Keene, New Hampshire, is a mid-sized city in Cheshire County known for its historic downtown, cultural events, and proximity to the Monadnock Region. Understanding the latest population of Keene NH helps residents, visitors, and businesses plan for housing, services, and economic development.
This article presents current demographics, trends, and drivers shaping the population of Keene NH, with a focus on recent changes, age groups, and household composition. The data below highlight how Keene compares to neighboring areas and where growth or decline is occurring.
| Year | Population | Households | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 23,409 | 10,428 | 37.9 |
| 2021 | 23,380 | 10,390 | 38.1 |
| 2022 | 23,345 | 10,360 | 38.0 |
| 2023 | 23,310 | 10,330 | 37.8 |
| 2024 | 23,280 | 10,305 | 37.7 |
Recent Population Trends
Short Term Decline and Stability
The population of Keene NH has shown a slight downward trend from 2020 to 2024, moving from 23,409 to an estimated 23,280. This reflects modest outmigration and an aging populace, but the city remains demographically stable overall.
Household numbers have also declined gradually, indicating either multi-person households merging or smaller household formations. Despite the small dip, Keene maintains a consistent rank among mid-sized New Hampshire cities in terms of total residents.
Age and Household Composition
Working Age and Student Influence
With a median age near 38, Keene benefits from a sizable young adult population driven by higher education institutions. This segment supports local services, rental housing, and cultural activities.
Household composition skews toward smaller units, including students and young professionals, which affects demand for apartments, transit, and entertainment options.
Economic and Housing Indicators
Income, Housing, and Employment
Median household income and home values in Keene NH remain competitive within the region, influencing who can afford to live in the city center versus surrounding towns. Rental vacancy rates and new construction respond to ongoing population shifts.
Employment in education, healthcare, and retail continues to anchor the local economy, supporting stability even as the broader population fluctuates minimally.
Regional Comparison
How Keene Stacks Up
Compared to similarly sized New England cities, the population of Keene NH holds steady with slow, manageable change. This contrasts with faster-growing suburbs while offering a more affordable, walkable alternative for families and remote workers.
Community and Planning
Looking Ahead for Residents and Stakeholders
Understanding the population of Keene NH supports informed decisions around housing, transportation, schools, and local business development. City planners and community groups use these trends to allocate resources effectively.
- Monitor census updates for precise annual changes in population and household data.
- Invest in infrastructure that supports an aging population while attracting younger workers.
- Promote affordable housing to sustain diverse household types.
- Leverage the city’s educational and cultural assets to drive economic vitality.
FAQ
Reader questions
Has the population of Keene NH grown in recent years?
No, the population has remained relatively flat with a slight decline from 2020 to 2024, consistent with modest outmigration and an aging population.
How many households are there in Keene New Hampshire?
There are approximately 10,305 households as of 2024, reflecting a gradual decrease linked to smaller household sizes and demographic changes.
What is the median age in Keene NH?
The median age is about 37.9 years, indicating a relatively young city due in part to the presence of colleges and universities.
How does Keene compare to nearby cities in population?
Keene sits in the mid-range of New Hampshire cities by population, smaller than Nashua or Concord but larger than many rural towns in the region.