Cheshire County, New Hampshire

County in New Hampshire, United States

County in New Hampshire

Cheshire County

County

Cheshire County Courthouse in Keene

Seal

Location within the U.S. state of New Hampshire

New Hampshire's location within the U.S.

Coordinates: 42°54′42″N 72°14′31″W﻿ / ﻿42.9118°N 72.242081°W﻿ / 42.9118; -72.242081
Country|  United States
State|  New Hampshire
Founded| 1769
Named after| Cheshire, England
Seat| Keene
Largest city| Keene
Area

• Total

| 728.9 sq mi (1,888 km2)
• Land| 706.7 sq mi (1,830 km2)
• Water| 22.2 sq mi (57 km2)  3.1%
Population

(2020)

• Total

| 76,458
• Density| 108.2/sq mi (41.8/km2)
Time zone| UTC−5 (Eastern)
• Summer (DST)| UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional district| 2nd
Website| co.cheshire.nh.us

Cheshire County is a county in the southwestern corner of the U.S. state of New Hampshire. As of the 2020 census, the population was 76,458.[1] Its county seat is the city of Keene.[2] Cheshire was one of the five original counties of New Hampshire, and is named for the county of Cheshire in England. It was organized in 1771 at Keene. Sullivan County was created from the northern portion of Cheshire County in 1827. Cheshire County comprises the Keene, NH micropolitan statistical area.

## Geography

[edit]

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has an area of 729 square miles (1,890 km2), of which 707 square miles (1,830 km2) is land and 22 square miles (57 km2) (3.1%) is water.[3] The highest point in Cheshire County is Mount Monadnock, in the northwestern part of Jaffrey, at 3,165 feet (965 m).

### Adjacent counties

[edit]

* Sullivan County (north)
* Hillsborough County (east)
* Worcester County, Massachusetts (southeast)
* Franklin County, Massachusetts (southwest)
* Windham County, Vermont (west)

### Geographical landmarks

[edit]

* Mount Monadnock
* Pisgah State Park

## Demographics

[edit]

Historical population Census| Pop.| Note| %±

|
|
|

1790| 28,753| | —
1800| 38,825| | 35.0%
1810| 40,988| | 5.6%
1820| 45,376| | 10.7%
1830| 27,016| | −40.5%
1840| 26,429| | −2.2%
1850| 30,144| | 14.1%
1860| 27,434| | −9.0%
1870| 27,265| | −0.6%
1880| 28,734| | 5.4%
1890| 29,579| | 2.9%
1900| 31,321| | 5.9%
1910| 30,659| | −2.1%
1920| 30,975| | 1.0%
1930| 33,685| | 8.7%
1940| 34,953| | 3.8%
1950| 38,811| | 11.0%
1960| 43,342| | 11.7%
1970| 52,364| | 20.8%
1980| 62,116| | 18.6%
1990| 70,121| | 12.9%
2000| 73,825| | 5.3%
2010| 77,117| | 4.5%
2020| 76,458| | −0.9%
U.S. Decennial Census[4]
1790-1960[5] 1900-1990[6]
1990-2000[7] 2010-2018[8]

### 2000 census

[edit]

As of the census[9] of 2000, there were 73,825 people, 28,299 households, and 18,790 families living in the county. The population density was 104 people per square mile (40 people/km2). There were 31,876 housing units at an average density of 45 per square mile (17/km2). The county's racial makeup was 97.75% White, 0.37% Black or African American, 0.31% Native American, 0.47% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.18% from other races, and 0.89% from two or more races. 0.72% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 16.2% were of English, 13.1% French, 12.7% Irish, 9.3% American, 8.7% French Canadian, 6.7% Italian and 6.5% German ancestry. 95.5% spoke English, 1.4% French and 1.2% Spanish as their first language.

There were 28,299 households, of which 30.60% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.50% were married couples living together, 9.00% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.60% were non-families. 25.50% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.60% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 2.96.

23.30% of the county's population were under the age of 18, 11.70% were from 18 to 24, 27.00% were from 25 to 44, 24.30% were from 45 to 64, and 13.70% were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 94.90 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.70 males.

The county's median household income was $42,382, and the median family income was $51,043. Males had a median income of $33,821 versus $25,328 for females. The county's per capita income was $20,685. About 4.40% of families and 8.00% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.50% of those under age 18 and 6.30% of those age 65 or over.

