Coos County Public RecordsNew Hampshire

As of 2022, Coos County, NH, had a population of approximately 31,250. The median age is 49.7 years, reflecting an older demographic. The gender distribution is nearly even, with about 50.4% male and 49.6% female. The county is predominantly White (over 93%), with small percentages of Hispanic or Latino (1.5%), Asian (0.5%), Black or African American (0.5%), and individuals of two or more races (4.1%).

Coos County, NH has 17 public schools, including 6 high schools. The high school graduation rate is about 91%, but only 20% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, below the state average. School safety incidents are low, and most schools score around 4-6/10 on GreatSchools. The county offers several adult education programs and career-technical options, including those at White Mountains Community College. Despite limited resources, participation in STEM and vocational programs is growing.

As of 2023, Coos County, NH, had an unemployment rate of approximately 2.6%. Major employment sectors include healthcare and social assistance (16%), manufacturing (12%), and retail trade (11%). The predominant occupation types are production, transportation, and material moving (21%), and management, business, and financial operations (17%). About 83% of workers commute alone by car, with an average commute time of 23 minutes. Most residents work within the county, but around 16% commute to neighboring counties for employment.

Coos County, NH, has a homeownership rate of around 75%, with median home values near $185,000 in 2023. The median rent is approximately $920 per month. Housing options include single-family homes, cabins, and multi-unit dwellings, primarily in rural towns such as Berlin, Lancaster, and Colebrook. Recent market trends show modest appreciation (about 4% annually), but values remain below national averages. Property taxes average 2-2.5%, with annual tax bills around $3,500 for median-valued homes. Neighborhoods are small, safe, and community-oriented, reflecting the county’s scenic, northern New Hampshire character.

Coos County, NH, had 21,299 registered voters as of 2022. The county holds local, state, and federal elections, including primaries and general elections. In the 2020 presidential race, 55% voted Republican and 43% Democrat. Coos has around 37 polling locations across its towns. Key issues include economic development and healthcare access. Elections are administered by the County Clerk and local officials. The area tends to lean Republican, but Democrats maintain a presence. Both major parties run active local committees to mobilize voters and support candidates. Voter turnout typically ranges from 55% to 70% in general elections.

Coos County, NH, generally experiences lower crime rates compared to national averages. In 2022, the violent crime rate was approximately 120 incidents per 100,000 people, well below the U.S. average of 380. Property crime rates stood at around 940 per 100,000, also under the national average of 1,958. Local law enforcement agencies report high case clearance rates and encourage community reporting, which contributes to safer neighborhoods. Overall, Coos County is considered a safe region with proactive policing and relatively low crime statistics.