New Hampshire Property Tax Overview

Keywords: New Hampshire property tax, property tax in New Hampshire, New Hampshire property tax rate

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Key Statistics (2026)

Source: According to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) (5‑year estimates, 2023).

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How Property Tax Is Calculated in New Hampshire

The property tax bill is generally computed as:

Assessed value of the property × Local tax rate (expressed as a percentage) = Annual property tax

The effective property tax rate (total tax paid divided by market value) for New Hampshire is 1.77 %, which reflects the combined rates set by municipalities, counties, school districts, and other local taxing authorities.

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Example Tax Bills

*Calculated using the average effective tax rate of 1.77 % (2023 ACS data). Actual bills can differ because tax rates vary by municipality and county.

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Geographic Variation

Property tax rates are not uniform across the state. Each of New Hampshire’s 10 counties contains multiple towns and cities that set their own mill rates. As a result, the same‑valued property may incur different tax amounts depending on its location. For precise rates, homeowners should consult the local assessors’ office or the state’s Department of Revenue Administration.

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Comparison to the National Average

• Effective tax rate: New Hampshire’s 1.77 % is 83.06 % higher than the national average of 0.97 % (2023 ACS).
• Ranking: With an effective rate of 1.77 %, New Hampshire ranks 49th out of the 52 states and territories that report property‑tax data, indicating one of the highest rates in the United States.

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Implications for Specific Groups

Retirees

Retirees who own their primary residence are subject to the same tax rates as other homeowners. New Hampshire does not levy a state income tax on Social Security benefits, but the high property tax burden can increase overall living costs. Some municipalities offer senior exemptions or deferral programs, but eligibility and benefit levels vary locally.

Landlords

Landlords must include property taxes in the operating expenses of rental properties. The higher effective rate in New Hampshire can reduce net rental income compared with states that have lower rates. However, there are no statewide caps on property tax increases for rental properties, so landlords should monitor local mill rate changes annually.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How is the effective property tax rate determined?
A: The effective rate is the total annual property tax divided by the market value of the property. It aggregates all local taxes (municipal, county, school, etc.) into a single percentage. In New Hampshire, the 2023 effective rate is 1.77 % (U.S. Census Bureau data).

Q2: What is the typical annual property tax bill for a median‑valued home?
A: Based on the 2023 median home value of $367,200 and the 1.77 % effective rate, the median annual property tax is approximately $6,505.

Q3: Are there property‑tax exemptions for seniors or low‑income homeowners?
A: Exemptions and deferral programs are administered at the municipal level. Some towns provide a senior citizen exemption or a tax deferral for qualified homeowners, but the availability and amount differ across counties. Homeowners should contact their local tax assessor for specific eligibility criteria.

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Summary

According to U.S. Census Bureau data (ACS 5‑year estimates, 2023), New Hampshire property tax rates are among the highest in the nation, with an average effective rate of 1.77 %—significantly above the national average of 0.97 %. The median home value is $367,200, leading to a median annual tax bill of $6,505. Property tax amounts vary by county and municipality, and the rates affect both retirees and landlords. Prospective homeowners should verify local mill rates and explore any available exemptions to estimate their actual tax liability accurately.