Safest Places to Live in New Hampshire in 2026

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Rankings: 10 Safest Places in New Hampshire

Strafford

How do you rate Strafford?

Strafford consistently ranks as one of the safest places to live in New Hampshire. The town has a low population density and spreads across 44 square miles of wooded terrain, which naturally results in low violent crime rates. Due...

92/100

Safety Score

Why is Strafford safe?

Personal Safety : 97

Personal Safety: 97/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

Rape

Robbery

Aggravated Assault

Kidnapping / Abduction

Property Safety : 75

Property Safety: 75/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

50%

Larceny

33.33%

Motor Vehicle Theft

Arson

Theft From Building

50%

Community Safety : 92

Community Safety: 92/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

85.71%

Stolen Property Offenses

Vandalism

20%

Weapon Law Violations

Drug / Narcotic Violations

80%

Home Prices in Strafford

$499,900

Median Home Rent

$1,500

Homes for Sale in Strafford Link

(View 508 homes)

Nashua

How do you rate Nashua?

Nashua's violent crime rate is well below the national average, thanks to its well-funded police department and an educated workforce. Its expansive layout helps keep the residential areas quiet and distinct from commercial zones....

86/100

Safety Score

Why is Nashua safe?

Personal Safety : 92

Personal Safety: 92/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

Rape

80%

Robbery

84.62%

Aggravated Assault

76.47%

Kidnapping / Abduction

87.5%

Property Safety : 82

Property Safety: 82/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

66.67%

Larceny

354

65.93%

Motor Vehicle Theft

77.22%

Arson

66.67%

Theft From Building

70.39%

Community Safety : 79

Community Safety: 79/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

288

70.55%

Stolen Property Offenses

83.33%

Vandalism

155

67.44%

Weapon Law Violations

80.56%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

148

51.95%

Home Prices in Nashua

$477,500

Median Home Rent

$2,000

Homes for Sale in Nashua Link

(View 4,676 homes)

Atkinson

How do you rate Atkinson?

Atkinson has one of the lowest property crime rates in the entire state, and violent crime incidents are rare. The town's strong local policing and active community involvement naturally keep the crime rate low. The town is locate...

85/100

Safety Score

Why is Atkinson safe?

Personal Safety : 81

Personal Safety: 81/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

Rape

Robbery

Aggravated Assault

Kidnapping / Abduction

Property Safety : 76

Property Safety: 76/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

Larceny

40%

Motor Vehicle Theft

Arson

Theft From Building

200%

Community Safety : 88

Community Safety: 88/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

14.29%

Stolen Property Offenses

Vandalism

66.67%

Weapon Law Violations

Drug / Narcotic Violations

Home Prices in Atkinson

$503,700.79

Median Home Rent

$3,800

Homes for Sale in Atkinson Link

(View 4,580 homes)

Meredith

How do you rate Meredith?

Meredith is a small town perched on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee. The violent crime rate in Meredith is significantly below the national average. The town has about 6,500 residents and a high homeownership rate. Key areas incl...

81/100

Safety Score

Why is Meredith safe?

Personal Safety : 92

Personal Safety: 92/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

Rape

100%

Robbery

100%

Aggravated Assault

Kidnapping / Abduction

Property Safety : 53

Property Safety: 53/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

33.33%

Larceny

18.18%

Motor Vehicle Theft

100%

Arson

100%

Theft From Building

20%

Community Safety : 49

Community Safety: 49/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

42.86%

Stolen Property Offenses

50%

Vandalism

20.45%

Weapon Law Violations

50%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

14.29%

Home Prices in Meredith

$585,000

Median Home Rent

$2,700

Homes for Sale in Meredith Link

(View 4,597 homes)

Gorham

How do you rate Gorham?

Gorham is a safe town in northern New Hampshire near the White Mountains. The Gorham Police Department maintains a strong presence and quick response times. Violent crime rates stay well below state and national averages. Most rep...

81/100

Safety Score

Why is Gorham safe?

Personal Safety : 95

Personal Safety: 95/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

Rape

Robbery

Aggravated Assault

Kidnapping / Abduction

Property Safety : 34

Property Safety: 34/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

100%

Larceny

33.33%

Motor Vehicle Theft

50%

Arson

100%

Theft From Building

50%

Community Safety : 69

Community Safety: 69/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

57.14%

Stolen Property Offenses

100%

Vandalism

16.67%

Weapon Law Violations

Drug / Narcotic Violations

63.64%

Home Prices in Gorham

$205,000

Median Home Rent

$1,775

Homes for Sale in Gorham Link

(View 4,583 homes)

Lincoln

How do you rate Lincoln?

