Demographics

As of 2022, Sullivan County, NH, has a population of approximately 43,000. The median age is 47, with 22% under 18 and 21% aged 65 and older. Gender distribution is nearly even: 50.2% female and 49.8% male. The county is predominantly White (94%), with smaller proportions of Hispanic or Latino (1.7%), two or more races (2%), Asian (1%), and Black or African American (0.5%).

Education, Employment and Housing

Sullivan County, NH, hosts 7 public high schools and several elementary and middle schools, serving around 4,000 students. About 91.1% of residents hold a high school diploma, while 22.8% possess a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average public school scores are near state averages (approx. 49% math, 60% reading proficiency). Adult education programs, such as River Valley Community College, offer workforce training and GED classes. The county maintains a school safety rating above 75/100. Educational programs include STEM, vocational training, and special education services.

As of 2022, Sullivan County, NH had an unemployment rate of approximately 2.3%. The largest employment sectors are healthcare and social assistance (16.5%), manufacturing (14.3%), and retail trade (12.1%). Common occupations include production (13%), office and administrative support (12%), and sales (10%). About 78% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 25 minutes. Over 60% of residents work within the county, while others commute to neighboring counties like Grafton and Merrimack.

Sullivan County, NH, boasts a homeownership rate of approximately 76%, well above the national average, while median gross rent hovers around $1,040 per month. The county’s median home value is about $229,000, with 2023 market trends showing modest year-over-year appreciation of 4.5%. Housing types range from historic single-family homes to newer developments, mainly concentrated in towns like Claremont and Newport. Property tax rates average $23.56 per $1,000 assessed value. Neighborhoods vary from quiet rural areas to small-town settings, offering diverse options for residents seeking both affordability and a sense of community.

Elections

Sullivan County, NH had approximately 29,000 residents in 2020, with around 20,500 registered voters. Elections include municipal, state, and federal races, with 2020 presidential turnout near 73%. In November 2022, Republican and Democratic parties split local offices, with unaffiliated voters making up about 30%. There are 14 polling locations, primarily in town halls. Election administration is overseen by the County Clerk and local officials. Key local issues include property taxes and economic development. Results are available on the NH Secretary of State’s website.

County Crime & Safety

Sullivan County, NH, maintains relatively low crime rates compared to national averages. In 2022, the county reported approximately 650 total crimes, including 60 violent crimes and 590 property crimes. The violent crime rate stood at about 1.4 per 1,000 residents, while the property crime rate was around 13.5 per 1,000 residents. Local law enforcement actively reports and addresses incidents, resulting in a steady decrease in overall crime by 8% over the past five years. Community safety initiatives contribute to ensuring Sullivan County remains one of New Hampshire’s safer regions.