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Is Nashua a Good Place to Live? Nashua, New Hampshire: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Nashua ranks #249 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #124 of 524 smaller cities and #11 of 20 in New Hampshire. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (110 per 100,000, #64 of 444), and trails on low graduation rates (83%, #338 of 437).
Nashua by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Nashua'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 Nashua?
Nashua'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 $1,737/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $509,265, 1% below the typical New Hampshire home ($516,306).
| Measure | Nashua | New HampshireNH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 105.7#978 of 1,308 | 104.2 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $509,265#827 of 1,187 | $516,306 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,301/mo#838 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $403,900#795 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,737/mo#906 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 4.2x#631 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 21.6%#632 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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.
Nashua 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. Nashua is in the Manchester-Nashua, NH metro.
New Hampshire housing market →Is Nashua safe?
Nashua recorded 110 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 67% below the US rate of 328 and 7% below New Hampshire's 118. That ranks #147 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #64 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Nashua Police Department. Property crime runs 1,030 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Nashua | New HampshireNH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 110#147 of 1,085 | 118 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,030#230 of 1,085 | 818 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 Nashua?
The median household in Nashua earns $96,326, 16% above the US figure of $83,163 and 3% below New Hampshire ($99,782). Unemployment is 3.9% (US 4.3%). 7.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Nashua | New HampshireNH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $96,326#397 of 1,312 | $99,782 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.9%#434 of 1,058 | 3.2% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 7.8%#305 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.6%#343 of 1,132 | +0.5% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). New Hampshire is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Nashua?
The median resident of Nashua is 40 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 41.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #436 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 55.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Nashua | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 40 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 41.2%#436 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 55.8% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Nashua's schools and health?
Nashua's 24 public schools graduate 83% of students in four years (New Hampshire 87.7%), with 11.9 students per teacher and $19,168 spent per pupil. 33.2% of adults are obese and 9.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Nashua | New HampshireNH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 83%#778 of 1,063 | 87.7% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 11.9#74 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $19,168#250 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 33.2%#627 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 9.4%#278 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 15.5%#329 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 8.8%#491 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). New Hampshire is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 10,743 students are enrolled in Nashua's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Nashua?
The average commute in Nashua is 26 minutes (New Hampshire 27.5); 1.3% of workers take transit and 17.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Nashua scores 8.2 of 20 (below average walkable), #1009 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 70.5°F and winters 26.8°F, with 46.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Nashua | New HampshireNH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 26 min#859 of 1,312 | 27.5 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 9.3%#1017 of 1,312 | 10% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 69.5% | 72.3% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.3% | 0.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.7% | 2.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 17.4% | 16% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 8.2#1009 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 | 34.5 | 13.8 | 3 |
| Feb | 37.5 | 15.5 | 3.1 |
| Mar | 45.3 | 24.1 | 4.1 |
| Apr | 58.4 | 34.7 | 3.9 |
| May | 69.4 | 46.1 | 3.6 |
| Jun | 78.7 | 55.9 | 4.2 |
| Jul | 84.7 | 61.6 | 3.6 |
| Aug | 82.7 | 59.7 | 3.7 |
| Sep | 75.2 | 52.2 | 4.2 |
| Oct | 62.3 | 38.9 | 4.7 |
| Nov | 50.5 | 29.1 | 3.7 |
| Dec | 39.6 | 19.5 | 4.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Nashua Cwsu.
| Measure | Nashua | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 48.8°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 70.5°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 26.8°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 46.3 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Nashua Cwsu.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Nashua?
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 | Nashua | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 38#228 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 4#645 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.13%#531 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 Nashua compare with similar-size cities?
