Keene city, New Hampshire Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Keene city, New Hampshire has a total population of 22,923, the 6th largest city in New Hampshire, with a median household income of $78,183, which is 18% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 9.9%.
Key Takeaways
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 1.5%.
Keene city Quick Facts
How Keene city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 23 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Keene city Rankings in New Hampshire
Explore New Hampshire Rankings
Cities Similar to Keene city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Derry CDP | 21,668 | $88,901 | $356,700 | 34.0% | 5.1% |
| Portsmouth city | 22,332 | $105,756 | $640,600 | 63.4% | 5.5% |
| Laconia city | 16,982 | $68,427 | $308,800 | 25.4% | 12.1% |
| Rochester city | 32,866 | $79,388 | $262,600 | 26.7% | 8.5% |
| Dover city | 33,070 | $92,748 | $398,500 | 49.2% | 8.1% |
Population Overview
Keene city is a small city located in New Hampshire, within Cheshire County. The total population is 22,923. It ranks as the 6th most populous out of 100 cities and towns in New Hampshire.
Age Demographics
The median age in Keene city is 35.9 years. This is 17% lower than the state median of 43.2 years. Only 14.7% of residents are under 18, indicating fewer families with children.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Keene city is $78,183. This is 18% lower than the state median of $95,628. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is about average. The poverty rate stands at 9.9%. This is 38% higher than the state poverty rate of 7.2%. The unemployment rate is 1.5%. This is 54% lower than the state rate of 3.4%. The median home value is $232,500. Housing costs are 37% lower than the state median of $367,200. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x. 50.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 30% lower than the state average of 72.5%.
Race & Ethnicity
Keene city has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 91.7% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 2.3%. The Asian population (0.5%) is well below the state average of 2.6%.
Education
43.4% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 9% higher than the state rate of 39.8%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 93.6%. Notably, 15.8% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Keene city, New Hampshire is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against New Hampshire state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 100 Census-designated places in New Hampshire. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
Free data download: Get all New Hampshire city and county demographics as CSV. Download Cities CSV | Download Counties CSV
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Keene city, New Hampshire?
Keene city, New Hampshire has a population of 22,923 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Keene city, NH?
The median household income in Keene city is $78,183, which is about average the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Keene city, NH?
The poverty rate in Keene city is 9.9%. This means approximately 2,015 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Keene city, New Hampshire?
Keene city's population is 91.7% White, 1.5% Black, 2.3% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.5% Asian.
What is the median home value in Keene city, NH?
The median home value in Keene city is $232,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x.
How educated is Keene city, New Hampshire?
43.4% of adults (25+) in Keene city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 15.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.