New Hampshire, known as the Granite State, offers a range of government resources designed to serve its residents effectively. This guide provides an overview of state-specific statistics, local resources, state laws, demographics, and geographic context, with comparisons to national averages where relevant.
State-Specific Statistics and Data
- Population: As of the 2020 Census, New Hampshire’s population was approximately 1.4 million, making it the 42nd most populous state in the U.S.
- Economy: The state’s economy is diverse, with key sectors including manufacturing, healthcare, and tourism. In 2020, New Hampshire’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was about $85 billion.
- Education: New Hampshire boasts a high school graduation rate of 90%, surpassing the national average of 85%.
- Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS): The largest state agency, DHHS offers services in mental health, developmental disabilities, substance abuse, and public health. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Department of Environmental Services (NHDES): NHDES works to protect and restore the environment and public health, overseeing air, water, and waste management. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Department of Administrative Services (DAS): DAS provides statewide management services, including financial data management and public works design and construction. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR): DNCR oversees state parks, historical sites, and cultural programs, promoting the state’s natural and cultural heritage. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Education Funding: The state has a unique system for funding public education, primarily through property taxes. In 1997, the state Supreme Court declared this method unconstitutional, leading to the adoption of a statewide education property tax in 1998. (britannica.com)
- Taxation: New Hampshire is one of the few states without a general sales tax or comprehensive state individual income tax. Revenue is generated through business profits tax, business enterprise tax, license fees, and taxes on meals, lodging, and motor fuel. (britannica.com)
- Environmental Regulations: NHDES enforces regulations to protect air and water quality, manage waste, and oversee hazardous materials. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Age Distribution: The median age in New Hampshire is 43.1 years, higher than the national median of 38.5 years, indicating an aging population.
- Ethnicity: The state is predominantly White (93.2%), with smaller percentages of Hispanic or Latino (3.1%), Black or African American (1.6%), and Asian (1.3%) residents.
- Household Income: The median household income is $77,933, above the national median of $68,703.
- Education: New Hampshire’s high school graduation rate of 90% exceeds the national average of 85%.
- Taxation: Unlike most states, New Hampshire does not impose a general sales tax or a comprehensive state individual income tax, relying instead on other revenue sources.
- Median Age: The state’s median age of 43.1 years is higher than the national median of 38.5 years, reflecting an aging population.
- NH.gov: The official New Hampshire state government website provides links to all state agencies and services.
- New Hampshire State Library: Offers access to state publications and government documents. (libraryguides.unh.edu)
- Local Libraries: Many local libraries, such as the Portsmouth Public Library, participate in the State Depository Library Program, providing access to state documents. (portsmouthnh.gov)
- Project conserves 3,700 acres of forest in northern New Hampshire, Published on Friday, September 29
- New Hampshire getting $20M grant to help reconstruct coastal seawalls, Published on Monday, April 22
- Mayors: More help needed to shelter the homeless in NH, Published on Tuesday, January 03
Local Resources, Offices, and Contacts
New Hampshire provides various resources through its state agencies:
For assistance or more information, residents can contact these agencies directly through their official websites.
New Hampshire State Laws, Regulations, and Policies
New Hampshire’s legal framework includes:
Demographics and Population Data
Geographic and Regional Context
New Hampshire is located in the New England region of the northeastern United States, bordered by Maine to the east, Massachusetts to the south, Vermont to the west, and the Canadian province of Quebec to the north. The state’s diverse geography includes the White Mountains, the Lakes Region, and a seacoast along the Atlantic Ocean.
Comparisons with National Averages
Practical Information and Resources
Residents seeking government services can access information through the following resources:
For specific inquiries, contacting the relevant state agency directly is recommended.