Average Rent in Merrimack County, NH↑ Rents rising 13.1% YoY
HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 155,018
Market Overview
Merrimack County, NH has rental prices ranging from $1,120/month to $2,140/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,230/month — 12% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $93,944/year, spending $1,230/month on a 1-bedroom represents 16% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.
How Merrimack County Compares
With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,614/month, Merrimack County ranks #5 most expensive of the 12 cities tracked in New Hampshire — pricier than 94% of all US cities in our data.
The Merrimack County Rental Market
The Merrimack County, NH area has a population of about 155,018 and 27% 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 Merrimack County, NH have risen by $187/month (13.1%) over the past year, from $1,427 to $1,614. This rate of increase is significant and reflects strong rental demand and limited housing supply in the local market.
Affordability
To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Merrimack County, NH without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $49,200. The local median household income of $93,944 exceeds that threshold by $44,744, making Merrimack County relatively accessible compared to local wages.
Economy & Jobs
Merrimack 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.
Neighborhoods
Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across Merrimack County's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are Contoocook ($479,416 median home value). Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.
Fair Market Rents
HUD FY2025Is Merrimack 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 | $1,475 | $1,517 | $1,961 | $2,429 | — |
| Western Rockingham County | $1,526 | $1,536 | $2,015 | $2,824 | — |
| Hillsborough County | $1,184 | $1,192 | $1,564 | $1,917 | — |
| Manchester | $1,336 | $1,485 | $1,948 | $2,347 | — |
| Nashua | $1,458 | $1,621 | $2,126 | $2,824 | — |
| Grafton County | $1,104 | $1,156 | $1,516 | $2,019 | — |
Rent or Buy in Merrimack County?
Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.
Should I Rent or Buy?
Break-even analysis using real Merrimack County data
Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.
Living in Merrimack County
Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood
💵Rent Affordability in Merrimack CountySalary needed to afford rent here
🗺️All Cities in NHSee how Merrimack County ranks statewide
⚖️Compare Merrimack CountySide-by-side rent & cost of living with any city
📋NH Tenant RightsDeposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections