Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Rockingham County, New Hampshire
Rockingham County has a HUD fair market rent of $2,093–$3,008 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,687 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $40.25–$57.85 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $2,093–$3,008
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- HUD sets it by area: from the lowest to the highest of the 4 areas in Rockingham County.
- Typical rent
- $1,687
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 13% more than in New Hampshire
- Wage needed
- $40.25–$57.85
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $83,720–$120,320 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 50%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 4% more than in New Hampshire
Only here
Renting in Rockingham County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Rockingham County has the highest typical rent of the 10 counties in New Hampshire: $1,687.
-
Rockingham County has the highest typical household income of the 10 counties in New Hampshire: $118,331.
-
Rockingham County has the highest typical rent in its area: $1,687, more than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Hillsborough County ($1,623).
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024).
Fair market rent
What HUD sets for each size
Every year HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) publishes a Fair Market Rent (FMR) for each home size in Rockingham County. It is used to work out how much a Section 8 voucher covers. The table shows what you need to earn to pay it without spending more than 30% of income.
The fair market rent covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone. HUD generally sets it at the 40th percentile: 4 in 10 standard-quality homes rented recently cost less. 24 CFR §888.113(a)
HUD splits this county into 4 areas with different fair market rents: for 2 bedrooms they run from $2,093 to $3,008. The table is for Lawrence, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area, the area where most people live; below you see every area with its towns. Includes basic utilities.
According to Zillow (ZORI), the typical asking rent in Rockingham County was $2,475 a month in September 2026: 2.7% more than 12 months ago. It is an index of market listings, not a HUD limit. Zillow data
| Size | Fair rent per month | Hourly wage | Income needed per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,677 | $32.25 | $67,080 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,809 | $34.79 | $72,360 |
| 2 bedrooms | $2,367 | $45.52 | $94,680 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,820 | $54.23 | $112,800 |
| 4 bedrooms | $3,111 | $59.83 | $124,440 |
HUD area: Lawrence, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027
Fair market rent by HUD area in Rockingham County
HUD splits this county into 4 areas, each with its own fair market rent. Find your town in its area's list; the housing agency tells you which one it uses for your voucher.
| HUD area | Studio | 1 bd | 2 bd | 3 bd | 4 bd | Hourly wage, 2 bd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lawrence, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area The area where most people live 13 towns in this areaAtkinson town, Chester town, Danville town, Derry town, Fremont town, Hampstead town, Kingston town, Newton town, Plaistow town, Raymond town, Salem town, Sandown town, Windham town | $1,677 | $1,809 | $2,367 | $2,820 | $3,111 | $45.52 |
Portsmouth-Rochester, NH HUD Metro FMR Area 16 towns in this areaBrentwood town, East Kingston town, Epping town, Exeter town, Greenland town, Hampton town, Hampton Falls town, Kensington town, New Castle town, Newfields town, Newington town, Newmarket town, North Hampton town, Portsmouth city, Rye town, Stratham town | $1,489 | $1,600 | $2,093 | $2,494 | $2,813 | $40.25 |
Western Rockingham County, NH HUD Metro FMR Area 6 towns in this areaAuburn town, Candia town, Deerfield town, Londonderry town, Northwood town, Nottingham town | $1,782 | $1,794 | $2,347 | $3,189 | $3,201 | $45.13 |
Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area 2 towns in this areaSeabrook town, South Hampton town | $2,440 | $2,518 | $3,008 | $3,584 | $3,953 | $57.85 |
HUD fair market rent by area and size, per month, Fiscal year 2027. The wage is what full-time work must pay to rent 2 bedrooms without spending more than 30% of income. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027 Source: Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site)
By ZIP code
The fair market rent for your ZIP code
HUD also publishes fair market rents by ZIP code (Small Area FMRs) for 58 ZIP codes in Rockingham County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $2,000 in 03261 to $3,550 in 03087.
Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses. 24 CFR §982.503(a)(1)
| 03032 | Western Rockingham County, NH | $2,100 | $2,120 | $2,770 | $3,760 | $3,780 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 03034 | Merrimack County, NH | $1,550 | $1,620 | $2,120 | $2,830 | $2,880 |
| 03034 | Western Rockingham County, NH | $1,550 | $1,620 | $2,120 | $2,830 | $2,880 |
| 03036 | Lawrence, MA-NH | $1,700 | $1,800 | $2,360 | $2,920 | $3,130 |
| 03037 | Merrimack County, NH | $1,690 | $1,700 | $2,230 | $3,030 | $3,040 |
| 03037 | Western Rockingham County, NH | $1,690 | $1,700 | $2,230 | $3,030 | $3,040 |
| 03038 | Lawrence, MA-NH | $1,520 | $1,610 | $2,110 | $2,770 | $2,780 |
| 03038 | Western Rockingham County, NH | $1,520 | $1,610 | $2,110 | $2,770 | $2,780 |
| 03042 | Lawrence, MA-NH | $1,770 | $1,900 | $2,490 | $2,970 | $3,350 |
| 03042 | Portsmouth-Rochester, NH | $1,770 | $1,900 | $2,490 | $2,970 | $3,350 |
| 03042 | Western Rockingham County, NH | $1,770 | $1,900 | $2,490 | $2,970 | $3,350 |
| 03044 | Lawrence, MA-NH | $2,230 | $2,410 | $3,150 | $3,750 | $4,140 |
| 03044 | Portsmouth-Rochester, NH | $2,230 | $2,410 | $3,150 | $3,750 | $4,140 |
| 03053 | Lawrence, MA-NH | $1,890 | $1,900 | $2,490 | $3,380 | $3,400 |
| 03053 | Western Rockingham County, NH | $1,890 | $1,900 | $2,490 | $3,380 | $3,400 |
| 03077 | Lawrence, MA-NH | $1,520 | $1,580 | $2,070 | $2,770 | $2,780 |
| 03077 | Western Rockingham County, NH | $1,520 | $1,580 | $2,070 | $2,770 | $2,780 |
| 03079 | Lawrence, MA-NH | $1,590 | $1,710 | $2,240 | $2,670 | $2,940 |
| 03079 | Nashua, NH | $1,590 | $1,710 | $2,240 | $2,670 | $2,940 |
| 03087 | Lawrence, MA-NH | $2,510 | $2,710 | $3,550 | $4,230 | $4,670 |
| 03087 | Western Rockingham County, NH | $2,510 | $2,710 | $3,550 | $4,230 | $4,670 |
| 03261 | Merrimack County, NH | $1,520 | $1,530 | $2,000 | $2,770 | $2,780 |
| 03261 | Portsmouth-Rochester, NH | $1,520 | $1,530 | $2,000 | $2,770 | $2,780 |
| 03261 | Western Rockingham County, NH | $1,520 | $1,530 | $2,000 | $2,770 | $2,780 |
| 03290 | Lawrence, MA-NH | $1,560 | $1,630 | $2,140 | $2,770 | $2,880 |
| 03290 | Portsmouth-Rochester, NH | $1,560 | $1,630 | $2,140 | $2,770 | $2,880 |
| 03290 | Western Rockingham County, NH | $1,560 | $1,630 | $2,140 | $2,770 | $2,880 |
| 03291 | Western Rockingham County, NH | $1,740 | $1,750 | $2,290 | $3,110 | $3,120 |
| 03801 | Portsmouth-Rochester, NH | $1,730 | $1,860 | $2,430 | $2,900 | $3,270 |
| 03811 | Lawrence, MA-NH | $1,410 | $1,560 | $2,050 | $2,450 | $2,710 |
| 03819 | Lawrence, MA-NH | $1,600 | $1,760 | $2,310 | $2,770 | $3,060 |
| 03826 | Lawrence, MA-NH | $1,410 | $1,560 | $2,050 | $2,450 | $2,710 |
