NH Town Guide

Find Your Perfect New Hampshire Town

Laconia

Belknap CountyLakes RegionPopulation: 16,871

Overview

Laconia serves as the commercial and cultural center of New Hampshire's Lakes Region, offering year-round recreation and small-city amenities. Located in Belknap County on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, Winnisquam, Opechee, and Paugus Bay, Laconia provides unparalleled water access and four-season outdoor recreation. The city's downtown has undergone significant revitalization, with new restaurants, breweries, and shops complementing historic architecture. Laconia's economy balances tourism, healthcare (Lakes Region General Hospital), manufacturing, and retail. The city hosts Motorcycle Week each June, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors and providing significant economic impact. Beyond tourism, Laconia offers a strong sense of community, with year-round events, farmers markets, and recreational programs. The city's location provides access to skiing, hiking, and water sports, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Housing in Laconia offers good value compared to southern New Hampshire, with options from waterfront properties to affordable in-town homes. The city attracts families, retirees, and those seeking a recreation-oriented lifestyle. Laconia's combination of water access, outdoor recreation, and small-city amenities makes it a unique destination for those prioritizing lifestyle over proximity to major employment centers.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Lake access
  • Four-season recreation
  • Affordable
  • Community events

Cons

  • Tourist traffic
  • Limited job market
  • Seasonal economy

Climate & Environment

Summer Avg High
77.5°F
Winter Avg High
33.5°F
Annual Snowfall
58.2 in
Annual Rainfall
45.3 in
Sunny Days/Year
266
Data source: Open-Meteo / ERA5Updated 7/4/2026

Transportation & Commute

Commute to Major Cities

Boston
95 mi
~118 min drive
Manchester
45 mi
~60 min drive
Portsmouth
57 mi
~94 min drive
Concord
27 mi
~39 min drive
Data source: OpenRouteService / OpenStreetMapUpdated 7/3/2026

Economy & Demographics

💰Income

Median Household Income
$67,856
Per Capita Income
$39,171
Median Family Income
$88,464

🏠Housing Costs

Median Home Value
$251,700
Median Rent
$1,003/mo
Homeownership Rate
58.79%

💼Employment

Unemployment Rate
3.07%
In Labor Force
9,096
Work From Home
0.27%

🎓Education

Bachelor's Degree or Higher
18.14%
Total with Degree
2,251

🚗Commute

Work From Home
0.27%

👥Demographics

Median Age
43.7 years
Avg Household Size
2.35 people
Data source: Census ACS 2022 (5-Year)Census Data Year: 2022Updated 7/3/2026

Compare Laconia with Other Towns

See how Laconia stacks up against other NH communities.