Cheshire County
NH · Pop. 76,945 · Mixed County
Cheshire County sits in New Hampshire across 707 square miles, home to 76,945 people at 108.8 per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, haylage, corn. The median home price is $257,000, with an effective property tax rate of 2.32%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 5b with a 137-day growing season, average summer highs of 80.4°F and average winter lows of 12.6°F. Annual rainfall averages 46 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. The Cheshire Medical Center is 2.7 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 93.3% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is very high, tornado risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- Broadband reaches 93.3% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- The Cheshire Medical Center, with an emergency room, is just 2.7 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A low unemployment rate of 3% reflects a stable local job base.
- Annual rainfall of 46 inches supports rain-fed gardens and pasture in most years.
- A low poverty rate of 8.9% signals a relatively stable local economy.
Cons
- Flood risk is very high, so careful parcel siting and flood insurance are essential.
- A 137-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- An effective property tax rate of 2.32% is on the higher side and adds to annual carrying costs.
- Average winter lows of 12.6°F demand serious cold-weather infrastructure for livestock and water systems.
- The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.
At a glance
Cheshire County, NH is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 44/100
- Median home price
- $257k
- Property tax
- 2.32%
- Growing season
- 137 days (zone 5b)
- Annual rainfall
- 46"
- Broadband
- 93.3%
- Nearest hospital
- The Cheshire Medical Center, 2.7 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Cheshire County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Cheshire County?
- Cheshire County is in USDA hardiness zone 5b with a 137-day growing season, average summer highs of 80.4°F, and average winter lows of 12.6°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, corn.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $257,000 and the effective property tax rate is 2.32%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 93.3% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- The Cheshire Medical Center is 2.7 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore New Hampshire Resources
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More counties in New Hampshire
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The closest counties to Cheshire County by distance, including across state lines.
Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
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