Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Keene, NH
Thinking of moving to Keene, NH? With a friendly population of about 22,700 and a median home price around $283,000, Keene offers affordable living in a classic New England setting. Residents enjoy a low average commute time of just 18 minutes, highly rated local schools, and a vibrant college-town atmosphere thanks to Keene State College. With low violent crime (158 per 100k), four-season weather, and a strong sense of community, Keene is a great place for families, professionals, and anyone seeking small-city charm with modern amenities.
Demographics - Keene, NH
Keene is home to approximately 22,700 residents, with a median age of 36, reflecting a blend of young professionals and families. The city is predominantly White (92.1%), with a small but present multicultural community, and about 6.8% of residents speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
22,700
Density:
570 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.0
Gender Ratio:
90 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.8%

Ethnic Composition
White:
92.1%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
2.5%
Others:
4.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Keene, NH?
Keene offers a cost of living slightly below the national average, with a median home value of $283,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $1,250. Utilities and groceries are modestly priced, and New Hampshire’s income tax remains low, making it an affordable option for many households.
Median House Value:
$283,000
Gross Rent:
$1,250
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,900
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$700
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
5%
Cost Of Living Index:
98.0
Grocery:
101.0
Housing:
94.0
Utilities:
109.0
Transportation:
95.0
Health Care:
102.0
Miscellaneous:
97.0
Crime
Is Keene, NH a safe place to live?
Keene has a relatively low crime rate, with just 158 violent crimes and 1,211 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually, making it a safe choice for families and individuals. The chances of experiencing violent crime are about 1 in 633, contributing to the city's reputation for safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
158
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,211
Crime Index:
1,369
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 633
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 83
Weather
What is the weather like in Keene, NH year-round?
Residents experience four distinct seasons in Keene, with warm summers reaching up to 80°F and cold winters dipping to around 12°F. The city enjoys about 53% sunny days each year and receives roughly 43.7 inches of rainfall, ideal for those who appreciate classic New England weather.

Winter
Min:
12°F
Max:
32°F

Spring
Min:
34°F
Max:
63°F

Summer
Min:
56°F
Max:
80°F

Fall
Min:
36°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
43.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
53%
Neighbors
Keene’s community features a median household income of $65,800 and a low unemployment rate of 2.8%, reflecting local economic stability. Most residents benefit from a short average commute time of 17.6 minutes and a high rate of educational attainment, fostering a well-educated, tight-knit environment.
Median Income:
$31,900
Household Income:
$65,800
Family Income:
$81,300
Per Capita Income:
$32,500
Income Male:
$41,200
Income Female:
$36,800
Poverty Rate:
13.0%
Non English Speakers:
6.8%
Rent:
$1,250
Unemployment Rate:
2.8%
Public Transport Usage:
1.2%
Commute Time:
17.6 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
94.2%
Bachelors or More:
38.6%
Education
How are the schools in Keene, NH?
Keene is known for its strong educational offerings, including well-regarded public schools like Keene High School and higher education institutions such as Keene State College. The city’s schools boast favorable student-teacher ratios and a high percentage of adults with college degrees, supporting lifelong learning in the community.

Public Schools
Name:
Keene High School
Street:
43 Arch St
Phone:
603-352-0640
Students:
1,350
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.8
Name:
Wheelock Elementary School
Street:
32 Marlboro St
Phone:
603-352-1712
Students:
300
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.6

Private Schools
Name:
Monadnock Waldorf School
Street:
98 South Lincoln St
Phone:
603-352-9404
Students:
180

Colleges
Name:
Keene State College
City:
Keene
State:
NH
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
2,800
Name:
River Valley Community College
City:
Keene
State:
NH
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,000
Healthcare
Keene provides excellent healthcare access, with Cheshire Medical Center serving as a major hospital and 95.8% of residents having health insurance coverage. The city has a strong ratio of physicians per capita, ensuring quality medical care close to home.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Cheshire Medical Center
Address:
580 Court St, Keene, NH 03431
Phone:
(603) 354-5400
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.8%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Keene, NH?
The Keene housing market is accessible, with a median home price of $283,000 and steady appreciation around 4.2% year-over-year. Over half of residents own their homes, and rental vacancies are low, making it a stable place to invest or rent.
Median Home Price:
$283,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,250
Owner Occupied Rate:
56.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Keene residents utilize the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles, located in Concord, for licensing and vehicle registration. The DMV provides comprehensive online resources and state-specific services to support local drivers.
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.