At the national level, inflation-adjusted data shows that the median U.S. household earns nearly $20,000 more today than it did in 1970 — a 35.1% increase in real median household income over the past five decades. On its face, that suggests the average American household is financially better off than it was 50 years ago.
However, national aggregates often mask significant state-by-state variation.
New Hampshire is a prime example.
Since 1970, median household income in New Hampshire has increased by 62.2% after adjusting for inflation — dramatically outperforming the national growth rate of 35.1%. That nearly 27-point differential places the Granite State among the strongest long-term performers in the country.
For individuals and families evaluating relocation options in the Northeast, this data point is more than historical trivia — it is an indicator of structural economic strength.
A Long-Term Record of Economic Expansion
A 62.2% rise in real median household income reflects sustained earnings growth across multiple economic cycles. New Hampshire’s economy has evolved from traditional manufacturing roots into a diversified structure that includes:
- Advanced manufacturing
- Healthcare and life sciences
- Financial and professional services
- Technology and engineering
- Higher education
- Small business and entrepreneurship
The state’s geographic proximity to Greater Boston has also contributed significantly. Many residents access high-wage metropolitan employment opportunities while benefiting from New Hampshire’s distinct tax framework.
The Tax Advantage and Effective Income
New Hampshire’s fiscal structure remains one of its most distinguishing features. The state does not levy a broad-based income tax or a general sales tax. For households relocating from neighboring Massachusetts, Connecticut, or New York, this can materially increase effective take-home pay.
While property taxes are comparatively high, overall tax burden metrics often remain competitive when factoring in the absence of wage and consumption taxes.
For high-earning professionals, dual-income households, and remote workers, the combination of strong wage growth and tax efficiency amplifies household financial positioning.
Stability Across Economic Cycles
Sustained income growth at this scale typically correlates with:
- High labor force participation
- A skilled and educated workforce
- Employer-friendly regulatory policy
- Access to regional economic hubs
- Low long-term unemployment volatility
New Hampshire routinely ranks near the top nationally for business climate, workforce quality, and economic stability indicators. That consistency supports long-term household income expansion rather than short-lived growth spikes.
Housing and Cost Considerations
Prospective movers should weigh income growth alongside housing market dynamics. Inventory constraints in southern New Hampshire — particularly Rockingham and Hillsborough counties — have placed upward pressure on home prices in recent years.
However, relative to core Boston metro pricing, New Hampshire continues to present compelling value for buyers seeking more space, lower overall tax exposure, and access to coastal, lakefront, or mountain communities.
For many relocating households, especially those maintaining metro-area salaries, the financial equation remains favorable.
A Clear Outperformance
The national median household income has risen 35.1% since 1970 after adjusting for inflation. New Hampshire’s 62.2% increase nearly doubles that benchmark.
That differential reflects decades of economic resilience, wage progression, and fiscal policy that has supported household earnings growth.
For families and professionals considering a move, long-term income performance is a powerful indicator of opportunity. In that regard, the Granite State’s record speaks clearly: New Hampshire has not simply kept pace with national growth — it has significantly surpassed it.
For those seeking economic strength paired with quality of life, that combination continues to make New Hampshire one of the Northeast’s most financially compelling relocation destinations.