Average Rent in Belknap County, NH↓ Rents falling 10.0% YoY
HUD FY2027 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 64,300
Market Overview
Belknap County, NH has rental prices ranging from $1,117/month to $2,409/month in 2027, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,283/month — 8% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $87,983/year, spending $1,283/month on a 1-bedroom represents 17% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.
How Belknap County Compares
With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,620/month, Belknap County ranks #9 most expensive of the 12 cities tracked in New Hampshire — pricier than 92% of all US cities in our data.
The Belknap County Rental Market
The Belknap County, NH area has a population of about 64,300 and 21% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs below the US average of ~34%, a more homeowner-heavy market where rental inventory can be limited.
Rent Trends
2-bedroom rents in Belknap County, NH have fallen by $180/month (10.0%) over the past year, from $1,800 to $1,620. This rate of decrease is significant and reflects softening demand or increased inventory in the local market.
Affordability
To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Belknap County, NH without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $51,320. The local median household income of $87,983 exceeds that threshold by $36,663, making Belknap County relatively accessible compared to local wages.
Economy & Jobs
Belknap County, NH has an unemployment rate of 2.4%, 1.5 percentage points below the national average of 3.9%. Strong employment conditions typically sustain rental demand, as workers relocate to the area and local residents maintain stable housing.
Fair Market Rents
HUD FY2027Is Belknap County, NH Affordable?
Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.
Affordability Index(30% income rule)
Nearby Cities in NHlargest metros in the state
| City | Studio | 1BR | 2BR | 3BR | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portsmouth | $1,489 | $1,600 | $2,093 | $2,494 | — |
| Western Rockingham County | $1,782 | $1,794 | $2,347 | $3,189 | — |
| Hillsborough County | $1,277 | $1,402 | $1,834 | $2,185 | — |
| Manchester | $1,510 | $1,657 | $2,168 | $2,583 | — |
| Nashua | $1,559 | $1,804 | $2,239 | $2,899 | — |
| Merrimack County | $1,253 | $1,376 | $1,800 | $2,357 | — |
Rent or Buy in Belknap County?
Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.
Should I Rent or Buy?
Break-even analysis using real Belknap County data
Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.
Living in Belknap County
Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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💵Rent Affordability in Belknap CountySalary needed to afford rent here
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