Key Economic Benchmarks
Median Household Income
$88,570$7,381 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-YearFair market rent & 30% rule in Strafford County, NH
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Strafford County, NH
Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Portsmouth-Rochester, NH HUD Metro FMR Area. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.
| Unit Size | Monthly Rent | Annual Rent | 30% Rule Min. Income | % of Median Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / Efficiency | $1,601 | $19,212 | $64,040 | 21.7% |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $1,677 | $20,124 | $67,080 | 22.7% |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark | $2,194 | $26,328 | $87,760 | 29.7% |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $2,693 | $32,316 | $107,720 | 36.5% |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $2,941 | $35,292 | $117,640 | 39.8% |
50/30/20 Living Budget in Strafford County, NH
Based on the local median household income of $88,570/year ($7,381/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:
Take-Home Pay & Tax Explorer in New Hampshire
Explore net income after federal income tax, FICA, and New Hampshire state income tax based on the local median baseline.
Related Regional & Financial Profiles
Compare earnings and living costs across New Hampshire with official federal datasets:
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Strafford County, NH
What is the median household income in Strafford County, NH?
According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Strafford County, NH is $88,570 per year (approximately $7,381 per month).
What is the average rent in Strafford County, NH?
According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Strafford County, NH are $1,601 for a studio, $1,677 for 1 bedroom, $2,194 for 2 bedrooms, $2,693 for 3 bedrooms, and $2,941 for 4 bedrooms.
How does the cost of living in Strafford County, NH compare to the national average?
Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Strafford County, NH is 108.3 (8.3% higher than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).
How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Strafford County, NH?
Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($2,194/month) in Strafford County, NH requires a minimum gross household income of $87,760 per year ($7,313 per month).
What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Strafford County, NH?
For a typical household earning the median income of $88,570/year ($7,381/month) in Strafford County, NH, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $3,690/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $2,214/month to discretionary spending, and $1,476/month to savings and debt repayment.
What are typical electricity and utility costs in Strafford County, NH?
Residential electricity rates in New Hampshire average 27¢ per kWh according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). For an average home using 900 kWh per month, the estimated electric bill is approximately $243 per month.