The crime rate in Lincoln has been declining for the past few years. The town is located along the White Mountains at the edge of Loon Mountain ski country. The town's mountainous terrain and sparse population naturally help keep ...

81/100

Safety Score

Why is Lincoln safe?

Personal Safety : 100

Personal Safety: 100/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

Rape

Robbery

Aggravated Assault

Kidnapping / Abduction

Property Safety : 25

Property Safety: 25/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

100%

Larceny

5.88%

Motor Vehicle Theft

200%

Arson

Theft From Building

50%

Community Safety : 51

Community Safety: 51/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

11.11%

Stolen Property Offenses

100%

Vandalism

62.5%

Weapon Law Violations

100%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

50%

Home Prices in Lincoln

$433,950

Median Home Rent

$9,936

Homes for Sale in Lincoln Link

(View 4,588 homes)

Dover

How do you rate Dover?

Dover is one of the larger cities in New Hampshire, yet it maintains a safety record that rivals much smaller towns in the state. Violent and property crime rates stay below the U.S. average, supported by an active and well-regard...

77/100

Safety Score

Why is Dover safe?

Personal Safety : 86

Personal Safety: 86/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

Rape

70%

Robbery

100%

Aggravated Assault

100%

Kidnapping / Abduction

Property Safety : 57

Property Safety: 57/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

15%

Larceny

165

30.67%

Motor Vehicle Theft

12.5%

Arson

100%

Theft From Building

10.91%

Community Safety : 75

Community Safety: 75/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

114

8.06%

Stolen Property Offenses

150%

Vandalism

21.43%

Weapon Law Violations

42.86%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

Home Prices in Dover

$573,710

Median Home Rent

$2,150

Homes for Sale in Dover Link

(View 102 homes)

Portsmouth

How do you rate Portsmouth?

With just 1.2 violent crimes per 1,000 residents, Portsmouth is one of the safest places to live in New Hampshire. Areas adjacent to Sagamore and streets north of downtown report the lowest crimes in the city. The Portsmouth Polic...

69/100

Safety Score

Why is Portsmouth safe?

Personal Safety : 72

Personal Safety: 72/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

Rape

44.44%

Robbery

50%

Aggravated Assault

12.5%

Kidnapping / Abduction

100%

Property Safety : 62

Property Safety: 62/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

300%

Larceny

204

23.31%

Motor Vehicle Theft

52.17%

Arson

33.33%

Theft From Building

64.29%

Community Safety : 49

Community Safety: 49/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

133

20.83%

Stolen Property Offenses

47.06%

Vandalism

123

19.08%

Weapon Law Violations

66.67%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

40.62%

Home Prices in Portsmouth

$720,000

Median Home Rent

$3,000

Homes for Sale in Portsmouth Link

(View 134 homes)

Rochester

How do you rate Rochester?

Rochester reports 20.23 total crimes per 1,000 residents, well below the U.S. average of 33.37. The Rochester Police Department runs active patrols and community safety programs. Violent crime remains rare across the city. Safe ne...

64/100

Safety Score

Why is Rochester safe?

Personal Safety : 68

Personal Safety: 68/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

Rape

84.62%

Robbery

75%

Aggravated Assault

90.91%

Kidnapping / Abduction

366.67%

Property Safety : 48

Property Safety: 48/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

40.91%

Larceny

346

0.87%

Motor Vehicle Theft

6.9%

Arson

100%

Theft From Building

5.81%

Community Safety : 60

Community Safety: 60/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

243

19.12%

Stolen Property Offenses

250%

Vandalism

200

2.91%

Weapon Law Violations

16.67%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

38.89%

Home Prices in Rochester

$425,000

Median Home Rent

$1,947

Homes for Sale in Rochester Link

(View 6,667 homes)

#10

Exeter

How do you rate Exeter?

Exeter's crime rates are well below state and national averages, and the figures have remained consistent over the past few years. The town has about 16,000 residents and a strong historic character. Key areas include Front Street...

63/100

Safety Score

Why is Exeter safe?