| 03827 | Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH | $2,130 | $2,230 | $2,650 | $3,180 | $3,510 |
| 03827 | Lawrence, MA-NH | $2,130 | $2,230 | $2,650 | $3,180 | $3,510 |
| 03827 | Portsmouth-Rochester, NH | $2,130 | $2,230 | $2,650 | $3,180 | $3,510 |
| 03833 | Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH | $2,130 | $2,230 | $2,650 | $3,180 | $3,510 |
| 03833 | Lawrence, MA-NH | $2,130 | $2,230 | $2,650 | $3,180 | $3,510 |
| 03833 | Portsmouth-Rochester, NH | $2,130 | $2,230 | $2,650 | $3,180 | $3,510 |
| 03840 | Portsmouth-Rochester, NH | $1,960 | $2,110 | $2,760 | $3,290 | $3,710 |
| 03841 | Lawrence, MA-NH | $1,410 | $1,560 | $2,050 | $2,450 | $2,710 |
| 03842 | Portsmouth-Rochester, NH | $1,590 | $1,710 | $2,240 | $2,670 | $3,010 |
| 03844 | Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH | $2,130 | $2,230 | $2,650 | $3,180 | $3,510 |
| 03844 | Portsmouth-Rochester, NH | $2,130 | $2,230 | $2,650 | $3,180 | $3,510 |
| 03848 | Lawrence, MA-NH | $1,450 | $1,560 | $2,050 | $2,450 | $2,710 |
| 03848 | Portsmouth-Rochester, NH | $1,450 | $1,560 | $2,050 | $2,450 | $2,710 |
| 03854 | Portsmouth-Rochester, NH | $2,160 | $2,260 | $2,970 | $3,640 | $3,970 |
| 03856 | Portsmouth-Rochester, NH | $1,880 | $1,970 | $2,570 | $3,150 | $3,440 |
| 03857 | Portsmouth-Rochester, NH | $1,520 | $1,640 | $2,140 | $2,550 | $2,880 |
| 03858 | Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH | $2,130 | $2,230 | $2,650 | $3,180 | $3,510 |
| 03858 | Lawrence, MA-NH | $2,130 | $2,230 | $2,650 | $3,180 | $3,510 |
| 03862 | Portsmouth-Rochester, NH | $1,800 | $1,920 | $2,510 | $3,030 | $3,370 |
| 03865 | Lawrence, MA-NH | $1,570 | $1,700 | $2,220 | $2,650 | $2,920 |
| 03870 | Portsmouth-Rochester, NH | $1,570 | $1,690 | $2,210 | $2,630 | $2,970 |
| 03871 | Portsmouth-Rochester, NH | $1,570 | $1,690 | $2,210 | $2,630 | $2,970 |
| 03873 | Lawrence, MA-NH | $1,820 | $1,960 | $2,570 | $3,060 | $3,380 |
| 03874 | Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH | $2,130 | $2,230 | $2,650 | $3,180 | $3,510 |
| 03874 | Portsmouth-Rochester, NH | $2,130 | $2,230 | $2,650 | $3,180 | $3,510 |
| 03885 | Portsmouth-Rochester, NH | $2,110 | $2,270 | $2,970 | $3,540 | $3,990 |
- 03032 · Western Rockingham County, NH $2,770$3,760
- 03034 · Merrimack County, NH $2,120$2,830
- 03034 · Western Rockingham County, NH $2,120$2,830
- 03036 · Lawrence, MA-NH $2,360$2,920
- 03037 · Merrimack County, NH $2,230$3,030
- 03037 · Western Rockingham County, NH $2,230$3,030
- 03038 · Lawrence, MA-NH $2,110$2,770
- 03038 · Western Rockingham County, NH $2,110$2,770
- 03042 · Lawrence, MA-NH $2,490$2,970
- 03042 · Portsmouth-Rochester, NH $2,490$2,970
- 03042 · Western Rockingham County, NH $2,490$2,970
