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New Hampshire Population Overview (2026 Projection)
New Hampshire is a state in the Northeastern United States, within the New England region. It is bordered by Massachusetts to the south, Vermont to the west, Maine and the Gulf of Maine to the east, and the Canadian province of Quebec to the north.
New Hampshire is the 10th least populous of the 50 U.S. states and the 5th smallest by land area. The state covers 9,349 square miles (24,214 square kilometers) and has an average population density of about 147 people per square mile, making it the 21st most densely populated state in the United States. According to the 2020 U.S. Census, New Hampshire had a population of 1,377,529 (approximately 1.37 million).
More recent estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau show that as of July 1, 2024, New Hampshire’s population increased to about 1,409,032, or roughly 1.4 million people, reflecting steady population growth in recent years.
👉 Projected Population of New Hampshire (2026): ~1.42 million
New Hampshire Population Growth (2010–2020)
New Hampshire recorded a population growth rate of 4.6% between 2010 and 2020, adding approximately 61,059 residents over the decade. Growth has been driven largely by domestic migration from neighboring states, particularly within the New England region. The median age of New Hampshire’s population is about 42.4 years, indicating an older demographic compared to the national average. In terms of gender distribution, the population is nearly balanced, with 50.5% females and 49.5% males residing in the state.
New Hampshire Census 2020 Snapshot
| Indicator | Data |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 1,377,529 (1.37 million) |
| Population Change (2010–2020) | +4.6% |
| Population Rank | 41st |
| Total Land Area | 9,349 sq mi (24,214 km²) |
| Area Rank | 46th |
| Population Density | 147.3 per sq mi (56.9 per km²) |
| Capital City | Concord |
| Largest City | Manchester |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020)
New Hampshire Historical Population
New Hampshire’s population history reflects steady long-term growth, shaped by early settlement, industrial development, and later suburban expansion. The state experienced consistent population increases throughout the 19th century, with brief stagnation in the post–Civil War period. Strong growth resumed in the mid-20th century, particularly after 1950, driven by economic diversification and migration from nearby metropolitan areas in Massachusetts and the broader New England region. Population growth accelerated during the late 20th century and continued into the 21st century, with New Hampshire reaching 1.38 million residents in 2020, marking sustained but moderating growth in recent decades.
Decadal Population Change (1790–2020)
| Census Year | Population | % Change |
|---|---|---|
| 1790 | 141,885 | — |
| 1800 | 183,858 | +29.6% |
| 1810 | 214,460 | +16.6% |
| 1820 | 244,155 | +13.8% |
| 1830 | 269,328 | +10.3% |
| 1840 | 284,574 | +5.7% |
| 1850 | 317,976 | +11.7% |
| 1860 | 326,073 | +2.5% |
| 1870 | 318,300 | −2.4% |
| 1880 | 346,991 | +9.0% |
| 1890 | 376,530 | +8.5% |
| 1900 | 411,588 | +9.3% |
| 1910 | 430,572 | +4.6% |
| 1920 | 443,083 | +2.9% |
| 1930 | 465,293 | +5.0% |
| 1940 | 491,524 | +5.6% |
| 1950 | 533,242 | +8.5% |
| 1960 | 606,921 | +13.8% |
| 1970 | 737,681 | +21.5% |
| 1980 | 920,610 | +24.8% |
| 1990 | 1,109,252 | +20.5% |
| 2000 | 1,235,786 | +11.4% |
| 2010 | 1,316,470 | +6.5% |
| 2020 | 1,377,529 | +4.6% |
New Hampshire Demographics (Summary)
Religion and Affiliations
Christianity is the majority religion in New Hampshire, followed by approximately 59% of the population. The largest Christian denomination in the state is Protestantism (30%), followed by Roman Catholicism (26%), Eastern Orthodoxy (2%), and Mormonism (1%).
The religiously unaffiliated population accounts for about 36% of residents and includes individuals who do not identify with any faith or religious tradition. Other non-Christian religions, including Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and other smaller faiths, together make up roughly 5% of the population.
For more details, read: Religion in New Hampshire
Race and Ethnicity in New Hampshire
According to the 2020 Census, White alone (non-Hispanic) residents form the largest racial or ethnic group in New Hampshire, comprising 87.16% of the total population. The Hispanic or Latino population is the second-largest group at 4.32%, followed by individuals identifying with two or more races (3.96%). The Asian population accounts for 2.58% of residents.
Ancestry in New Hampshire
Based on census studies and population estimates, the five largest ancestry groups in New Hampshire are Irish, English, French, Italian, and French Canadian, reflecting the state’s strong European heritage and historical migration patterns.
For more details, read: Race and Ethnicity in New Hampshire
Top cities and Counties in New Hampshire
As of 2022, New Hampshire is divided into 10 counties. Hillsborough County is the most populous county in the state, with an estimated population of 422,937, while Coös County is the largest by land area, covering approximately 1,801 square miles.
Manchester is the largest and only city in New Hampshire with a population exceeding 100,000 residents. Other major cities in the state include Nashua (91,322), Concord (43,976), and Derry (34,317).
Know more about: Cities and Counties in New Hampshire
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about New Hampshire Population
What is the population of New Hampshire in 2026?
The projected population of New Hampshire in 2026 is approximately 1.42 million, continuing a steady growth trend from previous years.
Is New Hampshire’s population growing or declining?
New Hampshire’s population has been growing slowly, with a 4.6% increase between 2010 and 2020, driven largely by migration from neighboring states.
What is the largest city in New Hampshire by population?
Manchester is the largest city in New Hampshire, with over 100,000 residents. Other significant cities include Nashua, Concord, and Derry.
Which county is the most populous in New Hampshire?
Hillsborough County is the most populous county in New Hampshire, with an estimated 422,937 residents.
What is the racial makeup of New Hampshire?
According to the 2020 Census, New Hampshire is predominantly White (non-Hispanic) at 87.16%, followed by Hispanic or Latino (4.32%), Two or more races (3.96%), and Asian (2.58%).
What is the most common religion in New Hampshire?
Christianity is the most widely practiced religion, followed by about 59% of the population, with Protestants forming the largest group.
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