Migration, Diversity & Population Growth
A new brief from the New Hampshire Center for Justice and Equity summarizes the data – and opportunities – related to New Hampshire’s changing demographics.
New Hampshire may be known for its stonewalls, small town charm and close-knit communities, but a closer look at its population reveals a complex, evolving demographic profile. Contrary to some common assumptions that New Hampshire is a “homogenous state,” recent data from a report by the New Hampshire Center for Justice & Equity tells a richer story. As the state’s population grows, it’s increasingly shaped by both domestic and international migration, making it one of New England's fastest-growing areas.
New Hampshire’s Population Growth: Migration Driving Change
As of July 2023, New Hampshire’s population passed 1.4 million people, representing a growth rate of 1.8% since 2020. This steady growth places New Hampshire as a leader in population expansion in New England, second only to Maine. Notably, this growth is driven primarily by migration, with both domestic and international newcomers contributing to a net gain of approximately 30,000 people from 2020 to 2023. Domestic migration accounts for around 79.2% of new residents, while 20.8% come from abroad. Interestingly, New Hampshire’s birth rate is lower than its death rate in nine out of ten counties, emphasizing migration’s critical role in maintaining population growth.
The number of births is dropping across the state, with deaths outpacing births in nine out of ten of New Hampshire’s counties, emphasizing migration’s critical role in maintaining population growth.
Origins of New Hampshire’s Residents: Who’s Moving In?
The diversity of origin among New Hampshire residents offers insight into the state’s demographic trends. Recent Census data show that:
41% of New Hampshire residents were born within the state, while
53% moved in from other U.S. states and
6% are foreign-born.
Of those moving in from other U.S. states, Massachusetts still tops the list, with nearly half of domestic migrants coming from the neighboring commonwealth. The international residents who now call New Hampshire home come primarily from Asia (36.2%), Latin America (28.9%), and Europe (20.4%), with India, Canada, and China among the leading countries of origin.
Foreign-Born Demographics: Diversity in Race, Ethnicity, & Age
The foreign-born population brings notable diversity to New Hampshire. While 90.9% of the state’s U.S.-born residents identify as White, the foreign-born population is racially diverse:
36.6% identify as White,
30.2% as Asian,
8.1% as Black or African American,
11.9% as belonging to another race, and
12.7% as belonging to multiple racial groups.
Among these, 21.6% now identify as Hispanic or Latino, in contrast to the 3.4% within the U.S.-born demographic.
Refugee Resettlement in New Hampshire: A Welcoming State
New Hampshire has also played an important role in the nation’s refugee resettlement efforts. From 2011 to 2024, in the NH Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) program, more than 4,500 refugees resettled in New Hampshire, with the majority coming from regions in Africa and Asia. Notably, in recent years, New Hampshire has also welcomed hundreds of refugees from Ukraine and Afghanistan. Key cities for refugee resettlement include Manchester, Concord, and Nashua.
Number of Refugee Resettlements in NH by Fiscal Year, data from the NH DHHS.
Understanding the State is Key to a Welcoming New Hampshire
As New Hampshire’s population grows and diversifies, fostering a welcoming and supportive environment will be key to the state’s prosperity. The Granite State’s evolving demographic profile holds promise, with residents from varied backgrounds contributing to its cultural, economic, and social fabric. Embracing this diversity can ensure New Hampshire remains a vibrant, thriving community for all.
Dig into the statistics and learn more about New Hampshire's changing population: