New HampshirePop. 8,956Towns
Is Milford a Good Place to Live? Milford, New Hampshire: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Milford ranks #343 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #56 of 234 towns and #12 of 20 in New Hampshire. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (95%, #13 of 153) and low poverty (5.9%, #44 of 234), and trails on high living costs (105.7, #213 of 230) and high rents ($1,557/mo, #192 of 231).
Milford by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Milford's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
No crime figure is shown for Milford: its police agency covers a much larger area. See Is Milford safe?
What is the cost of living in Milford?
Milford'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 $1,557/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $516,769, in line with the typical New Hampshire home ($516,306).
| Measure | Milford | New HampshireNH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 94.3 · US 100 | 105.7#978 of 1,308 | 104.2 | 94.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $325,401 · US $368,697 | $516,769#844 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 | $2,006/mo#715 of 1,115 | — | $1,583/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $357,800#677 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $1,557/mo#760 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 4.5x#721 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 23.7%#859 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.
Milford 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. Milford is in the Manchester-Nashua, NH metro.
New Hampshire housing market →Is Milford safe?
Milford Police Department serves 16,630 people across a larger area than Milford (population 8,956), so its rate is not a Milford rate and we don't rank Milford on safety. New Hampshire as a whole records 118 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What do people earn in Milford?
The median household in Milford earns $78,684, 5% below the US figure of $83,163 and 21% below New Hampshire ($99,782). Unemployment is 3% (US 4.3%). 5.9% of residents live below the poverty line.
| Measure | Milford | New HampshireNH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $78,684#641 of 1,312 | $99,782 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.3% · US 4.3% | 3%#98 of 1,058 | 3.2% | 3.3% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 5.9%#171 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 Milford?
The median resident of Milford is 36.7 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 33.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #660 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 59.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Milford | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 36.7 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 33.6%#660 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 59.4% | 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 Milford's schools and health?
Milford's 5 public schools graduate 95% of students in four years (New Hampshire 87.7%), with 11.4 students per teacher and $20,617 spent per pupil. 33.3% of adults are obese and 8.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Milford | New HampshireNH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 95%#68 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 | $20,617#175 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 33.3%#638 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 8.9%#197 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 16.5%#522 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 7%#256 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. 2,011 students are enrolled in Milford's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Milford?
The average commute in Milford is 26.2 minutes (New Hampshire 27.5); 0% of workers take transit and 12.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Milford scores 7.8 of 20 (below average walkable), #1105 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 69.1°F and winters 26.1°F, with 46 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Milford | New HampshireNH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 26.2 min#876 of 1,312 | 27.5 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 7.7%#892 of 1,312 | 10% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 77.3% | 72.3% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0% | 0.6% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 2% | 2.4% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0% | 0.2% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 12.1% | 16% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 7.8#1105 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 | 33.2 | 14.3 | 3 |
| Feb | 36.2 | 14.9 | 3 |
| Mar | 44.6 | 23.5 | 3.8 |
| Apr | 58.3 | 34.3 | 4.2 |
| May | 69.2 | 44.9 | 3.4 |
| Jun | 77.5 | 54.8 | 4 |
| Jul | 83.4 | 60.1 | 3.7 |
| Aug | 81.2 | 57.6 | 3.7 |
| Sep | 72.7 | 50 | 4 |
| Oct | 60.4 | 37.7 | 4.9 |
| Nov | 48.9 | 28.4 | 3.9 |
| Dec | 38.1 | 20 | 4.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Milford.
| Measure | Milford | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 47.7°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 69.1°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 26.1°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 46 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 Milford.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Milford?
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 | Milford | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 38 | 38#228 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% | 0.13%#531 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 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 Milford compare with similar-size cities?
