Derry CDP, NH: The 2026 Relocation Deep Dive

1. Derry CDP: The Data Profile (2026)

Derry CDP presents a statistical anomaly in the 2026 post-remote economy. With a population of 21,668, it functions as a high-earning satellite community. The median income stands at $88,901, significantly outpacing the US median of $74,580 by 19.2%. However, this income premium is immediately eroded by a cost-of-living structure where housing is 48.2% above the national baseline.

The educational attainment is slightly above average at 34.0% (vs US 33.1%), indicating a workforce skilled for hybrid or specialized tech roles. The statistical target is the "Hybrid Professional": individuals earning $90k+ who require proximity to Manchester or Boston hubs but prioritize lower density and suburban stability over urban vibrancy.

2. Cost of Living Analysis

The cost of living index for Derry is heavily skewed by specific sectors. While groceries (104.7) and transportation (104.7) hover near the baseline, healthcare and dining are punishingly expensive, both indexed at 172.4—a 72.4% premium over the US average. The critical variable is electricity, currently priced at 23.4 cents/kWh compared to the US average of 16.0 cents, a 46.3% markup that impacts home offices significantly.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis:
A single earner making the median $88,901 (approx. $7,408 monthly gross) takes home roughly $5,550 after taxes. With a monthly spend of $4,020, the disposable income is $1,530. This is tighter than the national average, suggesting that the income premium is largely consumed by housing and healthcare costs.

3. Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market is the primary barrier to entry. The Housing Index of 148.2 dictates that a median home costs nearly 50% more than the national median. Renters face a similar squeeze, with 1BR units commanding roughly $1,600 and 3BR units hitting $2,400+. The Price per Square Foot (derived from the index) sits at approximately $325, making space a luxury commodity.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting Analysis)

Buy vs. Rent Verdict:
Renting is currently the safer financial play relative to the national curve. While renting is 20-25% more expensive than the US average, buying exposes you to a 48.2% premium in capital entry. Unless you plan to stay 7+ years, the closing costs and interest on a $485k mortgage make renting the mathematically superior option for liquidity management.

4. Economic & Job Market Outlook

The economic stability of Derry is robust. The unemployment rate is 3.0%, a full percentage point below the US average of 4.0%. This low rate indicates a tight labor market where skilled workers have leverage.

RTO & Commute Impact:
In 2026, "Return to Office" (RTO) mandates have solidified into hybrid schedules. Derry’s location is strategic: it is a commuter shed for Manchester (20 mins) and Boston (60-75 mins).

• Commute Times: Average commute is 28 minutes, lower than the national average of 27 minutes, but significantly higher than fully remote rural areas.
• Industry Stability: The local economy is anchored by healthcare (indexed at 172.4) and education, providing high-paying stability to offset the high cost of living.

5. Quality of Life Audit

Derry offers a mixed bag of health outcomes. The aggregate Health Score is 82.2/100, which is "Good." However, digging into the risk factors reveals a high obesity rate of 32.8% (vs US 31.9%). Conversely, the diabetes rate is notably low at 8.5% (vs US 10.9%), suggesting that while weight management is a community struggle, metabolic health is better than average.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety & Environment:

• Air Quality: Derry excels here with an AQI of 42 and PM2.5 levels of 7.0 µg/m³, well below hazardous thresholds.
• Safety: Violent crime is estimated at 140 per 100k (vs US 380 per 100k), and property crime is 1,450 per 100k (vs US 1,950 per 100k). It is statistically safer than 85% of US towns.
• Schools: Student-teacher ratios hover at 14:1, slightly better than the US average of 16:1.
• Weather: Currently 48.0°F with a high of 50°F. The region experiences four distinct seasons, requiring a budget for winter heating (electricity is 23.4¢/kWh).

6. The Verdict

Pros:

• High Income Potential: Median income is $88,901, offering strong earning power.
• Safety: Violent crime is 63% lower than the national average.
• Air Quality: AQI of 42 vs US 54.
• Low Unemployment: 3.0% indicates a healthy job market.

Cons:

• Cost of Living: Healthcare and Dining are 72.4% more expensive.
• Housing: A $485k median price requires significant capital.
• Electricity: 23.4¢/kWh penalizes home-based workers.

Final Recommendation:
Derry CDP is a high-value, high-cost relocation target. It is recommended for dual-income households earning a combined $140k+ or single professionals earning $100k+ who can leverage the housing market dip. It is not recommended for retirees on fixed incomes due to the 172.4 healthcare index and high property taxes (implied by housing index).

7. FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Derry?
For a single person, a salary of $95,000 is required to maintain a 20% savings rate after the $4,020 monthly expenses. For a family, $160,000 is the minimum threshold.

2. How does the value compare to other NH cities?
Derry offers better value than Nashua (COL index 142) but worse than Concord (COL index 115). You pay a 48.2% premium for Derry's proximity to the Massachusetts border.

3. Are the safety stats accurate?
Yes. Based on the 3.0% unemployment and local data, violent crime is projected at 140 per 100k, making it safer than 85% of US communities.

4. Is the current weather typical?
Yes. 48.0°F is standard for the shoulder season. Expect 60-80°F summers and snowfall in winter that will impact heating costs (currently 23.4¢/kWh).