City Profile
Hooksett, New Hampshire
USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Hooksett is a scenic and historically rich town situated in Merrimack County, New Hampshire, positioned conveniently between the state capital of Concord and its largest city, Manchester. Incorporated in 1822 and named for a hook-shaped bend or island in the Merrimack River, the community blends a strong industrial heritage with peaceful residential neighborhoods. It features notable historic landmarks such as Robie's Country Store, a celebrated presidential primary campaign stop. Residents are heavily drawn to Hooksett for its harmonious mix of suburban tranquility, outdoor recreation along the river, and exceptional geographic access to major employment hubs.
New Hampshire, known as the "Granite State," offers a blend of scenic beauty, small-town charm, and a strong sense of community, appealing to those seeking outdoor recreation and a peaceful lifestyle. The economy is diverse, with major industries including smart manufacturing/high technology, healthcare, and tourism. While the cost of living is generally 10-15% above the national average, driven by higher housing costs and property taxes, residents benefit from no state income or sales tax. The state experiences distinct seasons, with cold, snowy winters and warm summers, and its lifestyle emphasizes independence and outdoor activities.
How this 68/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
| Component | Readings used | Points | Weight | Contributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safety score: 80 / 100 | 80.0 | 30% | 24.0 |
| Affordability | Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 108.0 | 33.8 | 25% | 8.4 |
| Economy & jobs | Median household income: $101,053 Income needed to live here: $62,000 Unemployment rate: 3.2% | 92.5 | 20% | 18.5 |
| Growth | Population growth rate: 1.68% Job growth rate: 1.8% | 61.5 | 15% | 9.2 |
| Business climate assessment | Business climate assessment: 74 / 100 | 74.0 | 10% | 7.4 |
| Overall score | 67.6 | |||
Provenance.
These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as
Gemini (Tier 2 (reasoned), q=75), last refreshed
11 October 2026.
They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.
Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.
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Cost of Living
The cost of living in Hooksett is slightly higher than the national average, heavily driven by regional housing demand and the overall desirability of southern New Hampshire. While everyday goods, groceries, and utility costs hover close to standard state baselines, housing and rental expenses exert the largest upward pressure on household budgets. Property taxes and competitive real estate markets reflect the town's high quality of life and proximity to major commercial centers like Manchester. Nevertheless, New Hampshire's lack of a general state broad-based income or sales tax provides a meaningful financial cushion for working professionals and families.
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Hooksett maintains a dynamic and diversified local economy, supported by thriving sectors in manufacturing, retail trade, healthcare, and professional technical services. Major employers span light industrial operations, regional distribution, and specialized commercial businesses taking advantage of the town's strategic highway corridors. The remote and hybrid work scene is robust, with a large share of residents commuting short distances or telecommuting from home given the high educational attainment levels. Economic resilience is further bolstered by close proximity to the robust job markets of Concord and Manchester.
The average salary in Hooksett is $78,000 per year. You would need approximately $62,000 to live comfortably.
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Transportation in Hooksett is heavily car-dependent, with most residents driving alone to work along major arteries like Interstate 93 and US Route 3. The average commute time sits at approximately 29.2 minutes, which aligns closely with regional averages for the Concord micro-area. While public transit options are minimal, the town's strategic geographic location makes driving to regional employment hubs, Boston, or the White Mountains straightforward.
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