Milford is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #56 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 8,956.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milford, NHPop. 8,956 | #343 | 61.1 | $78,684 | $1,557/mo | county/metro | 26.2 min |
| Bridgeport, WVPop. 9,252 | #269 | 62.8 | $100,022 | $1,105/mo | 74 | 18.9 min |
| Bennington, VTPop. 9,245 | #603 | 56.7 | $54,257 | $1,115/mo | county/metro | 17.2 min |
| Gretna, NEPop. 9,193 | #173 | 65.3 | $123,992 | $1,540/mo | no data | 21.1 min |
| Helena Valley Southeast, MTPop. 9,108 | #984 | 50.4 | $74,075 | $1,106/mo | no data | 20.2 min |
| Bath, MEPop. 8,815 | #199 | 64.5 | $69,390 | $1,044/mo | 57 | 24 min |
| Claymont, DEPop. 8,786 | #805 | 53.3 | $74,712 | $1,306/mo | no data | 26.2 min |
| Meadow Lakes, AKPop. 8,689 | #1212 | 44.6 | $81,699 | $1,377/mo | no data | 38.7 min |
| Cumberland Hill, RIPop. 8,648 | #129 | 67.3 | $130,506 | $1,310/mo | no data | 26.3 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 Milford compare with the rest of New Hampshire?
Milford ranks #12 of the 20 New Hampshire cities we track, with a score of 61.1 against New Hampshire's statewide 83.4. Its households earn 21% below the New Hampshire median. Homes are in line with 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 Milford's score calculated?
Milford scores 61.1 out of 100, #343 of 1,312 (grade B+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 8 of 11 categories with local data; safety, 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 · 20% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Milford. Similar-size median 41.9.
60.2 - HealthCity data · 16% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Milford. Similar-size median 56.5.
61.5 - EducationCity data · 16% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Milford's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
85.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 13% of score
Milford's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
60.5 - Household financesCity data · 11% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Milford. Similar-size median 50.8.
63.6 - TransportationCity data · 9% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Milford. Similar-size median 48.3.
43.2 - WalkabilityCity data · 9% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Milford's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
35.8 - EnvironmentCounty data · 5% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 59.2.
62.4 - SafetyNot scored
Milford's police agency covers a much larger area, so its rate is not a Milford rate.
— - GrowthNot scored
The Census does not estimate yearly population for Milford.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Milford'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 Milford 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 Milford
Is Milford, NH a good place to live?
Milford ranks #343 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #56 of 234 towns and #12 of 20 in New Hampshire. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (95%, #13 of 153) and low poverty (5.9%, #44 of 234), and trails on high living costs (105.7, #213 of 230) and high rents ($1,557/mo, #192 of 231).
What is the cost of living in Milford?
Milford'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 $1,557/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $516,769, in line with the typical New Hampshire home ($516,306).
Is Milford safe?
Milford Police Department serves 16,630 people across a larger area than Milford (population 8,956), so its rate is not a Milford rate and we don't rank Milford on safety. New Hampshire as a whole records 118 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What is the median household income in Milford?
The median household in Milford earns $78,684, 5% below the US figure of $83,163 and 21% below New Hampshire ($99,782). Unemployment is 3% (US 4.3%). 5.9% of residents live below the poverty line.
How much is rent in Milford?
Median rent in Milford is $1,557/mo (Census), #760 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,006/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 23.7% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Milford?
The typical home value in Milford is $516,769, up 2.4% in a year, against $516,306 for New Hampshire and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $357,800.
How are the public schools in Milford?
Milford's 5 public schools graduate 95% of students in four years (New Hampshire 87.7%), with 11.4 students per teacher and $20,617 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Milford?
The average commute is 26.2 minutes, #876 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27.5 minutes across New Hampshire. 7.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Milford?
Milford averages 47.7°F over the year, 69.1°F in summer and 26.1°F in winter, with 46 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Milford walkable?
Milford scores 7.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1105 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 Milford 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 Milford?
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 Milford?
Milford has 8,956 residents. The median resident of Milford is 36.7 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 33.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #660 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 59.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Milford compare with the rest of New Hampshire?
Milford ranks #12 of the 20 New Hampshire cities we track, with a score of 61.1 against New Hampshire's statewide 83.4. Its households earn 21% below the New Hampshire median. Homes are in line with the typical New Hampshire home.
What cities are similar in size to Milford?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Milford's population of 8,956 are Bridgeport, WV (#269 overall), Bennington, VT (#603 overall), Gretna, NE (#173 overall), Helena Valley Southeast, MT (#984 overall), and Bath, ME (#199 overall). Milford is #343.