Goffstown

Hillsborough Countyβ€’Merrimack Valleyβ€’Population: 18,577

Overview

Goffstown offers small-town character with convenient access to Manchester, making it an attractive option for families seeking community atmosphere and good schools. Located in Hillsborough County along the Piscataquog River, Goffstown maintains its village character while providing modern amenities. The town's Main Street features local businesses, restaurants, and the historic Goffstown Public Library, creating a walkable town center that serves as a community gathering place.

The town's school system serves about 2,800 students and benefits from strong community support. Goffstown offers excellent recreational opportunities, including the rail trail for walking and biking, Uncanoonuc Mountains for hiking with panoramic views, and numerous athletic facilities. The town's location provides easy access to Manchester's employment and amenities while offering more space and a quieter lifestyle than city living.

Goffstown's housing market features a mix of historic homes in the village, established neighborhoods, and newer developments, generally offering good value compared to nearby Bedford or Londonderry. The town attracts families, young professionals, and retirees seeking community connection and convenient location. With ongoing economic development and a commitment to preserving town character, Goffstown provides a balanced lifestyle in the Manchester area.

Pros & Cons

βœ“ Pros

  • β€’Rural character
  • β€’Affordable
  • β€’Outdoor access
  • β€’Community feel

βœ— Cons

  • β€’Limited services
  • β€’Longer commute
  • β€’Rural isolation

Cost of Owning Here

Official property tax rates published by the NH Department of Revenue Administration, plus estimated tax bills for Goffstown.

2025 Local Tax Rate
$20.88
per $1,000 assessed value
2025 Effective (Equalized) Rate
$16.91
Equalization ratio: 81%
Municipal
$7.02
Local School
$11.59
State Education
$1.19
County
$1.08

Why "Effective Rate" is a better comparison

New Hampshire towns do not all assess property at the same percentage of market value. The state publishes an annual equalization ratio for every municipality showing how close local assessments are to full market value. A town that assesses homes at only 64% of market value will show an artificially high tax rate compared to a town that assesses at 100%. Multiplying the local rate by the equalization ratio produces an effective (equalized) rate that can be fairly compared across any two towns in the state.

YearTotal RateEffective RateMunicipalLocal SchoolState Ed.County
2025$20.88$16.91$7.02$11.59$1.19$1.08

Source: NH DRA

Example Tax Bills for 2025

Home ValueEstimated Annual TaxEstimated Monthly
$250,000$5,220$435
$350,000$7,308$609
$500,000$10,440$870
$750,000$15,660$1,305
$1,000,000$20,880$1,740

Estimates calculated using the 2025 local tax rate of $20.88 per $1,000 of assessed value. Actual tax bills depend on your property's specific assessed value and any exemptions or credits you may qualify for.

Climate & Environment

Summer Avg High
79.8Β°F
Winter Avg High
35.8Β°F
Annual Snowfall
54.6 in
Annual Rainfall
49.6 in
Sunny Days/Year
267
Data source: Open-Meteo / ERA5 β€’ Updated 7/3/2026

Transportation & Commute

Commute to Major Cities

Boston
61 mi
~81 min drive
Manchester
9 mi
~20 min drive
Portsmouth
54 mi
~77 min drive
Concord
16 mi
~34 min drive
Data source: OpenRouteService / OpenStreetMap β€’ Updated 7/3/2026

Recreation & Outdoors

Outdoor Recreation Score
33/100
Trail Miles
15.1
0
Boat Launches
4
State Parks
1
0

Winter & Camping

Snowmobile Trails:7 miles
XC Ski Trails:0 miles
Campgrounds:1

Economy & Demographics

πŸ’°Income

Median Household Income
$104,113
Per Capita Income
$44,951
Median Family Income
$120,938

🏠Housing Costs

Median Home Value
$323,300
Median Rent
$1,186/mo
Homeownership Rate
81.07%

πŸ’ΌEmployment

Unemployment Rate
0.91%
In Labor Force
10,311
Work From Home
0.62%

πŸŽ“Education

Bachelor's Degree or Higher
22.21%
Total with Degree
2,740

πŸš—Commute

Work From Home
0.62%

πŸ‘₯Demographics

Median Age
39.8 years
Avg Household Size
2.56 people
Data source: Census ACS 2022 (5-Year) β€’ Census Data Year: 2022 β€’ Updated 7/3/2026

Compare Goffstown with Other Towns

See how Goffstown stacks up against other NH communities.