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.

Higher Gasoline Prices Could Strain Both Households and Transportation Maintenance Budgets

Gasoline prices in New Hampshire have risen sharply in recent months, creating new financial pressure for many Granite State households already struggling with high housing, health care, and child care costs. A new NHFPI analysis examines how, in addition to the short-term challenges for family budgets, higher gas prices could also create longer-term challenges for funding road and bridge maintenance.

Recognizing New Hampshire Mothers Through Data

This Mother’s Day, NHFPI is highlighting key data points about the experiences of New Hampshire mothers from child care costs and paid leave to health care access and poverty. The numbers underscore both the critical role mothers play in supporting families and the economy and the challenges many continue to face across the Granite State.

What We’re Reading — the April 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 shape our understanding of the economic wellbeing of the Granite State and beyond. Here are our picks for April 2026.