Strafford County Public RecordsNew Hampshire

As of 2023, Strafford County, NH, has a population of approximately 133,000. The median age is about 38 years. The gender split is roughly even, with 50.3% female and 49.7% male. Racially, the population is 89.1% White, 3.5% Asian, 2.6% Black or African American, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, and 2.0% identifying as two or more races. The county features youthful college towns like Durham, contributing to a diverse age and ethnic profile.

Strafford County, NH, reported a crime rate of 13.3 per 1,000 residents in 2023, below the national average of 22.0. Violent crimes, including assault and robbery, accounted for 2.1 per 1,000, while property crimes such as burglary and theft stood at 11.2 per 1,000 residents. Local law enforcement agencies actively promote community safety, resulting in a 7% year-over-year decline in total reported crimes. Residents can report incidents anonymously through crime tip lines, contributing to improved safety and responsiveness.

Strafford County, NH, had approximately 85,000 registered voters for the 2022 general election. The county conducts municipal, state, and federal elections, with 30 polling locations. In the 2020 presidential election, Strafford voted 56% Democratic and 42% Republican. Key issues include property taxes, education funding, and opioid abuse. The county is administered by the Strafford County Clerk and local election officials, ensuring compliance with state laws. Both Democratic and Republican parties are active, reflecting the county’s swing status. Early voting and absentee ballots are widely used, representing over 12% of votes in recent elections.

Strafford County, NH, has 18 public high schools and several private schools, with an 89% high school graduation rate. Approximately 37% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. School safety ratings are above state average, and most schools score 7/10 or higher in academics according to GreatSchools. The county offers robust adult education programs through institutions like Great Bay Community College and UNH. Educational programs include STEM, AP courses, and vocational training, supporting student achievement and career readiness.

As of 2023, Strafford County, NH, had an unemployment rate of 2.2%. Leading employment sectors are Health Care & Social Assistance (20.1%), Educational Services (14.2%), and Retail Trade (12.3%). Common occupations include Office & Administrative Support (11.6%) and Sales (10.8%). About 80.1% of residents commute by car, with an average commute time of 26.7 minutes. Major employment hubs are Dover and Rochester, with a significant portion (37%) of the workforce commuting outside the county, primarily to Rockingham County and the Boston metro area.

Strafford County, NH has a homeownership rate of 61%, with median home values around $390,000 as of 2024—a 7% increase from last year. Median rent is approximately $1,650 per month. Housing ranges from historic single-family homes in Dover to new apartments in Rochester. Popular neighborhoods include Garrison and Durham, the latter catering to UNH students. Property taxes average 2.1% of assessed value, making them among the highest in NH. The market remains competitive, driven by limited inventory and strong demand for both buying and renting.