Strafford County, New Hampshire Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 4th-largest in New Hampshire
The population of Strafford County, New Hampshire is 131,743 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 4th-largest county in New Hampshire. The median household income is $86,564, the median home value is $332,400, and the median age is 37.9.
The population of Strafford County has grown 8.9% since 2010 (123,203 → 134,202), a +0.61% annualized rate.
131,743
Population
+0.61%
Annual growth
359
People / sq mi
$86,564
Median Income
$332,400
Median Home Value
Strafford County covers 367 sq mi of land at 358.5 people per square mile.
About Strafford County, NH
Remote work is unusually prominent in Strafford County: 15.4% of workers primarily work from home, above the 14.0% national rate. Strafford County is a county in New Hampshire with a population of 131,743. That makes it one of the ten largest counties in New Hampshire in the country, at #4 by population.
Income is a real outlier — the median household pulls in $86,564, putting Strafford County near the top of US counties. The poverty rate, 5.1%, is on the lower side for US counties and below the national 12.4%. Home values run above average at $332,400, with typical rent around $1,413.
Strafford County is among the best-educated US counties: 38.5% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, above the national 35.0%. Remote work is widespread — 15.4% of workers stay home, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 26 minutes each way.
The remote-work concentration is telling in Strafford County — it skews toward higher-income, college-educated workers and reshapes both commute patterns and housing demand.
Strafford County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Strafford County had a population of 123,203 in 2010 and 134,202 in 2024, a 8.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 134,202 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.61%.
134,202
Population (2024)
123,203
Population (2010)
134,202
Peak (2024)
0.61%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 123,203 |
| 2011 | 124,157 |
| 2012 | 124,823 |
| 2013 | 125,109 |
| 2014 | 126,652 |
| 2015 | 127,174 |
| 2016 | 128,481 |
| 2017 | 130,034 |
| 2018 | 130,042 |
| 2019 | 130,716 |
| 2020 | 131,074 |
| 2021 | 131,540 |
| 2022 | 132,451 |
| 2023 | 133,608 |
| 2024 | 134,202 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 89.0% |
| Black or African American | 1.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
37.9
Median Age
50.6%
Female
49.4%
Male
16.5%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 14.7% · Seniors (65+): 16.5%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $86,564$-9,064 vs state |
| Mean household income | $110,178 |
| Per-capita income | $44,406 |
| Poverty rate | 5.1%+0.7% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.5% |
| Employment-to-population | 64.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Strafford County is professional & business services, accounting for 23.4% of workers.
How residents commute
1.5%
Drive alone
3.3%
Carpool
72.4%
Public transit
15.4%
Work from home
25.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$332,400$-34,800 vs state
Median home value
$1,413
Median rent
67.0%
Homeownership rate
56,162
Total housing units
92.0%
Occupied
8.0%
Vacant
33.0%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.2%
With health insurance
95.7%
With broadband internet
48.1%
Foreign-born
7.7%
Veterans (18+)
13.5%
With a disability
94.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
94.7%
High School+
38.5%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in New Hampshire
Other counties in New Hampshire
Part of New Hampshire
Metro areas in New Hampshire
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Strafford County, New Hampshire has a population of 131,743 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 4th-largest county in New Hampshire. Population density is 359 people per square mile.
The population of Strafford County has grown 8.9% since 2010 (123,203 → 134,202), a +0.61% annualized rate.
The median household income in Strafford County, New Hampshire is $86,564, with mean (average) household income of $110,178 and per-capita income of $44,406. 5.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Strafford County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (89.0%), Black or African American (1.2%), Hispanic or Latino (1.0%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Strafford County, New Hampshire is 37.9 years. Residents are 50.6% female and 49.4% male.
The median home value in Strafford County is $332,400 and median monthly rent is $1,413. 67.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 56,162 total housing units, 8.0% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Strafford County, New Hampshire is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 23.4% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.5%.
Manchester is among the largest cities associated with Strafford County, New Hampshire, with a population of 115,415.
Strafford County, NH Climate
Strafford County, NH has an average annual temperature of 7.7°C (46°F) and receives about 1106 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
7.7°C
Avg Temp
1106
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -6° / 21° | 82 mm |
| February | -4° / 24° | 79 mm |
| March | 1° / 33° | 87 mm |
| April | 7° / 44° | 100 mm |
| May | 13° / 55° | 94 mm |
| June | 18° / 64° | 88 mm |
| July | 21° / 69° | 88 mm |
| August | 20° / 67° | 89 mm |
| September | 15° / 59° | 86 mm |
| October | 9° / 48° | 101 mm |
| November | 4° / 38° | 116 mm |
| December | -3° / 27° | 96 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Strafford County, NH
The most comfortable months to visit Strafford County, NH are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 28°C high). The coldest is January (near -12°C low). November is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Strafford County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.