The United States Census Bureau American Community Survey data released September 13, 2018 provides estimates, based on data collected in surveys conducted throughout 2017, of New Hampshire’s population characteristics. The survey data provide year-to-year comparisons of key indicators affecting the lives of Granite Staters.
... Continue Reading
New Hampshire is a state with large differences between the more urban regions, primarily in the southeastern part of the state, and less urban regions in the west and north. The southeastern part of the state has generally larger concentrations of population, higher median incomes among residents, and lower poverty rates compared to the western and northern regions. However, examinations of smaller areas within county boundaries show significant disparities as well. Each New Hampshire municipality has a different population size, income, poverty level, and aggregate property value that impacts the capacity of local governments to attract businesses and residents and provide needed services.
... Continue Reading
New Hampshire has experienced a relatively robust economy in recent years. Growth has returned to rates similar to those from before the Great Recession, and the unemployment rate has remained below three percent since late 2015. Incomes appear to have increased for workers, with many middle- and low-income workers finally returning to near pre-Recession levels of income. However, job creation has been strongest in industries with wages below statewide averages and has been uneven in different regions of the state, while both housing and workforce constraints are likely limiting economic growth.
... Continue Reading
The fortunes of State revenues continue to rise and fall with New Hampshire’s two primary business taxes, which provided positive signs for near-term revenue but have not shown these levels are sustainable. While the two business taxes remained healthy, other revenue sources were relatively flat overall, leaving the State with a revenue surplus entirely dependent on the two business taxes. The lack of growth in other revenue sources combined with the uncertainty around business taxes creates an environment in which it will be very difficult to accurately project revenues for the new State Budget biennium.