Financing NH's Cities and Towns: 2013 Update

Full Report (PDF)

Brief Description

Though signs of economic recovery continue to sprout up – increased rates of job creation in some sectors, greater stability in the real estate market, and modest upticks in tax collections – the recession still casts a lingering shadow over municipal governments in New Hampshire and the rest of the country. Among the biggest challenges facing cities and towns as they emerge from the downturn of the past five years are reductions in state aid to municipal budgets and continued high demand for public services.

This paper seeks to present the data behind municipal budgets, lay out the trends behind local spending, and link some of those changes to broader trends in state and federal assistance. The data contained covers 2011 and builds on our previous annual reports on local budgets, showing that the trends of the recent past have not changed much: The recession has reshaped some fundamental aspects of municipal finance in New Hampshire.

For even more detailed town-by-town information, see the datasets at: New Hampshire Town Historic Spending and Revenue; 2001, 2007, and 2011

and Financing New Hampshire's Cities and Towns: Dataset 2006-2011

Please let us know what you think of this year's report and maps, and email info@nhpolicy.org with any suggestions.

In addition, the interactive map below displays differences in basic municipal financing information, including a comparison to statewide averages for each city and town. (Click on a city or town for detailed info.)

2012 Property Tax Rates by Municipality

Map Colors show 2012 Property Tax Rates for each municipality in New Hampshire.

0 to $14 per $1,000 valuation | $14 to $20 per $1,000 valuation | $20 to $25 per $1,000 valuation | $25 to $40 per $1,000 valuation