Young New Hampshire Residents Weigh Leaving The State
High living costs drive many residents under 35 to consider moving out of New Hampshire within the next five years.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Child Care
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Nearly 25% of New Hampshire residents may relocate within the next five years, with young adults under 35 expressing the highest likelihood of leaving. The exodus is tied to significant cost-of-living pressures, including annual childcare expenses averaging $32,000 for families with two children.
Why it matters
Keeping young people in the state is a priority for sustaining business growth and career opportunities, as high housing and education costs push many residents to consider moving elsewhere. These factors are now shaping political agendas and state budget proposals aimed at increasing support for young families and students.
A report indicates that 25% of residents are considering moving out of state in the next five years, particularly those under 35. This trend persists despite the fact that 95% of community college students remain in New Hampshire, helping to fuel the local workforce.
The players
University of New Hampshire
A major public research university that tracks state demographics and receives state funding.
Kelly Ayotte
A political leader who has proposed a state budget for the upcoming biennium prioritizing university funding.
Joyce Craig Warmington
A political leader who participated in debates regarding strategies for resident retention.
The details
The state currently utilizes child care tax credits, scholarship programs, and dual-enrollment options to incentivize residents to stay. Policy debates are now focusing on whether expanding these programs and increasing university funding can effectively mitigate the primary drivers of relocation, specifically high housing and education costs.
Timeline
A 2026 UNH report highlighted significant resident relocation trends.
Many residents are considering leaving the state within the next 5 years.
Increased funding for UNH is proposed for the next biennium.
The Home Front
The potential loss of residents follows a documented trend where housing affordability and childcare costs drive demographic shifts. This development highlights the tension between rising household expenses and the state's efforts to retain a young, mobile workforce.
Families facing high childcare costs should investigate existing state tax credits and scholarship programs that may offer financial relief. Residents should also track upcoming legislative sessions to see if proposed funding for university programs and education leads to new resources for their household budget.
The takeaway
The high cost of childcare, averaging $32,000 for two children, is a major factor pushing young residents to consider leaving New Hampshire. Families should research current state tuition assistance and childcare tax credits to maximize available support while living in the state.
Further reading
Explore more resources on Child Care to understand how local programs support families.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WMUR9.
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