Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Derry, NH
Considering a move to Derry, NH? With a population of about 34,500, Derry balances small-town charm with proximity to Manchester and Boston. Home prices average $380,000 and rents are around $1,550, with living costs slightly above the US average – but no state income or sales tax! The city enjoys low crime, good schools like Pinkerton Academy, and a typical commute of 31 minutes. Enjoy four distinct seasons, a friendly community, and easy access to healthcare and education in the heart of southern New Hampshire.
Demographics - Derry, NH
Derry, NH is home to about 34,500 residents, with a median age of just over 41, reflecting a balanced, family-friendly community. The population is predominantly White, with a modest mix of other ethnicities, and around 8.5% speak a language other than English at home. The city’s density and gender ratio offer a comfortable suburban environment suitable for a variety of lifestyles.
Population:
34,500
Density:
1,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.2
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
92.1%
Black:
1.4%
Asian:
2.0%
Others:
4.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Derry, NH?
Derry's cost of living index is slightly above the national average at 112, with median home values at $380,000 and typical rents around $1,550 per month. While housing and utilities are somewhat higher than average, residents benefit from New Hampshire’s low state taxes, including no sales or income tax for most earners. Overall, Derry offers a balanced cost profile for those seeking quality amenities and proximity to major cities.
Median House Value:
$380,000
Gross Rent:
$1,550
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,100
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,100
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$660
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
5%
Cost Of Living Index:
112.0
Grocery:
106.0
Housing:
119.0
Utilities:
109.0
Transportation:
107.0
Health Care:
104.0
Miscellaneous:
102.0
Crime
Is Derry, NH a safe place to live?
Derry is considered a safe place to live, with violent crime rates at just 153 per 100,000 people and property crime rates of 1,249 per 100,000. Residents have a low chance of encountering violent crime, roughly 1 in 654, making it a reassuring choice for families and individuals alike. The overall crime index is well below the national average, contributing to the city's appeal.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
153
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,249
Crime Index:
1,402
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 654
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 80
Weather
What is the weather like in Derry, NH year-round?
Derry experiences all four seasons, with cold winters averaging 16–35°F and warm summers reaching up to 83°F. Annual rainfall is about 47 inches, and the city enjoys sunshine 57% of the year, making outdoor activities possible year-round. Residents appreciate the distinct seasonal changes, from snowy winters to mild, colorful autumns.
Winter
Min:
16°F
Max:
35°F
Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
64°F
Summer
Min:
59°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
47.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
57%
Neighbors
Local households in Derry have a healthy median income of $92,300, and the poverty rate is relatively low at 6.8%. Most residents are well-educated, with over 93% having completed high school and a third holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. Commute times average about 31 minutes, and public transport usage is modest, reflecting a suburban lifestyle with easy access to nearby cities.
Median Income:
$43,500
Household Income:
$92,300
Family Income:
$105,000
Per Capita Income:
$39,600
Income Male:
$50,400
Income Female:
$41,200
Poverty Rate:
6.8%
Non English Speakers:
8.5%
Rent:
$1,550
Unemployment Rate:
3.1%
Public Transport Usage:
2.1%
Commute Time:
31.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
93.7%
Bachelors or More:
32.1%
Education
How are the schools in Derry, NH?
Education in Derry is robust, with highly regarded public schools like Pinkerton Academy and several private options available. The area is also close to higher education institutions, including Southern New Hampshire University and the University of New Hampshire at Manchester, both located within 15 miles. Families appreciate the strong academic offerings and supportive learning environments for students of all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Pinkerton Academy
Street:
5 Pinkerton St
Phone:
603-437-5200
Students:
3,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
West Running Brook Middle School
Street:
1 West Running Brook Ln
Phone:
603-432-1288
Students:
700
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.8
Private Schools
Name:
St. Thomas Aquinas School
Street:
26 Crystal Ave
Phone:
603-432-2712
Students:
170
Colleges
Name:
Southern New Hampshire University
City:
Manchester
State:
NH
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
23,000
Name:
University of New Hampshire at Manchester
City:
Manchester
State:
NH
Distance:
14 miles
Students:
1,000
Healthcare
Derry provides strong healthcare access, anchored by Parkland Medical Center, which offers emergency and general services. With about 2.4 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 92% health insurance coverage, locals benefit from reliable medical care. The city’s healthcare index suggests good quality and availability for both families and individuals.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Parkland Medical Center
Address:
1 Parkland Dr, Derry, NH 03038
Phone:
(603) 432-1500
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.6%
Health Care Index:
77.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Derry, NH?
The housing market in Derry is stable, with a median home price of $380,000 and most residents owning their homes. Rental options are available, with average two-bedroom rents at $1,550 and a low vacancy rate of 4.8%. Home values have appreciated by 4.5% over the past year, indicating a healthy demand for property in the area.
Median Home Price:
$380,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,550
Owner Occupied Rate:
66.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.5%
New Construction Rate:
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Derry residents are served by the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles, headquartered at 23 Hazen Drive in Concord. The DMV provides services such as licensing, registration, and vehicle titles, and residents can access information and resources through the state’s official DMV website. Local offices ensure that drivers and vehicle owners can manage their needs efficiently.
State:
New Hampshire
Department:
New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
23 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03305
Phone:
(603) 227-4000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.