List of Counties in New Hampshire
New Hampshire has 10 counties. The most populous counties are Hillsborough County (Manchester and Nashua), Rockingham County, Merrimack County (Concord), Strafford County, Grafton County, Cheshire County, Belknap County, Carroll County, Sullivan County, and Coos County. Hillsborough County is the largest by population, containing the state’s two largest cities, Manchester and Nashua. Rockingham County, located along the coast and near Massachusetts, is also highly populated.
List of All Counties in New Hampshire
- Belknap County, New Hampshire
- Carroll County, New Hampshire
- Cheshire County, New Hampshire
- Coos County, New Hampshire
- Grafton County, New Hampshire
- Hillsborough County, New Hampshire
- Merrimack County, New Hampshire
- Rockingham County, New Hampshire
- Strafford County, New Hampshire
- Sullivan County, New Hampshire
Largest Counties in New Hampshire
1. Coös County
Overview
Coös County is the largest county in New Hampshire by land area, covering 1,800 square miles. It is located in the northernmost part of the state, bordered by Canada to the north, Maine to the east, and Vermont to the west. The county was established in 1803 and has a rich history tied to the timber and paper industries, which once dominated the local economy. The county seat is Lancaster, though Berlin is the largest city and a key economic center. Coös County is known for its rugged landscape, including the White Mountains and the Great North Woods, making tourism a growing industry. Outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and snowmobiling attract visitors year-round.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 31,000
- County Seat: Lancaster
- Major Airports: Mount Washington Regional Airport
- Major Highways: U.S. Route 3, U.S. Route 2, New Hampshire Route 16
2. Grafton County
Overview
Grafton County is located in western New Hampshire, covering 1,750 square miles. It is bordered by Vermont to the west, Coös County to the north, and Merrimack County to the south. The county was established in 1769 and named after Augustus FitzRoy, 3rd Duke of Grafton, a British Prime Minister. The county seat is North Haverhill, though Lebanon is the largest city and an important economic hub for the region. Dartmouth College, located in Hanover, is one of the key institutions in Grafton County and plays a significant role in the local economy. The county is also known for its natural beauty, including parts of the White Mountains and the Connecticut River, which attract outdoor enthusiasts.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 91,000
- County Seat: North Haverhill
- Major Airports: Lebanon Municipal Airport
- Major Highways: Interstate 93, Interstate 89, U.S. Route 4, U.S. Route 302
3. Carroll County
Overview
Carroll County is located in eastern New Hampshire and spans 992 square miles. It is bordered by Maine to the east, Coös County to the north, and Belknap County to the south. Established in 1840, the county was named after Charles Carroll, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. The county seat is Ossipee, a small town with historical significance dating back to colonial times. Carroll County is a popular destination for tourists, particularly in the Lakes Region and the White Mountains. Mount Washington, the highest peak in the northeastern United States, is located in the northern part of the county. Tourism drives much of the local economy, with activities like hiking, skiing, and boating.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 50,000
- County Seat: Ossipee
- Major Airports: Portland International Jetport (nearby in Maine)
- Major Highways: U.S. Route 302, New Hampshire Route 16, New Hampshire Route 25
4. Merrimack County
Overview
Merrimack County is located in central New Hampshire and covers 956 square miles. It is bordered by Grafton County to the north, Belknap County to the east, and Hillsborough County to the south. Established in 1823, the county was named after the Merrimack River, which runs through the region. The county seat is Concord, the state capital and a significant political, economic, and cultural center. Merrimack County has a diverse economy, with government, healthcare, and education playing major roles. The county’s central location and access to major highways have made it a growing suburban area for both Concord and Manchester. Outdoor recreation is also important, with several state parks and natural areas in the region.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 153,000
- County Seat: Concord
- Major Airports: Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (nearby)
- Major Highways: Interstate 93, Interstate 89, U.S. Route 3, U.S. Route 202
5. Sullivan County
Overview
Sullivan County is located in western New Hampshire, covering 552 square miles. It is bordered by Grafton County to the north, Merrimack County to the east, and Vermont to the west across the Connecticut River. The county was established in 1827 and named after John Sullivan, a Revolutionary War general and former governor of New Hampshire. The county seat is Newport, a small town known for its historic architecture and vibrant community. Sullivan County’s economy has traditionally been based on manufacturing and agriculture, though in recent years it has diversified to include healthcare and tourism. The Connecticut River Valley and nearby Mount Sunapee attract visitors for outdoor activities like skiing, boating, and hiking.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 43,000