### 2010 census

[edit]

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 77,117 people, 30,204 households, and 19,284 families living in the county.[10] The population density was 109.1 inhabitants per square mile (42.1/km2). There were 34,773 housing units at an average density of 49.2 per square mile (19.0/km2).[11] The county's racial makeup was 96.3% white, 1.2% Asian, 0.5% black or African American, 0.3% American Indian, 0.4% from other races, and 1.4% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 1.4% of the population.[10] In terms of ancestry, 20.7% were English, 19.1% were Irish, 12.0% were German, 8.8% were French Canadian, 8.7% were Italian, 5.0% were Scottish, and 4.7% were American.[12]

Of the 30,204 households, 27.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.9% were married couples living together, 9.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 36.2% were non-families, and 26.2% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.40 and the average family size was 2.88. The median age was 40.7 years.[10]

The county's median household income was $53,828 and the median family income was $65,936. Males had a median income of $46,014 versus $35,864 for females. The county's per capita income was $27,045. About 6.0% of families and 10.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.5% of those under age 18 and 6.8% of those age 65 or over.[13]

Population density of Cheshire County by census block (2020)[14]

## Politics and government

[edit]

United States presidential election results for Cheshire County, New Hampshire[15] Year  | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies)

|
|
|

No. | % | No. | % | No. | %
2024 | 20,083  | 44.25%  | 24,579  | 54.15% | 727  | 1.60%
2020 | 17,898  | 40.34%  | 25,522  | 57.52% | 950  | 2.14%
2016 | 16,876  | 40.28%  | 22,064  | 52.66% | 2,955  | 7.05%
2012 | 15,156  | 36.64%  | 25,380  | 61.36% | 824  | 1.99%
2008 | 15,205  | 35.51%  | 26,971  | 62.98% | 647  | 1.51%
2004 | 16,463  | 39.82%  | 24,438  | 59.10% | 446  | 1.08%
2000 | 13,793  | 41.30%  | 17,382  | 52.05% | 2,220  | 6.65%
1996 | 10,252  | 34.52%  | 16,159  | 54.41% | 3,290  | 11.08%
1992 | 11,037  | 34.00%  | 15,037  | 46.33% | 6,383  | 19.67%
1988 | 15,002  | 54.53% | 12,339  | 44.85%  | 171  | 0.62%
1984 | 15,851  | 63.55% | 8,990  | 36.05%  | 100  | 0.40%
1980 | 13,242  | 52.00% | 7,835  | 30.77%  | 4,390  | 17.24%
1976 | 12,554  | 53.87% | 10,388  | 44.57%  | 363  | 1.56%
1972 | 13,390  | 58.98% | 9,157  | 40.33%  | 156  | 0.69%
1968 | 10,702  | 52.64% | 9,135  | 44.93%  | 495  | 2.43%
1964 | 5,958  | 30.42%  | 13,626  | 69.58% | 0  | 0.00%
1960 | 11,594  | 57.22% | 8,668  | 42.78%  | 0  | 0.00%
1956 | 12,585  | 69.26% | 5,574  | 30.68%  | 11  | 0.06%
1952 | 11,897  | 63.94% | 6,710  | 36.06%  | 0  | 0.00%
1948 | 9,043  | 58.32% | 6,337  | 40.87%  | 126  | 0.81%
1944 | 8,334  | 54.00% | 7,098  | 45.99%  | 2  | 0.01%
1940 | 8,302  | 54.55% | 6,916  | 45.45%  | 0  | 0.00%
1936 | 8,052  | 55.25% | 6,322  | 43.38%  | 200  | 1.37%
1932 | 7,904  | 57.73% | 5,662  | 41.35%  | 126  | 0.92%
1928 | 8,673  | 63.05% | 5,025  | 36.53%  | 58  | 0.42%
1924 | 7,008  | 69.00% | 2,720  | 26.78%  | 428  | 4.21%
1920 | 6,644  | 65.83% | 3,374  | 33.43%  | 74  | 0.73%
1916 | 3,337  | 53.44% | 2,779  | 44.51%  | 128  | 2.05%
1912 | 2,765  | 43.74% | 2,114  | 33.44%  | 1,442  | 22.81%
1908 | 4,160  | 64.74% | 1,917  | 29.83%  | 349  | 5.43%
1904 | 4,364  | 66.63% | 2,002  | 30.56%  | 184  | 2.81%
1900 | 4,435  | 66.73% | 2,120  | 31.90%  | 91  | 1.37%
1896 | 4,818  | 75.60% | 1,272  | 19.96%  | 283  | 4.44%
1892 | 4,024  | 56.34% | 2,994  | 41.92%  | 124  | 1.74%
1888 | 4,118  | 55.52% | 3,165  | 42.67%  | 134  | 1.81%
1884 | 3,888  | 54.34% | 2,981  | 41.66%  | 286  | 4.00%
1880 | 4,340  | 58.61% | 2,979  | 40.23%  | 86  | 1.16%
1876 | 4,162  | 58.19% | 2,984  | 41.72%  | 6  | 0.08%

### County Commission

[edit]

The executive power of Cheshire County's government is held by three county commissioners, each representing one of the three commissioner districts within the county.