- 03044 · Lawrence, MA-NH $3,150$3,750
- 03044 · Portsmouth-Rochester, NH $3,150$3,750
- 03053 · Lawrence, MA-NH $2,490$3,380
- 03053 · Western Rockingham County, NH $2,490$3,380
- 03077 · Lawrence, MA-NH $2,070$2,770
- 03077 · Western Rockingham County, NH $2,070$2,770
- 03079 · Lawrence, MA-NH $2,240$2,670
- 03079 · Nashua, NH $2,240$2,670
- 03087 · Lawrence, MA-NH $3,550$4,230
- 03087 · Western Rockingham County, NH $3,550$4,230
- 03261 · Merrimack County, NH $2,000$2,770
- 03261 · Portsmouth-Rochester, NH $2,000$2,770
- 03261 · Western Rockingham County, NH $2,000$2,770
- 03290 · Lawrence, MA-NH $2,140$2,770
- 03290 · Portsmouth-Rochester, NH $2,140$2,770
- 03290 · Western Rockingham County, NH $2,140$2,770
- 03291 · Western Rockingham County, NH $2,290$3,110
- 03801 · Portsmouth-Rochester, NH $2,430$2,900
- 03811 · Lawrence, MA-NH $2,050$2,450
- 03819 · Lawrence, MA-NH $2,310$2,770
- 03826 · Lawrence, MA-NH $2,050$2,450
- 03827 · Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH $2,650$3,180
- 03827 · Lawrence, MA-NH $2,650$3,180
- 03827 · Portsmouth-Rochester, NH $2,650$3,180
- 03833 · Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH $2,650$3,180
- 03833 · Lawrence, MA-NH $2,650$3,180
- 03833 · Portsmouth-Rochester, NH $2,650$3,180
- 03840 · Portsmouth-Rochester, NH $2,760$3,290
- 03841 · Lawrence, MA-NH $2,050$2,450
- 03842 · Portsmouth-Rochester, NH $2,240$2,670
- 03844 · Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH $2,650$3,180
- 03844 · Portsmouth-Rochester, NH $2,650$3,180
- 03848 · Lawrence, MA-NH $2,050$2,450
- 03848 · Portsmouth-Rochester, NH $2,050$2,450
- 03854 · Portsmouth-Rochester, NH $2,970$3,640
- 03856 · Portsmouth-Rochester, NH $2,570$3,150
- 03857 · Portsmouth-Rochester, NH $2,140$2,550
- 03858 · Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH $2,650$3,180
- 03858 · Lawrence, MA-NH $2,650$3,180
- 03862 · Portsmouth-Rochester, NH $2,510$3,030
- 03865 · Lawrence, MA-NH $2,220$2,650
- 03870 · Portsmouth-Rochester, NH $2,210$2,630
- 03871 · Portsmouth-Rochester, NH $2,210$2,630
- 03873 · Lawrence, MA-NH $2,570$3,060
- 03874 · Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH $2,650$3,180
- 03874 · Portsmouth-Rochester, NH $2,650$3,180
- 03885 · Portsmouth-Rochester, NH $2,970$3,540
Source: Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site)
Rent burden
How many households spend too much
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Rockingham County, 50% of renter households are in that position; in New Hampshire, 48%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).
Paying too much rent leaves little for food, transportation and savings. If that is you, the agencies below can guide you for free.
