Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Orford, NH
Considering a move to Orford, NH? With a welcoming population of 1,215, this small town offers affordable living, with median home prices around $325,000 and average rents near $1,180. Orford boasts a low violent crime rate (90 per 100k), short commutes of about 28 minutes, and excellent access to outdoor recreation. Families will appreciate the strong schools and proximity to Dartmouth College, while residents enjoy four distinct seasons and a tight-knit community atmosphere.
Demographics - Orford, NH
Demographics - Orford, NH
Orford is a small, close-knit community with a population of 1,215 and a low population density of 28 people per square mile. The town features a predominantly White population, a balanced gender ratio, and a median age of 48.1, reflecting a mature and stable environment. Non-English speakers make up a small portion of residents, contributing to a cohesive local culture.
Population:
1,215
Density:
28 per sq mi
Median Age:
48.1
Gender Ratio:
100 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.4%

Ethnic Composition
White:
96.3%
Black:
0.3%
Asian:
0.6%
Others:
2.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Orford, NH?
Living in Orford is relatively affordable, with median home values at $325,000 and average rents around $1,180. The cost of living index stands at 109.5, slightly above the national average, primarily due to housing and utilities. Residents benefit from modest state taxes and reasonable household expenses.
Median House Value:
$325,000
Gross Rent:
$1,180
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,100
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,750
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$670
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
5%
Cost Of Living Index:
109.5
Grocery:
104.2
Housing:
111.0
Utilities:
112.4
Transportation:
108.5
Health Care:
104.5
Miscellaneous:
101.0
Crime
Is Orford, NH a safe place to live?
Orford offers a safe living environment, with a low violent crime rate of 90 incidents per 100,000 people and property crime remaining well below national averages. The chance of experiencing violent crime is just 1 in 1,110, providing peace of mind for families and individuals alike. Community safety is a notable advantage for those considering relocation.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
90
Property Crimes Per 100k:
720
Crime Index:
810
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,110
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 167
Weather
What is the weather like in Orford, NH year-round?
Residents experience all four seasons, with cold winters averaging lows of 10°F and warm summers reaching highs of 82°F. Orford receives about 40.8 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine 54% of the year. The climate supports a variety of outdoor activities throughout the changing seasons.

Winter
Min:
10°F
Max:
32°F

Spring
Min:
32°F
Max:
62°F

Summer
Min:
55°F
Max:
82°F

Fall
Min:
35°F
Max:
64°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
40.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Orford households typically have a median income of $81,500, with a low poverty rate of 7.1% and unemployment at just 2.9%. Most residents hold at least a high school diploma, and bachelor's degrees are common, fostering an educated and stable community. Commute times average around 28 minutes, and public transit use is minimal, reflecting the town's rural character.
Median Income:
$38,900
Household Income:
$81,500
Family Income:
$95,200
Per Capita Income:
$38,000
Income Male:
$48,000
Income Female:
$35,500
Poverty Rate:
7.1%
Non English Speakers:
2.4%
Rent:
$1,180
Unemployment Rate:
2.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
27.6 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
93.8%
Bachelors or More:
42.0%
Education
How are the schools in Orford, NH?
Families in Orford benefit from strong public schools, such as Rivendell Academy and Samuel Morey Elementary, both offering low student-teacher ratios. Higher education opportunities are close by, with Dartmouth College just 19 miles away and River Valley Community College within easy driving distance. The local education system supports students from elementary through college.

Public Schools
Name:
Rivendell Academy
Street:
2972 NH-25A
Phone:
603-353-4321
Students:
290
Student Teacher Ratio:
9.8
Name:
Samuel Morey Elementary School
Street:
214 School Street
Phone:
603-353-4881
Students:
180
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.6

Colleges
Name:
Dartmouth College
City:
Hanover
State:
NH
Distance:
19 miles
Students:
6,700
Name:
River Valley Community College
City:
Claremont
State:
NH
Distance:
37 miles
Students:
1,000
Healthcare
Access to quality healthcare is strong, with major hospitals like Cottage Hospital and Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center nearby. There are 2.3 physicians per 1,000 residents, and health insurance coverage is high at 94.5%. Residents benefit from comprehensive medical services and emergency care within easy reach.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Cottage Hospital
Address:
90 Swiftwater Rd, Woodsville, NH 03785
Phone:
(603) 747-9000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center
Address:
1 Medical Center Dr, Lebanon, NH 03756
Phone:
(603) 650-5000
Type:
Teaching Hospital
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.5%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Orford, NH?
The Orford housing market features a median home price of $325,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 78.4%. Rental vacancies are low at 3.2%, and home values have appreciated by 4.8% over the past year. The stable market and low foreclosure rate make Orford appealing for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$325,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,180
Owner Occupied Rate:
78.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.8%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Orford residents are served by the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles, located at 23 Hazen Drive in Concord. The DMV provides essential licensing and vehicle registration services, and information is easily accessible online or by phone. State resources are well organized for convenient access to motor vehicle needs.
State:
New Hampshire
Department:
New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
23 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03305
Phone:
1-603-227-4000
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.