Manchester
cityManchester, 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
- Classification
- City
- Country
- United States
- County
- Hillsborough
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Livingston Park · Lake Massabesic · Rock Rimmon Park
- Parks & Trails
- City parks · Various trails
- 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