50%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
27,495 households rent in Rockingham County
- Spend half or more of their income 23%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 27%
- Spend less than 30% 50%
Compared with the state and the country
- Rockingham 50%
- New Hampshire 48%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Rockingham County
HUD lists 64 properties with homes for low-income households in Rockingham County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 34
- HUD-assisted
- 26
- public housing
- 4
3,915 homes in all; 2,915 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Rockingham Village Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 24 Batchelder Rd, Seabrook 388 low-income homes · Studio: 45 · 1 bd: 138 · 2 bd: 177 · 3 bd: 28 · In service since 2018 · For families
- Margeson Apts Public housing 245 Middle St, Portsmouth 03801 237 low-income homes · Run by Portsmouth Housing Authority · Average payment: $459 a month · Average wait: 17 months · (603) 436-4310
- Gosling Meadows Public housing 2 Wedgewood Rd, Portsmouth 03801 184 homes, 182 low-income · Run by Portsmouth Housing Authority · Average payment: $617 a month · Average wait: 17 months · (603) 436-4310
- Fairways Tax credit (LIHTC) 1 Forest Ridge Rd, Derry 176 low-income homes · In service since 1994
- Telfer Circle Public housing 10 Telfer Cir, Salem 03079 158 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the Town of Salem · Average payment: $580 a month · Average wait: 42 months · (603) 893-6417
- Squamscott View Apts Public housing 227 Water St, Exeter 03833 107 low-income homes · Run by Exeter Housing Authority · Average payment: $660 a month · Average wait: 33 months · (603) 778-8110
- Sanborn Crossing Tax credit (LIHTC) 30 Sanborn Rd, Londonderry 102 low-income homes · 1 bd: 62 · 2 bd: 40 · In service since 2020 · For older adults
- Franklin Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 8 Laraway Ct, Derry 132 homes, 98 low-income · Studio: 2 · 1 bd: 17 · 2 bd: 113 · In service since 1997
- Wamesit Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 65 Holiday Dr, Portsmouth 100 homes, 93 low-income · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 50 · 3 bd: 30 · In service since 2011 · For families
- Nutfield Heights HUD-assisted 3 Hood Rd, Derry 03038 80 homes, 73 low-income · For older adults
- Wamesit Place HUD-assisted 175 Greenleaf Ave, Portsmouth 03801 100 homes, 70 low-income · For families
- Mariner's Village (osprey Landing, Inishmore) Tax credit (LIHTC) 40 Blue Heron Dr, Portsmouth 66 low-income homes · 1 bd: 9 · 2 bd: 30 · 3 bd: 24 · 4 bd: 3 · In service since 1995
- Keefe House HUD-assisted 20 Islington St, Portsmouth 03801 58 low-income homes · For older adults
- Wadleigh Falls/Newmarket Tax credit (LIHTC) 290 Wadleigh Falls Rd, Newmarket 57 low-income homes · In service since 2006 · For older adults
- Dearborn House HUD-assisted 7 Dearborn Ave, Hampton 03842 54 low-income homes · For older adults
- Derry Meadows HUD-assisted 13/14/15 Finch Ct, Derry 03038 51 homes, 50 low-income · For older adults
- Kingston Pines HUD-assisted 1 Kingston Pines Rd # A, Kingston 03848 50 low-income homes · For older adults
- Packer Meadows HUD-assisted 1 Packer Mdws, Newton 03858 45 low-income homes · For older adults
- Townhomes at Whittemore Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 401 Mammoth Rd, Londonderry 45 low-income homes · 2 bd: 33 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2015 · For families
- Rockingham Village Apartments HUD-assisted 116 Cimarron Dr, Seabrook 03874 358 homes, 39 low-income · (603) 814-1572
- One Meeting Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 1 Meeting Place Dr, Exeter 39 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 15 · In service since 2015 · For families
- Three Meeting Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 3 Meeting Place Dr, Exeter 43 homes, 38 low-income · Studio: 3 · 1 bd: 29 · 2 bd: 11 · In service since 2018 · For families
- Clough Farm Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 8 Braemoor Woods Rd, Salem 32 low-income homes · 1 bd: 9 · 2 bd: 23 · In service since 2013 · For families
- The Meadow at Northwood HUD-assisted 243 Bow St, Northwood 03261 31 low-income homes · For older adults
- Townhonmes at Whittemore II Tax credit (LIHTC) 404 Mammoth Rd, Londonderry 33 homes, 30 low-income · 1 bd: 25 · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 2018 · For families
- Atlantic Heights Tax credit (LIHTC) 40 Bedford Way, Portsmouth 30 low-income homes · 1 bd: 27 · 2 bd: 3 · In service since 1996