- County Seat: Newport
- Major Airports: Lebanon Municipal Airport (nearby)
- Major Highways: Interstate 89, New Hampshire Route 103, New Hampshire Route 10
6. Cheshire County
Overview
Cheshire County is located in southwestern New Hampshire, spanning 729 square miles. It is bordered by Sullivan County to the north, Massachusetts to the south, and Vermont to the west. The county was established in 1769 and named after Cheshire in England. The county seat is Keene, a vibrant city known for its lively arts scene and Keene State College. Cheshire County has a strong agricultural tradition, with dairy farming and maple syrup production being key industries. The county’s economy has diversified over time, with manufacturing, education, and healthcare now playing important roles. The Monadnock Region, named after Mount Monadnock, is a popular destination for hiking and outdoor recreation.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 77,000
- County Seat: Keene
- Major Airports: Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (nearby)
- Major Highways: U.S. Route 202, New Hampshire Route 12, New Hampshire Route 9
7. Belknap County
Overview
Belknap County is located in central New Hampshire, covering 469 square miles. It is bordered by Carroll County to the north, Merrimack County to the west, and Strafford County to the east. The county was established in 1840 and named after Jeremy Belknap, a prominent historian of New Hampshire. The county seat is Laconia, a city known for its lakeside location on Lake Winnipesaukee and for hosting the annual Laconia Motorcycle Week. Belknap County’s economy is largely driven by tourism, particularly in the Lakes Region, which attracts visitors for boating, fishing, and hiking. Manufacturing and healthcare are also important sectors, with several regional hospitals and factories located in the area.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 63,000
- County Seat: Laconia
- Major Airports: Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (nearby)
- Major Highways: U.S. Route 3, New Hampshire Route 11, New Hampshire Route 106
8. Hillsborough County
Overview
Hillsborough County is located in southern New Hampshire and spans 892 square miles. It is bordered by Merrimack County to the north, Massachusetts to the south, and Cheshire County to the west. Established in 1769, it is named after Wills Hill, the Earl of Hillsborough, a British Secretary of State for the Colonies. The county has two county seats: Manchester, the largest city in New Hampshire, and Nashua, another major economic hub. Hillsborough County is the most populous county in the state, with a diverse economy that includes manufacturing, healthcare, education, and technology. Manchester and Nashua serve as major centers for commerce and industry, while the surrounding towns offer a mix of suburban and rural living.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 422,000
- County Seats: Manchester and Nashua
- Major Airports: Manchester-Boston Regional Airport
- Major Highways: Interstate 93, Interstate 293, U.S. Route 3
9. Strafford County
Overview
Strafford County is located in southeastern New Hampshire, covering 369 square miles. It is bordered by Maine to the northeast, Rockingham County to the south, and Belknap County to the west. The county was established in 1771 and named after the Earl of Strafford, a British statesman. The county seat is Dover, one of the oldest permanent settlements in New Hampshire, founded in 1623. Strafford County’s economy is centered on healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The University of New Hampshire, located in Durham, is a major educational institution that significantly influences the local economy. Strafford County also benefits from its proximity to the Seacoast Region and southern Maine, making it a popular place to live and work.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 130,000
- County Seat: Dover
- Major Airports: Portsmouth International Airport (nearby)
- Major Highways: Interstate 95, U.S. Route 4, New Hampshire Route 16
10. Rockingham County
Overview
Rockingham County is located in southeastern New Hampshire, covering 695 square miles. It is bordered by Massachusetts to the south, Maine to the east, and Strafford County to the north. Established in 1769, the county was named after Charles Watson-Wentworth, the 2nd Marquess of Rockingham and a British Prime Minister. The county seat is Brentwood, a small town centrally located in the region. Rockingham County’s economy is diverse, with major sectors including manufacturing, retail, healthcare, and tourism. Its proximity to Boston, Massachusetts, has made it a popular area for commuters, while its coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, including towns like Hampton and Portsmouth, attracts tourists and residents alike.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 320,000
- County Seat: Brentwood
- Major Airports: Portsmouth International Airport
- Major Highways: Interstate 95, Interstate 93, U.S. Route 1, New Hampshire Route 101