New HampshirePop. 115,643Mid-size cities
Is Manchester a Good Place to Live? Manchester, New Hampshire: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Manchester ranks #546 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #80 of 256 mid-size cities and #18 of 20 in New Hampshire. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (3.4%, #27 of 241), and trails on low graduation rates (71.9%, #198 of 205).
Manchester by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Manchester'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 Manchester?
Manchester's cost of living index is 105.7, 6% above the US level of 100 and #978 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,564/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $441,115, 15% below the typical New Hampshire home ($516,306).
| Measure | Manchester | New HampshireNH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 105.7#978 of 1,308 | 104.2 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $441,115#714 of 1,187 | $516,306 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,094/mo#756 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $365,600#699 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,564/mo#764 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 4.5x#721 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 23.2%#799 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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.
Manchester 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. Manchester is in the Manchester-Nashua, NH metro.
New Hampshire housing market →Is Manchester safe?
Manchester recorded 323 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 1% below the US rate of 328 and 2.7 times New Hampshire's 118. That ranks #593 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #110 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Manchester Police Department. Property crime runs 1,539 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Manchester | New HampshireNH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 323#593 of 1,085 | 118 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 1,539#496 of 1,085 | 818 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 Manchester?
The median household in Manchester earns $81,007, 3% below the US figure of $83,163 and 19% below New Hampshire ($99,782). Unemployment is 3.4% (US 4.3%). 11.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Manchester | New HampshireNH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $81,007#600 of 1,312 | $99,782 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.4%#212 of 1,058 | 3.2% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 11.2%#585 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +0.5%#391 of 1,132 | +0.5% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). New Hampshire is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Manchester?
The median resident of Manchester is 38 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 34% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #646 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 48.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Manchester | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 38 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 34%#646 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 48.7% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Manchester's schools and health?
Manchester's 28 public schools graduate 71.9% of students in four years (New Hampshire 87.7%), with 11.8 students per teacher and $18,014 spent per pupil. 35% of adults are obese and 9.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Manchester | New HampshireNH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 71.9%#1021 of 1,063 | 87.7% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 11.8#68 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $18,014#341 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 35%#770 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 9.4%#278 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 17.4%#730 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 9.9%#645 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). New Hampshire is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 12,864 students are enrolled in Manchester's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Manchester?
The average commute in Manchester is 23.9 minutes (New Hampshire 27.5); 0.6% of workers take transit and 14.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Manchester scores 8.4 of 20 (below average walkable), #956 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 71.4°F and winters 28.4°F, with 40.4 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Manchester | New HampshireNH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 23.9 min#672 of 1,312 | 27.5 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 7.5%#871 of 1,312 | 10% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 71.8% | 72.3% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.6% | 0.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 2.4% | 2.4% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.3% | 0.2% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 14.1% | 16% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 8.4#956 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 | 34.1 | 17.1 | 2.4 |
| Feb | 37.4 | 19 | 2.7 |
| Mar | 45.6 | 27.4 | 3.5 |
| Apr | 58.9 | 37.5 | 3.3 |
| May | 70.1 | 47.7 | 3.4 |
| Jun | 78.7 | 57.6 | 4 |
| Jul | 84.1 | 63.6 | 3.3 |
| Aug | 82.4 | 62.1 | 3.4 |
| Sep | 74.6 | 54.1 | 3.7 |
| Oct | 62.1 | 42.3 | 3.9 |
| Nov | 50 | 32.9 | 3.5 |
| Dec | 39.3 | 23.5 | 3.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Manchester Airport.
| Measure | Manchester | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 50.1°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 71.4°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 28.4°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 40.4 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Manchester Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Manchester?
Hillsborough County's air had a median air quality index of 38, and 85% 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 Hillsborough County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, ice storm, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 61% of US counties.
| Measure | Manchester | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 38#228 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 4#645 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.13%#531 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Hillsborough County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Hillsborough County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.02% | 80% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0027% | 80% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0055% | 68% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.087% | 57% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0033% | 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 Manchester compare with similar-size cities?