District  | Commissioner  | Hometown  | Party

|
|
|

1  | John Wozmak (chair)  | Walpole | Democratic
2  | Terry Clark (Clerk)  | Keene | Democratic
3  | Robert Englund (Vice Chair)  | Stoddard | Democratic

In addition to the County Commission, there are five directly elected officials: they include County Attorney, Register of Deeds, County Sheriff, Register of Probate, and County Treasurer.[16]

Office  | Name

|

County Attorney  | Chris McLaughlin (D)
Register of Deeds  | Anna Tilton (D)
County Sheriff  | Eli Rivera (D)
Register of Probate  | Jeremy LaPlante (D)
County Treasurer  | Charles Weed (D)

[17]

### Legislative branch

[edit]

The legislative branch of Cheshire County is made up of all of the members of the New Hampshire House of Representatives from the county. In total, there are 22 members from 18 different districts. After the 2022 elections, the party distribution and representatives were as follows.

Affiliation  | Members  | Voting share

|
|

| Democratic Party | 16  | 72.7%
| Republican Party | 6  | 27.3%
Total  | 23  | 100%

## Communities

[edit]

### City

[edit]

* Keene (county seat)

### Towns

[edit]

* Alstead
* Chesterfield
* Dublin
* Fitzwilliam
* Gilsum
* Harrisville
* Hinsdale
* Jaffrey
* Marlborough
* Marlow
* Nelson
* Richmond
* Rindge
* Roxbury
* Stoddard
* Sullivan
* Surry
* Swanzey
* Troy
* Walpole
* Westmoreland
* Winchester

### Census-designated places

[edit]

* Hinsdale
* Jaffrey
* Marlborough
* North Walpole
* Troy
* Walpole
* West Swanzey
* Winchester

### Villages

[edit]

* Ashuelot
* Chesham
* Drewsville
* East Swanzey
* Jaffrey Center
* Munsonville
* Poocham
* Spofford
* West Chesterfield

## See also

[edit]

* National Register of Historic Places listings in Cheshire County, New Hampshire

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "Census - Geography Profile: Cheshire County, New Hampshire". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved November 21, 2021.
2. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 3, 2015. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
3. ^ "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Archived from the original on December 27, 2014. Retrieved December 27, 2014.
4. ^ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved December 27, 2014.
5. ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Archived from the original on August 11, 2012. Retrieved December 27, 2014.
6. ^ "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved December 27, 2014.
7. ^ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 27, 2010. Retrieved December 27, 2014.
8. ^ "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on August 5, 2011. Retrieved September 24, 2013.
9. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
10. ^ a b c "DP-1 Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 12, 2016.
11. ^ "Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - County". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 12, 2016.
12. ^ "DP02 SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS IN THE UNITED STATES – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 12, 2016.
13. ^ "DP03 SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 12, 2016.
14. ^ TIGER/Line Shapefile, 2020, State, New Hampshire, 2020 Census Block, U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, Spatial Data Collection and Products Branch (Point of Contact), retrieved May 22, 2025
15. ^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved April 11, 2018.
16. ^ "Departments".
17. ^ "General Election Winners - 11/03/2020" (PDF). New Hampshire Secretary of State's Office. November 11, 2020. Archived (PDF) from the original on May 25, 2021. Retrieved December 8, 2020.

## External links

[edit]

KML file (edit • help)

Template:Attached KML/Cheshire County, New Hampshire

KML is from Wikidata

* Official Cheshire County web site
* Cheshire information pages at the University of New Hampshire
* National Register of Historic Places listing for Cheshire County
* Keene Pumpkin Festival
* Map of fire stations in Cheshire County

Places adjacent to Cheshire County, New Hampshire

|  | Sullivan County |

|
|

|  |
Windham County, Vermont |

Cheshire County, New Hampshire

| Hillsborough County
|  |
Franklin County, Massachusetts |  | Worcester County, Massachusetts

* v
* t
* e

Municipalities and communities of Cheshire County, New Hampshire, United States

County seat: Keene

City|

* Keene

Map of New Hampshire highlighting Cheshire County

Towns|

* Alstead
* Chesterfield
* Dublin
* Fitzwilliam
* Gilsum
* Harrisville
* Hinsdale
* Jaffrey
* Marlborough
* Marlow
* Nelson
* Richmond
* Rindge
* Roxbury
* Stoddard
* Sullivan
* Surry
* Swanzey
* Troy
* Walpole
* Westmoreland
* Winchester

CDPs|

* Hinsdale
* Jaffrey
* Marlborough
* North Walpole
* Troy
* Walpole
* West Swanzey
* Winchester

Other villages|

* Ashuelot
* Chesham
* Drewsville
* East Swanzey
* Munsonville
* Poocham
* Spofford
* West Chesterfield

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42°55′N 72°15′W﻿ / ﻿42.92°N 72.25°W﻿ / 42.92; -72.25
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