Nashua is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #124 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 91,294.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nashua, NHPop. 91,294 | #249 | 63.2 | $96,326 | $1,737/mo | 110 | 26 min |
| Avondale, AZPop. 92,477 | #666 | 55.6 | $86,123 | $1,832/mo | 341 | 28.1 min |
| Alafaya, FLPop. 92,449 | #570 | 57.0 | $100,950 | $1,999/mo | no data | 31.1 min |
| Norwalk, CTPop. 92,187 | #135 | 67.0 | $107,616 | $2,073/mo | 50 | 27.1 min |
| Hemet, CAPop. 91,326 | #1251 | 42.3 | $57,719 | $1,575/mo | 398 | 36.4 min |
| Germantown, MDPop. 90,719 | #123 | 67.5 | $117,546 | $2,040/mo | no data | 30.8 min |
| Lawton, OKPop. 90,595 | #1244 | 42.7 | $54,433 | $967/mo | 769 | 16.2 min |
| Trenton, NJPop. 90,338 | #1241 | 42.8 | $52,537 | $1,294/mo | 808 | 26.9 min |
| Champaign, ILPop. 89,996 | #424 | 59.6 | $56,118 | $1,123/mo | 374 | 14.9 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 Nashua compare with the rest of New Hampshire?
Nashua ranks #11 of the 20 New Hampshire cities we track, with a score of 63.2 against New Hampshire's statewide 83.4. Its households earn 3% below the New Hampshire median. Violent crime is 7% below the statewide rate. Homes are 1% 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 Nashua's score calculated?
Nashua scores 63.2 out of 100, #249 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 Nashua. Similar-size median 55.5.
62.5 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Nashua's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
92.4 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Nashua. Similar-size median 58.9.
62.6 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Nashua's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
69.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Nashua's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
56.3 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Nashua. Similar-size median 56.1.
67.8 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Nashua. Similar-size median 42.4.
47.5 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Nashua. Similar-size median 50.0.
50.4 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Nashua's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
37.9 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
62.4 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Nashua's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Nashua 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 Nashua
Is Nashua, NH a good place to live?
Nashua ranks #249 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #124 of 524 smaller cities and #11 of 20 in New Hampshire. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (110 per 100,000, #64 of 444), and trails on low graduation rates (83%, #338 of 437).
What is the cost of living in Nashua?
Nashua'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 $1,737/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $509,265, 1% below the typical New Hampshire home ($516,306).
What is the crime rate in Nashua?
Nashua recorded 110 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 67% below the US rate of 328 and 7% below New Hampshire's 118. That ranks #147 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #64 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Nashua Police Department. Property crime runs 1,030 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Nashua?
The median household in Nashua earns $96,326, 16% above the US figure of $83,163 and 3% below New Hampshire ($99,782). Unemployment is 3.9% (US 4.3%). 7.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Nashua?
Median rent in Nashua is $1,737/mo (Census), #906 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,301/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 21.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Nashua?
The typical home value in Nashua is $509,265, up 3.4% in a year, against $516,306 for New Hampshire and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $403,900.
How are the public schools in Nashua?
Nashua's 24 public schools graduate 83% of students in four years (New Hampshire 87.7%), with 11.9 students per teacher and $19,168 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Nashua?
The average commute is 26 minutes, #859 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27.5 minutes across New Hampshire. 9.3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Nashua?
Nashua averages 48.8°F over the year, 70.5°F in summer and 26.8°F in winter, with 46.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Nashua walkable?
Nashua scores 8.2 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1009 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 Nashua 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 Nashua?
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 Nashua?
Nashua has 91,294 residents. The median resident of Nashua is 40 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 41.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #436 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 55.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Nashua compare with the rest of New Hampshire?
Nashua ranks #11 of the 20 New Hampshire cities we track, with a score of 63.2 against New Hampshire's statewide 83.4. Its households earn 3% below the New Hampshire median. Violent crime is 7% below the statewide rate. Homes are 1% below the typical New Hampshire home.
What cities are similar in size to Nashua?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Nashua's population of 91,294 are Avondale, AZ (#666 overall), Alafaya, FL (#570 overall), Norwalk, CT (#135 overall), Hemet, CA (#1251 overall), and Germantown, MD (#123 overall). Nashua is #249.