of building value, higher than 62% of US counties.
| Measure | Keene | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 38 | 37#190 of 1,138 | 38 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 2#481 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.17%#812 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 Cheshire County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Cheshire County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | 0.13% | 87% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0029% | 81% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.0091% | 74% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0029% | 50% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0034% | 30% 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 Keene compare with similar-size cities?
Keene is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #42 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 22,939.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keene, NHPop. 22,939 | #231 | 63.7 | $78,445 | $1,342/mo | 143 | 17.2 min |
| Rock Springs, WYPop. 23,127 | #816 | 53.1 | $69,168 | $928/mo | 145 | 22.5 min |
| Watertown, SDPop. 23,044 | #659 | 55.7 | $69,600 | $942/mo | 181 | 12.6 min |
| Duncan, OKPop. 22,958 | #1188 | 45.5 | $58,054 | $896/mo | 356 | 21.9 min |
| Prairie Village, KSPop. 22,874 | #133 | 67.1 | $113,530 | $1,794/mo | 96 | 19.6 min |
| Radcliff, KYPop. 22,864 | #1183 | 45.6 | $58,559 | $971/mo | 287 | 24.7 min |
| North Platte, NEPop. 22,831 | #945 | 51.0 | $58,097 | $921/mo | 116 | 13.3 min |
| Central Falls, RIPop. 22,701 | #937 | 51.2 | $49,285 | $1,200/mo | 273 | 27.4 min |
| Chalmette, LAPop. 22,616 | #1276 | 40.0 | $54,904 | $1,110/mo | no data | 29.3 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 Keene compare with the rest of New Hampshire?
Keene ranks #9 of the 20 New Hampshire cities we track, with a score of 63.7 against New Hampshire's statewide 83.4. Its households earn 21% below the New Hampshire median. Violent crime is 22% above the statewide rate. Homes are 31% 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 Keene's score calculated?
Keene scores 63.7 out of 100, #231 of 1,312 (grade A, 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 Keene. Similar-size median 41.9.
60.7 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Keene's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
82.4 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Keene. Similar-size median 56.5.
68.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Keene's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
74.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Keene's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
70.6 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Keene. Similar-size median 50.8.
55.7 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Keene. Similar-size median 35.2.
43.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Keene. Similar-size median 48.3.
62.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Keene's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
39.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 59.2.
52.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Keene'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 Keene 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 Keene
Is Keene, NH a good place to live?
Keene ranks #231 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #42 of 234 towns and #9 of 20 in New Hampshire. It sits near the middle of similar-size cities on income, costs, crime and commute.
What is the cost of living in Keene?
Keene'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 $1,342/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $358,686, 31% below the typical New Hampshire home ($516,306).
What is the crime rate in Keene?
Keene recorded 143 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 56% below the US rate of 328 and 22% above New Hampshire's 118. That ranks #224 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #45 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Keene Police Department. Property crime runs 2,114 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Keene?
The median household in Keene earns $78,445, 6% below the US figure of $83,163 and 21% below New Hampshire ($99,782). Unemployment is 2.9% (US 4.3%). 10.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Keene?
Median rent in Keene is $1,342/mo (Census), #584 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,812/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 20.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Keene?
The typical home value in Keene is $358,686, up 4% in a year, against $516,306 for New Hampshire and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $252,500.
How are the public schools in Keene?
Keene's 10 public schools graduate 85.5% of students in four years (New Hampshire 87.7%), with 11.4 students per teacher and $19,936 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Keene?
The average commute is 17.2 minutes, #149 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27.5 minutes across New Hampshire. 5.4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Keene?
Keene averages 45.4°F over the year, 66.8°F in summer and 23.3°F in winter, with 46.1 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Keene walkable?
Keene scores 8.5 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #933 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 Keene at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Cheshire County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, ice storm, and hurricane, with expected yearly losses of 0.17% of building value, higher than 62% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Keene?
Cheshire County's air had a median air quality index of 37, and 79% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Keene?
Keene has 22,939 residents. The median resident of Keene is 37.6 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 44.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #364 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 55.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Keene compare with the rest of New Hampshire?
Keene ranks #9 of the 20 New Hampshire cities we track, with a score of 63.7 against New Hampshire's statewide 83.4. Its households earn 21% below the New Hampshire median. Violent crime is 22% above the statewide rate. Homes are 31% below the typical New Hampshire home.
What cities are similar in size to Keene?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Keene's population of 22,939 are Rock Springs, WY (#816 overall), Watertown, SD (#659 overall), Duncan, OK (#1188 overall), Prairie Village, KS (#133 overall), and Radcliff, KY (#1183 overall). Keene is #231.