Nottingham’s Population Growth Outpaces State’s Growth
New Hampshire’s population grew by about 1.7% between July 2020 and July 2023, according to estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau. Population growth in Nottingham was nearly double this, at 3.0%.
Nottingham grew faster than all of its neighboring towns with the exception of Epping and Candia.
Epping 5.7%
Candia 3.9%
Raymond 2.5%
Barrington 2.5%
Strafford 2.3%
Deerfield 2.0%
Lee 1.6%
Northwood 1.0%
New Hampshire’s fastest-growing communities were those near recreation areas, such as those in the Lakes Region and near the White Mountains, and those near hubs of economic activity.
New Hampshire’s population grew faster on an annual basis in 2020-2023 than it did in between 2010 and 2020. Between 2020 and 2023, every New Hampshire county gained population. Maine and New Hampshire were the fastest-growing states in New England, with population growth due entirely to migration, with deaths substantially outnumbering births.
Source: New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute
Couple of historical points of interest beyond the covid migration. Point 1: Selectman Mary Bonser raised concerns in the 2013-2014 time-frame regarding aging NH population and that young people were leaving the state. We couldn't change the flow but she lead conversations about what we might do to prepare. Point 2: our NH BEA, under the leadership of Commissioner Taylor Caswell in Sununus administration, had been extremely effective attracting companies into the state. I met with him last year and learned they've done it without offering tax incentives. They basically have a campaign that explains the favorable aspects of the state, how business friendly we are, and the opportunity for work/life balance.
This is very interesting and timely information as we citizens consider what this means for our towns future. We will need to provide more services as we gain a larger population.