Personal Safety : 58

Personal Safety: 58/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

Rape

40%

Robbery

Aggravated Assault

200%

Kidnapping / Abduction

200%

Property Safety : 52

Property Safety: 52/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

40%

Larceny

Motor Vehicle Theft

66.67%

Arson

100%

Theft From Building

6.67%

Community Safety : 46

Community Safety: 46/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

23.96%

Stolen Property Offenses

100%

Vandalism

5.66%

Weapon Law Violations

100%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

4.44%

Home Prices in Exeter

$540,000

Median Home Rent

$2,200

Homes for Sale in Exeter Link

(View 69 homes)

Find the Safest Places to Live Anywhere in the US

Top 3 Safest Places to Retire in New Hampshire

Portsmouth - Portsmouth offers a safe and secure setting for retirees. The city reports about 1.2 violent crimes per 1,000 residents, which is far below the national average. The Portsmouth Police Department maintains strong patrol coverage and fast response times. Well-lit streets and active neighborhood watch groups add an extra layer of security. Retirees also benefit from reliable healthcare and easy daily living. Portsmouth Regional Hospital offers emergency and specialty care close to home. The city's compact layout allows simple access to shops, services, and public spaces. Many areas support walking, which helps seniors stay active and independent. Portsmouth also ranks among the safest communities in New Hampshire, which gives retirees peace of mind.
Exeter - Exeter stands out as one of the safest places to live in New Hampshire for retirees. The town reports a violent crime rate of about 0.6 incidents per 1,000 residents, which is far below national levels. The Exeter Police Department provides steady patrol coverage and quick response times. Officers support community safety programs and maintain a strong presence across neighborhoods like downtown Exeter and residential areas near Phillips Exeter Academy. Well-lit streets and active neighborhood watch efforts help keep the town secure. Retirees benefit from strong healthcare access and a close-knit community. Exeter Hospital offers emergency and specialty care within the town. The compact layout allows easy access to shops, parks, and essential services. Many streets support safe evening walks, which adds to daily comfort. Exeter also ranks among the safest towns in New Hampshire in recent safety reports, which gives retirees peace of mind.
Bedford - Bedford ranks as one of the safest places to live in New Hampshire for retirees. The town reports about 0.5 violent crimes per 1,000 residents, which is far below the national average. The Bedford Police Department provides strong patrol coverage and fast response times. Officers support community safety programs and maintain a visible presence across neighborhoods like South River Road and Olde Bedford. Well-lit streets and active neighborhood watch groups help keep the area secure. Retirees benefit from safe suburban living with quick access to key services. Manchester sits next to Bedford and offers major hospitals, shopping centers, and Manchester-Boston Regional Airport. This ensures easy access to healthcare, travel, and daily needs. Bedford also ranks among the safest towns in New Hampshire in recent safety reports, which gives retirees peace of mind and a stable place to live.

Top 3 Safest Places to Live in New Hampshire for Families

Danville - Danville ranks among the safest places to live in New Hampshire for families. The town reports zero violent crimes in recent years. Its property crime rate stays well below the national average. The Danville Police Department maintains a strong presence. Officers ensure fast response times and run local safety programs that build trust with residents. Neighborhoods such as Colby Pond and Kingston Road offer quiet streets and secure surroundings. Low traffic levels help keep the area calm and family-friendly. Residents benefit from a close-knit community where people look out for each other. Danville provides a safe and stable place where families can live with confidence.
Brookline - Brookline ranks as one of the safest places to live in New Hampshire for families. Violent crime is nearly nonexistent, and property crime stays well below state and national averages. The Brookline Police Department maintains active patrols and ensures quick response times. Officers support local safety efforts and help build trust across the community. Neighborhoods remain quiet and secure throughout the year. The town's layout keeps residential areas separate, which helps maintain calm streets and low traffic. Families benefit from a close-knit environment where neighbors stay alert and support each other. Brookline offers a safe and stable place for families who value security and peace of mind.
Atkinson - Atkinson ranks among the safest places to live in New Hampshire for families. The town reports one of the lowest property crime rates in the state. Crime incidents have declined for two straight years. Violent crime remains extremely rare. The Atkinson Police Department maintains active patrols and ensures quick response times. Officers support local safety programs and keep neighborhoods secure. Neighborhoods across Atkinson offer quiet streets and a strong sense of community. Families benefit from alert neighbors and well-maintained residential areas. The town's location near the Massachusetts border gives easy access to nearby job hubs while keeping a calm and safe environment. Atkinson provides a stable and secure place where families can live with confidence.

