Each month, the New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute’s research team shares a curated list of books, research papers, podcasts, and more that are helping to shape our understanding of the economic wellbeing of the Granite State and beyond. Here are our picks for February 2026.
A new analysis from NHFPI’s Jessica Williams finds that deaths in New Hampshire continue to outpace births, making in-migration — particularly from Massachusetts — the state’s primary source of population growth. While the Granite State continues to add residents, slower growth, an aging population, and shifting migration patterns are shaping New Hampshire’s economic and workforce landscape.
New data from the U.S. Census Bureau show New Hampshire’s median household income rose 8% (inflation-adjusted) from $91,674 (2015-2019) to $99,031 (2020-2024). But where you live still makes a big difference. Most higher-income communities are clustered in the state’s southeastern counties, while nearly 1 in 4 Granite Staters still earn less than $50,000.
January state revenue collections exceeded expectations, but only because of a one-time tax amnesty program. New analysis from NHFPI’s Phil Sletten finds that business tax receipts fell short of targets last month, raising questions about the strength of ongoing revenue sources as the State looks ahead to the rest of the budget cycle.
New five-year Census data offer a clearer picture of economic conditions across New Hampshire, revealing wide gaps in income, poverty, and housing affordability by region and demographic group. Jessica Williams distills the data into five key takeaways that highlight how economic experiences differ across the state.
In New Hampshire Uncharted, Gene Martin speaks with Consumer Advocate Donald M. Kreis about why electricity bills keep climbing, how utility rates are set, and what policy choices could improve affordability and fairness for consumers across the state.