Manchester is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #80 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 115,643.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester, NHPop. 115,643 | #546 | 57.3 | $81,007 | $1,564/mo | 323 | 23.9 min |
| High Point, NCPop. 116,245 | #796 | 53.3 | $64,561 | $1,116/mo | 521 | 20.7 min |
| Evansville, INPop. 116,116 | #1196 | 45.1 | $53,387 | $975/mo | 1,087 | 18.3 min |
| Richmond, CAPop. 115,505 | #1132 | 47.2 | $95,391 | $1,960/mo | 814 | 34.2 min |
| Westminster, COPop. 115,484 | #474 | 58.5 | $100,272 | $1,882/mo | 288 | 27 min |
| Odessa, TXPop. 115,322 | #826 | 52.8 | $73,472 | $1,315/mo | 286 | 22.4 min |
| Elgin, ILPop. 114,934 | #432 | 59.4 | $90,282 | $1,361/mo | 218 | 28.2 min |
| Waterbury, CTPop. 114,869 | #1059 | 48.7 | $51,886 | $1,225/mo | 295 | 28 min |
| Provo, UTPop. 114,766 | #625 | 56.3 | $64,171 | $1,193/mo | 177 | 18.4 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 Manchester compare with the rest of New Hampshire?
Manchester ranks #18 of the 20 New Hampshire cities we track, with a score of 57.3 against New Hampshire's statewide 83.4. Its households earn 19% below the New Hampshire median. Violent crime is 2.7 times the statewide rate. Homes are 15% 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 Manchester's score calculated?
Manchester scores 57.3 out of 100, #546 of 1,312 (grade B, 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 Manchester. Similar-size median 52.9.
58.8 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Manchester's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
75.2 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Manchester. Similar-size median 53.8.
56.4 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Manchester's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
56.3 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Manchester's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
60.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Manchester. Similar-size median 51.2.
54.8 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Manchester. Similar-size median 42.1.
48.3 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Manchester. Similar-size median 50.1.
49.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Manchester's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
38.9 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
62.4 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Manchester's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Manchester 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 Manchester
Is Manchester, NH a good place to live?
Manchester ranks #546 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #80 of 256 mid-size cities and #18 of 20 in New Hampshire. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (3.4%, #27 of 241), and trails on low graduation rates (71.9%, #198 of 205).
What is the cost of living in Manchester?
Manchester's cost of living index is 105.7, 6% above the US level of 100 and #978 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,564/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $441,115, 15% below the typical New Hampshire home ($516,306).
What is the crime rate in Manchester?
Manchester recorded 323 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 1% below the US rate of 328 and 2.7 times New Hampshire's 118. That ranks #593 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #110 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Manchester Police Department. Property crime runs 1,539 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Manchester?
The median household in Manchester earns $81,007, 3% below the US figure of $83,163 and 19% below New Hampshire ($99,782). Unemployment is 3.4% (US 4.3%). 11.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Manchester?
Median rent in Manchester is $1,564/mo (Census), #764 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,094/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 23.2% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Manchester?
The typical home value in Manchester is $441,115, up 1.1% in a year, against $516,306 for New Hampshire and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $365,600.
How are the public schools in Manchester?
Manchester's 28 public schools graduate 71.9% of students in four years (New Hampshire 87.7%), with 11.8 students per teacher and $18,014 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Manchester?
The average commute is 23.9 minutes, #672 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27.5 minutes across New Hampshire. 7.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Manchester?
Manchester averages 50.1°F over the year, 71.4°F in summer and 28.4°F in winter, with 40.4 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Manchester walkable?
Manchester scores 8.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #956 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 Manchester at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Hillsborough County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, ice storm, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 61% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Manchester?
Hillsborough County's air had a median air quality index of 38, and 85% of measured days were rated good; 4 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Manchester?
Manchester has 115,643 residents. The median resident of Manchester is 38 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 34% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #646 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 48.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Manchester compare with the rest of New Hampshire?
Manchester ranks #18 of the 20 New Hampshire cities we track, with a score of 57.3 against New Hampshire's statewide 83.4. Its households earn 19% below the New Hampshire median. Violent crime is 2.7 times the statewide rate. Homes are 15% below the typical New Hampshire home.
What cities are similar in size to Manchester?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Manchester's population of 115,643 are High Point, NC (#796 overall), Evansville, IN (#1196 overall), Richmond, CA (#1132 overall), Westminster, CO (#474 overall), and Odessa, TX (#826 overall). Manchester is #546.