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Manchester

city

Manchester, New Hampshire, is the state's most populous city, situated on the Merrimack River in Hillsborough County. As of 2024, the city has an estimated population of 116,386. Manchester serves as a major economic and cultural hub for southern New Hampshire, blending urban and suburban characteristics. Manchester's economy is diverse, with key sectors including healthcare, manufacturing, retail, technology, and financial services. Major employers include Elliot Hospital, Catholic Medical Center, Southern New Hampshire University, and Eversource Energy. The city has a rich industrial history, particularly in textiles, and is now evolving with growth in biofabrication and other high-tech industries. Manchester's distinctive character is shaped by its industrial heritage, reflected in repurposed mill buildings and a growing arts and culture scene. The city offers a mix of urban amenities and access to outdoor recreation, contributing to its quality of life. Its historical significance is tied to the Amoskeag Manufacturing Company, once the world's largest textile producer, and its ongoing evolution as a center for business and innovation.

Manchester, New Hampshire

Overview
Classification
City
Country
United States
County
Hillsborough
Geography
Region
South-central New Hampshire
Elevation
210 ft
Total Area
34.9 sq mi
Land Area
33.1 sq mi
Water Area
1.9 sq mi
Latitude
42.99083
Longitude
-71.46361
Climate
Manchester has a four-season humid continental climate with long, cold, snowy winters and warm, somewhat humid summers.
Notable Features
Merrimack River · Piscataquog River · Cohas Brook · Massabesic Lake
Neighboring Areas
Goffstown · Bedford · Londonderry · Hooksett
Demographics
Population (2020)
115,644
Est. Population (2026)
116,823
Median Age
38
Median Income
$81,007
Poverty Rate
11.15%
Family Households
54.1%
Owner-Occupied
48.7%
Racial & Ethnic Composition
The racial composition of Manchester includes 74.47% White, 4.8% Black or African American, 4.37% Other Race, 4.14% Asian, and smaller percentages for Native American, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander and multiracial populations.
Governance
Government Type
Mayor-Council
Governing Body
Board of Mayor and Aldermen
Body Size
12 members
School District
Manchester School District
Municipal Services
Police · Fire · Public Works · Parks & Recreation
Economy
Unemployment Rate
3.2%
Economic Profile
Multi-industry city · Financial center of northern New England
Employment Sectors
Healthcare · Manufacturing · Retail Trade · Technology · Financial Services
Major Employers
Elliot Hospital · Catholic Medical Center · Southern New Hampshire University · Eversource · Freudenberg NOK · VA Medical Center
Education
Schools
26
Students
12,700
Teachers
2,000
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
School Districts
Manchester School District
Colleges & Universities
Southern New Hampshire University · University of New Hampshire at Manchester · Saint Anselm College · Manchester Community College
Infrastructure
Transportation
Interstate access · Manchester-Boston Regional Airport · Public transit
Utilities
Municipal water · Fiber/broadband
Major Facilities
Elliot Hospital · Catholic Medical Center · Manchester-Boston Regional Airport · SNHU Arena
Recreation
Outdoor Access
Yes
Major Recreation Areas
Livingston Park · Lake Massabesic · Rock Rimmon Park
Parks & Trails
City parks · Various trails
History
Founded
1751
Incorporated
1846
Named After
Manchester, England
Historical Significance
Manchester transformed from a small settlement into a major industrial center, particularly known for its textile production. It played a significant role in the Industrial Revolution in New England and is now evolving into a hub for technology and innovation.
Key Events
Settled as Derryfield in 1722 · Renamed Manchester in 1810 · Amoskeag Manufacturing Company became world's largest textile producer · City faced economic decline in the mid-20th century · Revitalization of the Millyard in the 21st century