Top 3 Safest Places to Live in New Hampshire for Young Adults

Nashua - Nashua is a strong choice for young adults because it offers a safe and stable place to live. The city reports a violent crime rate well below the national average. The Nashua Police Department maintains active patrols and runs community policing programs that improve safety. Neighborhoods like Northwest Nashua and Main Dunstable show consistent safety trends. These factors give young residents peace of mind in their daily lives. Young adults also benefit from career access and a balanced lifestyle. Nashua sits close to the Boston metro area, which opens doors to jobs in tech, healthcare, and finance. The city has a lively downtown with restaurants, cafes, and social spots that feel safe and easy to enjoy. Parks, gyms, and local events support an active routine. Simple highway access helps with daily travel, which makes Nashua a practical and secure place to live and grow.
Rochester - Rochester offers affordable home prices and a safe place to live. The city reports a violent crime rate below the national average. The Rochester Police Department maintains steady patrols and supports community safety programs. Neighborhoods on the outskirts, such as East Rochester and Gonic, report fewer incidents. Local neighborhood watch efforts and public safety alerts help residents stay aware and protected. Rochester also supports a practical lifestyle for young adults. The Spaulding Turnpike gives quick access to nearby job hubs and daily needs. Young professionals benefit from safe neighborhoods, simple commutes, and lower housing costs. The city provides a secure and stable environment for those who want affordability without giving up safety.
Litchfield - Litchfield ranks as one of the safest places to live in New Hampshire for young adults. The town reports near-zero violent crime rates. Property crime has declined for the past two years. The Litchfield Police Department maintains active patrols and supports strong community safety programs. Quiet neighborhoods and local watch efforts help keep crime low and residents informed. Litchfield also offers easy access to jobs and social life. The town sits along the Merrimack River just south of Manchester. Young adults can reach major employers, restaurants, and nightlife within minutes. This location allows residents to enjoy a safe home base with quick access to a growing job market and entertainment options.

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Ranking Methodology

To determine the safest places to live, we applied a structured, data-driven methodology using verified crime and public safety datasets. Our analysis incorporates violent crime rates and property crime rates (FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Program), local law enforcement staffing levels, community safety investment scores, and resident-reported safety data. Each factor was normalized against the New Hampshire state average to control for population size and regional differences. The combined metrics were then weighted and aggregated to produce a final Safety Score out of 100, highlighting cities where crime rates are significantly below the state baseline and community safety infrastructure is strongest.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best and safest New Hampshire cities to live in?

Nashua, Dover, Meredith, Exeter, and Portsmouth consistently rank as the safest cities to live in New Hampshire. For larger city options with strong safety, you can consider Bedford and Dover. All of these cities have low-density layouts and tight community engagement that naturally keep the crime rate low.

What is the #1 crime city in New Hampshire?

Manchester has the highest violent crime rate in the state, while Tilton leads in property crime. Both cities are linked to higher poverty rates and lower household incomes compared to the rest of the cities in the state.

What county in New Hampshire has the lowest crime rate?

Rockingham County has the lowest crime rate in New Hampshire. It is considered safer than 83% of U.S. counties. The county's high household incomes, low poverty, and suburban neighborhoods where most of the residents are homeowners naturally keep the crime rates low.

Which places are considered the cheapest in New Hampshire?

Popular affordable options often include Berlin, Claremont, and Franklin, which offer a balance of budget-friendly living, local amenities, and community appeal. You can explore a full list of cheapest places to live in New Hampshire to find the best options that fit your lifestyle and budget.

Where is the best place to raise a family in New Hampshire?

Atkinson, with the lowest property crime rate in the entire state and almost no violent crime, is the best place to raise a family in New Hampshire. Additionally, Danville and Brookline are close runners-up, both reporting zero violent crimes with strong neighborhood stability.

How to buy a house in New Hampshire in a safe area?

To understand how to buy a house in New Hampshire, compare crime rates and home prices in cities like Nashua and Litchfield. Review local police reports and neighborhood safety data before you choose a location. Secure financing through a lender, get pre-approved, and set a clear budget. Work with a local real estate agent to find homes in safe neighborhoods. Inspect the property, review disclosures, and finalize the deal before closing.

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