Keene, NH
Population 22,923 · New Hampshire
About Keene, NH
Keene is a mid-sized city located in New Hampshire with a population of 22,923 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $78,183 per year, which is 4% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Keene features a median home value of $232,500, which is 5% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Keene in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,275, 10% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 10,271 total housing units, 51% are owner-occupied (4,696 units) and 49% are renter-occupied (4,533 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Keene shows an unemployment rate of 1.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 9.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Keene have an average one-way commute time of 17.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
43.4% of Keene residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 0.2% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, and 0.7% Asian residents, with 3.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Keene Ranks in New Hampshire
Cost of Living in Keene, NH
Compared to national averages, Keene has a median household income of $78,183 (4% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $232,500, which is 5% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,275 is 10% above the US average of $1,163. Within New Hampshire, Keene's income is 2% below the state average of $79,671, and home values are 23% below the state median of $303,204.
Why Live in Keene, NH?
Keene offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $78,183, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $232,500, below the US average of $244,900, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.5%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 43.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 9.9%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 17.1 minutes.
Keene has a population of 22,923 with a median age of 35.9 years. Compare Keene with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Hampshire.
Similar Cities Near Keene
Cities in New Hampshire with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portsmouth | 22,332 | $105,756 | $640,600 | Compare |
| Derry | 21,668 | $88,901 | $356,700 | Compare |
| Laconia | 16,982 | $68,427 | $308,800 | Compare |
| Lebanon | 14,759 | $92,288 | $345,100 | Compare |
| Claremont | 13,054 | $54,520 | $171,900 | Compare |
| Rochester | 32,866 | $79,388 | $262,600 | Compare |
| Dover | 33,070 | $92,748 | $398,500 | Compare |
| Londonderry | 12,307 | $113,109 | $433,100 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in New Hampshire
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Keene With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Keene
What is the population of Keene, NH?
The population of Keene, NH is 22,923 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in New Hampshire.
What is the median household income in Keene?
The median household income in Keene, NH is $78,183 per year, which is 4% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Keene?
The median home value in Keene, NH is $232,500, which is 5% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Keene?
The median monthly rent in Keene, NH is $1,275, which is 10% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Keene?
The unemployment rate in Keene, NH is 1.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Keene, NH a good place to live?
Keene offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 22,923 and a median age of 35.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Keene, NH?
43.4% of residents in Keene aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Keene?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Keene, NH: median home value is $232,500 (5% below national), median rent is $1,275/month, and median household income is $78,183. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Keene?
The poverty rate in Keene, NH is 9.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Keene, NH?
Keene's population is 0.2% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, 0.7% Asian, and 1.5% two or more races. 3.8% of residents are foreign-born.