- The Meadows at Grapevine Run Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 27 Brown Rd, Hampton Falls 48 homes, 29 low-income · 1 bd: 48 · In service since 2019 · For older adults
- Ruths Place HUD-assisted 160 Court St, Portsmouth 03801 64 homes, 28 low-income · For families
- Pillsbury Square HUD-assisted 12 W Broadway, Derry 03038 28 low-income homes · For older adults
- Hampton Elderly Tax credit (LIHTC) 450 High St, Hampton 27 low-income homes · 1 bd: 27 · In service since 1995 · For older adults
- Newmarket House HUD-assisted 9 Granite St, Newmarket 03857 27 low-income homes · For older adults
- Settlers Ridge Tax credit (LIHTC) 25 Pope Rd, Atkinson 26 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 6 · In service since 2000
- Chandler Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 18 Chandler Ave, Plaistow 25 low-income homes · 1 bd: 23 · 2 bd: 2 · In service since 2017 · For older adults
- Betty's Dream Tax credit (LIHTC) 75 Longmeadow Ln, Portsmouth 24 low-income homes · In service since 2006 · For people with disabilities, families
- Bettys Dream HUD-assisted 75 Longmeadow Ln, Portsmouth 03801 24 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- Hampstead Village Green HUD-assisted 52 Village Green Rd, Hampstead 03841 24 low-income homes · For older adults
- Ledgewood Commons HUD-assisted 2 Ledgewood Ln, Raymond 03077 24 low-income homes · For older adults
- McAuley Commons HUD-assisted 37 Searles Rd, Windham 03087 24 low-income homes · For older adults
- Ross Colony Court II HUD-assisted 93 Winnacunnet Rd, Hampton 03842 24 low-income homes · For older adults
- Salem Senior Tax credit (LIHTC) 48 Telfer Cir, Salem 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 2007 · For older adults
- The Meadows at Grapvine Run, Phase I Tax credit (LIHTC) 27 Brown Rd, Hampton Falls 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · In service since 2017 · For older adults
- Abbott House HUD-assisted 10 W Broadway, Derry 03038 22 low-income homes · For older adults
- Deerfield Elderly Tax credit (LIHTC) 11 Old Center Rd, Deerfield 20 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 2003 · For older adults
- Portsmouth Cottage Tax credit (LIHTC) 5 Jenkins Ave, Portsmouth 20 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · In service since 2004 · For older adults
- Whispering Pines HUD-assisted 70 Pleasant St, Epping 03042 20 low-income homes · For older adults
- Whispering Pines II Tax credit (LIHTC) 70 Pleasant St, Epping 20 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 2001
- Squamscott Block Tax credit (LIHTC) 130 Water St, Exeter 30 homes, 16 low-income · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 10 · In service since 2007 · For families
- Chandler Place Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 18 Chandler Ave, Plaistow 14 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 2 · In service since 2019 · For families
- Great Bay Residential Facility II HUD-assisted 413 Lafayette Rd, Portsmouth 03801 13 homes, 12 low-income · For people with disabilities · (603) 431-1668
- Lafayette School Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Lafayette Rd, Portsmouth 10 low-income homes · 1 bd: 10 · In service since 2009 · For older adults
- Woodview Commons HUD-assisted 2 Freedom Dr, Salem 03079 8 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- Summer Street Tax credit (LIHTC) 5 Summer St, Exeter 8 homes, 6 low-income · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 1995
- 3 Meeting Place HUD-assisted 3 Meeting Place Dr, Exeter 03833 43 homes, 4 low-income · (207) 553-7777
- Woodbury Mills HUD-assisted 767 Islington St, Portsmouth 03801 41 homes, 4 low-income · (603) 516-0590
- One Meeting Place HUD-assisted 1 Meeting Place Dr, Exeter 03833 39 homes, 3 low-income · For families
- Four Meeting Place HUD-assisted 85 Epping Rd, Exeter 03833 32 homes, 3 low-income · For families
- 7 Cohas Terrace Tax credit (LIHTC) 7 Cohas Ter, Londonderry 2 low-income homes · In service since 1991
- Clough Farm Apartments HUD-assisted 8 Braemoor Woods Rd, Salem 03079 31 homes, 1 low-income · (603) 362-6565
- The Fairways Tax credit (LIHTC) 21 Fairway Dr, Derry 177 homes
- Inishmore Tax credit (LIHTC) 47 Blue Heron Dr, Portsmouth 66 homes
- Meeting Place at Exeter Tax credit (LIHTC) 4 Meeting Place Dr, Exeter 32 homes
- 6 Meeting Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 6 Meeting Place Dr, Exeter 26 homes
- Glenridge Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 14 Braemoor Woods Rd, Salem 26 homes
- White Birch Tax credit (LIHTC) 11 Airfield Dr, Rye 22 homes
Source: HUD, retrieved November 6, 2026. LIHTC database, updated May 14, 2025; Assisted multifamily properties, updated October 23, 2026; Public housing developments, updated October 23, 2026.
