Economy

By many metrics, New Hampshire experienced a slow but meaningful recovery in the decade following the Great Recession. However, not all Granite Staters felt the effects of subsequent economic recovery equally.  Much of the job growth in the state in recent years has been driven by lower wage industries, and Granite Staters earning lower and middle wages during the recovery saw their purchasing power either barely keep up or fall behind the cost of living. The economic downturn resulting from the COVID-19 crisis has deeply impacted the economic security of many Granite Staters.

NHFPI explores trends in wages, poverty, and other economic measures; the implications of those trends for Granite Staters; and public policies designed to foster economic opportunity and prosperity in New Hampshire.

New Hampshire’s Labor Market Slowed in 2025

New Hampshire’s labor market weakened in 2025. Employers filled fewer jobs than they did during the previous year, the number of employed Granite Staters remained relatively flat, unemployment increased compared to the last year, and average private-sector wage growth did not keep up with inflation. Recently updated data from New Hampshire Employment Security suggest that ...

High prices and limited supply continue to strain housing affordability in New Hampshire – Manchester Ink Link

First published in Manchester Ink Link, April 3, 2026. This week, NHFPI released a new analysis of New Hampshire’s housing market, highlighting how high prices, limited supply, and rising rents continue to challenge affordability. While price growth has slowed in some areas, housing costs still outpace incomes, limiting options for renters and prospective homebuyers statewide. ...

What We’re Reading — the March 2026 Edition

On the last Friday of 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 ...