New Hampshire has always attracted people in search of a better quality of life, but in recent years, that trickle has become a steady stream. The state’s population has grown by an estimated 38,000 people since 2020, according to the University of New Hampshire (UNH). Almost all that growth has been driven by people moving to New Hampshire by choice.
Whether it’s the tax advantages, the tight-knit communities, or the natural beauty, more and more families are discovering what longtime residents already know.
Here’s a closer look at what’s behind this trend and why now might be the right time for your own move to the Granite State.
People Have Been Moving to New Hampshire for Years
This isn’t a new story. People have been relocating to New Hampshire for well over a decade.
According to an analysis by the New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute (NHFPI), a nonpartisan policy research organization, New Hampshire’s population has grown by approximately 7.5% over the past 15 years. That growth has been driven almost exclusively by migration.
A Pandemic-Era Surge
Families started moving to New Hampshire at an accelerated pace during the pandemic. According to another UNH article, New Hampshire had a net migration gain of 26,000 from 2020 to 2022. This was a significant increase compared to the net migration total from three years before the pandemic (2017 to 2019), which was 17,000.
As remote work became widespread, many households realized they no longer needed to live near a city office. That shift opened the door for people to move to states with a higher quality of life and lower costs.
Massachusetts has long been the primary source of new residents. In 2021 and 2022, the number of people relocating from the Bay State to New Hampshire surged well beyond pre-pandemic levels. New Hampshire has also gained residents from Texas, California, Colorado, Pennsylvania, and Louisiana.
Most Recent Growth Is Due to Families Moving to New Hampshire
The numbers from 2024 and 2025 show that this trend is far from over.
Research published by the Carsey School of Public Policy at the University of New Hampshire found that the state’s population reached 1,409,032 as of July 1, 2024. Since the 2020 Census, 31,500 people moved to the state, even though there were 9,200 more deaths than births during that period.
Migration made up the entire gain. A total of 40,100 more people moved into the state than left. Domestic migrants accounted for 73% of that number, or about 29,200 people.
Growth Across the State
Nine of New Hampshire’s ten counties gained population between 2020 and 2024, compared to just 58% of all counties nationwide.
The Seacoast region saw some of the strongest growth numbers. Rockingham County added 8,200 new residents, the largest numerical gain of any county in the state.
Those figures continued to climb. According to a report by the Concord Monitor, the Census Bureau estimates placed the state’s population at 1,415,342 as of July 2025, a gain of about 7,000 from the prior year. All told, at least 45,000 more people have moved into New Hampshire than have left since 2020.
New Hampshire Is One of the Healthiest States in the U.S.
There’s a reason people feel good about moving to New Hampshire. New Hampshire is, quite literally, one of the healthiest places in the country.
As reported by NH Journal, the United Health Foundation’s 2025 Annual Report ranked New Hampshire as the #1 healthiest state in the nation. The report evaluates all 50 states across 99 distinct measures of well-being.
Some of the highlights from the report include a 10% decrease in physical inactivity and a 4% drop in cigarette smoking among residents. The state also saw a 5% increase in mental health providers over the past year, addressing a challenge that many states continue to struggle with.
Community Spirit Runs Deep
The report also pointed to a 22% surge in volunteerism between 2021 and 2022, reflecting the kind of social cohesion and community engagement that makes New Hampshire special.
According to the Journal article, Governor Kelly Ayotte said the following:
“New Hampshire is the healthiest state in the nation because our quality of life is unlike anywhere else. I’m proud we’ve received yet another Number One ranking and that we continue to lead the country when it comes to health and wellbeing. It’s a testament to our dedicated health care workers, our efforts to strengthen mental health, unmatched opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, and our commitment to protecting our most vulnerable citizens.”
People Consider New Hampshire One of the Best States to Live In
Health rankings tell one part of the story. But when you look at the broader picture, New Hampshire stands out on nearly every measure.
According to U.S. News & World Report, New Hampshire ranked #2 overall on the 2025 Best States list for a second consecutive year. The rankings evaluate all 50 states across eight categories, including health care, education, economy, and crime.
The state earned the #1 ranking in the nation for public safety, with the lowest violent crime and property crime rates of any state. It also ranked #1 for economic opportunity.
More Top Rankings
Those aren’t the only accolades. Additional highlights from the NH Journal report include New Hampshire being named the best state to raise a family, thanks to the nation’s highest childhood well-being scores. The state also earned its 24th consecutive #1 ranking for economic freedom.
When you combine safety, education, health, and economic opportunity, it’s easy to understand why families are making the move.
Moving to New Hampshire Unlocks Great Financial Benefits
Beyond quality of life, New Hampshire offers a financial advantage that most neighboring states simply can’t match.
New Hampshire has no state income tax on wages. As of January 1, 2025, it’s also the only Northeastern state with this distinction. The state fully repealed its interest and dividends tax at the start of 2025, so residents now pay zero state tax on any form of personal income.
New Hampshire also has no general sales tax. You pay the sticker price on groceries, clothing, electronics, furniture, and everything else you buy in the state. Paying more than the sticker price is something people from out of state are so used to that they often can’t believe it when they first shop here.
A Business-Friendly Environment
According to the New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs, the state is the #1 best state in New England for its business tax climate and #6 in the nation, as assessed by the Tax Foundation. The state also offers a range of tax credits and incentives for businesses, including credits for research and development, job creation, and economic revitalization.
For homeowners who work remotely or own a business, these advantages compound over time. According to our recent analysis, a family relocating from Massachusetts with a combined income of $150,000 could save over $7,000 annually on state income taxes alone.
What About Property Taxes?
It’s worth noting that New Hampshire relies on property taxes to fund local services because there’s no income or sales tax. Property tax rates here are higher than the national average. However, many homeowners find that the overall tax picture is still favorable compared to neighboring states, especially when you factor in zero income tax, zero sales tax, and no estate or inheritance tax.
Consider the Seacoast Region if You’re Moving to New Hampshire
New Hampshire’s sustained population growth tells a compelling story. People aren’t just visiting; they’re planting roots. Nowhere is that more apparent than in the Seacoast region, which has seen some of the biggest growth in the state over the past few years.
Whether you’re drawn by the tax advantages, the top-ranked schools and safety, or the sense of community you won’t find in a bigger state, this is a place that rewards the decision to move here.
If you’re thinking about making the Granite State your home, the right first step is connecting with someone who knows the area inside and out. We’d love to help you explore what’s possible on the New Hampshire Seacoast and find the home that fits your life.
Reach out to Madden Group today to start the conversation.