Section 8
The Section 8 voucher in Rockingham County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 5 agencies serve in Rockingham County. Here is what the rules say:
The rules, with their source
-
You apply at the public housing agency. If you qualify, your name usually goes on a waiting list. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or noncitizens with eligible status as HUD defines it. Source: HUD
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Generally, your family must have very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income, by family size (the middle column of the table). Source: 24 CFR §5.603, §982.201(b)
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Each year, at least 75% of the families an agency admits from its list must have extremely low income (the 30% column). Source: 24 CFR §982.201(b)(2)
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If the rent is below the payment standard, the family generally pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. If it is above, the family pays more. Source: 24 CFR §982.1(a)(3)
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When you move in, if the rent is above the payment standard, your share cannot go over 40% of your adjusted monthly income. Source: 24 CFR §982.508
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Each agency sets a payment standard for each size. Without asking HUD, it can go from 90% to 110% of the fair market rent. Source: 24 CFR §982.503(b), (c)
| People | Extremely low (30%) | Very low (50%) | Low |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $28,850 | $48,100 | $74,800 |
| 2 people | $33,000 | $54,950 | $85,450 |
| 3 people | $37,100 | $61,800 | $96,150 |
| 4 people | $41,200 | $68,650 | $106,800 |
| 5 people | $44,500 | $74,150 | $115,350 |
| 6 people | $47,800 | $79,650 | $123,900 |
| 7 people | $51,100 | $85,150 | $132,450 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $90,650 | $141,000 |
Area median income: $137,300. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Lawrence, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area. Where a single figure is needed, we use Lawrence, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area, the area where most people live. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Income limits by HUD area in Rockingham County
HUD splits this county into 4 areas, each with its own limits. These are for 4 people; find your town in its area's list. The agency tells you which one is yours.
| HUD area | Median income | Extremely low (30%) | Very low (50%) | Low (80%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Lawrence, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area The area where most people live 13 towns in this areaAtkinson town, Chester town, Danville town, Derry town, Fremont town, Hampstead town, Kingston town, Newton town, Plaistow town, Raymond town, Salem town, Sandown town, Windham town | $137,300 | $41,200 | $68,650 | $106,800 |
Portsmouth-Rochester, NH HUD Metro FMR Area 16 towns in this areaBrentwood town, East Kingston town, Epping town, Exeter town, Greenland town, Hampton town, Hampton Falls town, Kensington town, New Castle town, Newfields town, Newington town, Newmarket town, North Hampton town, Portsmouth city, Rye town, Stratham town | $140,900 | $42,250 | $70,450 | $106,800 |
Western Rockingham County, NH HUD Metro FMR Area 6 towns in this areaAuburn town, Candia town, Deerfield town, Londonderry town, Northwood town, Nottingham town | $154,100 | $46,250 | $77,050 | $106,800 |
Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area 2 towns in this areaSeabrook town, South Hampton town | $164,600 | $51,400 | $85,700 | $137,100 |
HUD income limits by area for 4 people, per year, Fiscal year 2026. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026 Source: Income Limits (HUD) Fiscal year 2026 Income Limits (HUD) (external site)
HUD sets fair market rents by area inside this county, so the 90% to 110% range depends on your area. Your agency publishes its payment standard.
