Population estimates for New Hampshire cities and towns.
Beginning in 1968, population figures were compiled on a yearly basis under the provisions of
RSA 78-A:25. These figures represented the population submitted by the cities and towns of New Hampshire, as of June 30, in conformance with guidelines suggested by the Office of Planning and Research (now Office of Planning and Development). The figures included only residents of the communities, and not transients or institutional populations. Valid comparisons between these figures and prior estimates computed by the Office of Planning and Research
should not be made.
In 1977, the definition of resident was significantly changed. The law specified that the definition of resident was to include all institutional population. The date of the estimates was changed to 14 months prior to the publication date, that was July 1, of the preceding year. This lag time permits time to assemble necessary data, have it reviewed by local officials and develop, test and analyze procedures used to generate the estimates. For these reasons, estimates prepared prior to August 1978
are not comparable. In order to provide an intervening estimate, OPD prepared 1975 estimates that
are comparable to the 1970 US Census.
Since the 1980 Census, a dwelling unit method has been consistently used, by OPD, in the 37 communities with a 1980 population of 5,000 or more. In all remaining communities, from 1980 to issuance of the 1986 estimates, a method of employing resident tax data was used. However, beginning with the 1987 estimates some communities discontinued the resident tax. This forced the using of different methodologies in these communities. This change affects the comparability of the estimates in such communities.
OPD is also the State's representative to the
State-Federal Cooperative Program for Population Estimates (FSCPE). As a member of the program, OPD provides information for and review of the program products.
We must stress that due to methodology changes over the years, population figures are not comparable, except for the US Census data, which started in 1790 and is conducted every ten years.
For additional estimate information, see the
IPUMS National Historical Geographic Information System providing interactive population estimates for New Hampshire by age from US Census Bureau data.
2023 Population Estimates
Total estimated population of New Hampshire (including unincorporated areas) is 1,402,054.
2022 Population Estimates
Total estimated population of New Hampshire (including unincorporated areas) is 1,395,231.
2021 Population Estimates
The total estimated population of New Hampshire (including unincorporated areas) is 1,388,992.
2020 Population Estimates
These estimates are available upon request. However, the office recommends the use of the 2020 decennial US Census figures for municipalities since there is only a three-month period between the decennial US Census date of April 1, 2020 and the 2020 estimates date of July 1, 2020.
2019 Population Estimates
- The total estimated population of New Hampshire (including unincorporated areas) is 1,359,711.
- 2019 Population Estimates (including the methodology for estimating the total population)
2018 Population Estimates
2017 Population Estimates
2016 Population Estimates
2015 Population Estimates
2014 Population Estimates
2013 Population Estimates
2012 Population Estimates
2011 Population Estimates
2010 Population Estimates
These estimates are available upon request. However, the office recommends the use of the 2010 decennial US Census figures for municipalities since there is only a three-month period between the decennial US Census date of April 1, 2010 and the 2010 estimates date of July 1, 2010.
2009 Population Estimates
2001 - 2008 Population Estimates