Housing agencies that serve this place
- Portsmouth Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 492 vouchers · 419 public housing units (603) 436-4310 Portsmouth Housing Authority: CraigWelch@nh-pha.com
- Exeter Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 173 vouchers · 107 public housing units (603) 778-8110 Exeter Housing Authority: tony@exeterhousingauthority.org
- Housing Authority of the Town of Salem Public housing · 158 public housing units (603) 893-6417 Housing Authority of the Town of Salem: director@salemhousing.com
- Housing Authority of the Town of Newmarket Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 125 vouchers (603) 659-5444 Housing Authority of the Town of Newmarket: bhall@newmarketha.org
- Derry Housing & Redevelopment Authority Section 8 vouchers · 103 vouchers (603) 434-8717 Derry Housing & Redevelopment Authority: melody.dhra@gmail.com
Housing agencies in New Hampshire Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026
Your rights as a tenant in New Hampshire
What New Hampshire law says about deposits, notices and eviction, with the citation for each rule.
See your rights, rule by ruleCompare these rules with other states →
A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.
- How much can they charge for a deposit?
- Up to 1 month of rent
- N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. §540-A:6, I(a)
- When must they return my deposit?
- 30 days
- N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. §540-A:7, I
- If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?
- 7 days
- N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. §540:3, II; §540:2, II(a)
- How much notice ends a month-to-month rental?
- 30 days
- N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. §540:3, II
- Only a court order can remove youN.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. §540-A:3, II
- Protection from retaliationN.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. §540:13-a
Help
Where to get help with rent in Rockingham County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Rockingham County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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The Housing Partnership
222 International Dr Ste 165, Portsmouth
- Budget and financial counseling
- Pre-purchase counseling
- and 2 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Rockingham County. Change the rent, the deposit and the fees to yours: the numbers stay in your browser.
Count power on top of the rent: in New Hampshire, the average home bill was $145 a month in 2024 (EIA). See electricity and gas costs
Your move
We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.
Adjust advanced details
Let's do the math
Cash to move in
$4,734
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $2,367
- Security deposit
- $2,367
- Total
- $4,734
When you'll have it
Enter what you can set aside each month to see how long it takes.
What helps
- Ask for a receipt for every payment and keep a copy of the lease.
- On move-in day, walk through the home and take dated photos.
- Never send money for a home you haven't seen or a lease you haven't read.
This is a planning estimate, not a price. What you are asked for depends on the landlord, your lease and your state's and city's rules. It is not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fair market rent in Rockingham County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,489–$2,440; 1 bedroom: $1,600–$2,518; 2 bedrooms: $2,093–$3,008; 3 bedrooms: $2,494–$3,584; 4 bedrooms: $2,813–$3,953. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone. HUD sets it by area within this county: the figure runs from the lowest area to the highest.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Rockingham County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($2,093–$3,008) without spending more than 30% of income takes $40.25–$57.85 an hour full time, or $83,720–$120,320 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Rockingham County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $68,650–$85,700 a year (Fiscal year 2026). The family usually pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. You apply at the housing agency.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Rockingham County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $2,000 in 03261 to $3,550 in 03087. Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses.
How many low-income apartments are there in Rockingham County?
HUD lists 64 properties with homes for low-income households in Rockingham County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest. For tax-credit apartments and HUD-assisted buildings, you apply directly at the building's management office. They tell you whether units are open and how to apply; HUD does not have that information.
How many households spend too much on rent in Rockingham County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Rockingham County, 50% of renter households are in that position; in New Hampshire, 48%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).