Keene, NH: 2026 Relocation Deep Dive Report

1. Keene: The Data Profile (2026)

Keene presents a distinct statistical profile within the 2026 post-remote landscape. The city supports a population of 22,923, positioning it as a "smaller city" demographic. The economic baseline is robust: the median income stands at $78,183, which is +4.8% higher than the US median of $74,580. This economic stability is underpinned by a highly educated workforce, with 43.4% of residents holding a college degree, significantly outpacing the national average of 33.1%.

Target Demographic: The statistical target is the "Remote-Optimized Professional." This demographic leverages a salary that outperforms the national median while residing in a location where the Cost of Living Index for Housing is exactly 100.0 (0.0% deviation from the US average). The high education rate (43.4%) suggests a community of knowledge workers, likely in tech, healthcare, or education, who prioritize the stability of a smaller community over the density of a major metro.

2. Cost of Living Analysis

While Keene's aggregate indices align with national averages, granular utility costs create a distinct budgetary variance. The primary financial pressure point is electricity, which sits at 23.4 cents/kWh, a 46.3% premium over the US average of 16.0 cents/kWh.

Table 1: Monthly Cost of Living Breakdown (Estimated Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis:
With a median household income of $78,183 (approx. $6,515 monthly gross), a single earner in Keene retains approximately $4,000 monthly after taxes and a single-person budget of $2,515. This represents a disposable income ratio of roughly 61%, which is highly favorable. However, families must budget for the utility premium, costing an additional $40-$60 monthly compared to the national average.

3. Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market in Keene is unique; it is perfectly average on a national index scale but potentially volatile locally. With a median home price of $325,000 and a median rent (1BR) of $1,150, the price-to-rent ratio suggests that buying is a viable long-term investment, though the market lacks the inventory of larger metros.

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

Buy vs. Rent Analysis:
Relative to the national curve, Keene offers a slight discount on both entry-level home purchases (-4.4%) and rental rates (-4.2% to -7.1%). For the remote worker with a median income of $78,183, buying is statistically advantageous. The median home price of $325,000 is roughly 4.1x the median annual income, a ratio that is generally considered affordable, unlike the 6x+ ratios found in major coastal metros.

4. Economic & Job Market Outlook

In 2026, Keene's economy is defined by stability rather than explosive growth. The unemployment rate is 3.0%, which is 25% lower than the US average of 4.0%. This indicates a tight labor market where skilled workers are in high demand.

RTO & Commute Impact:
For the post-remote workforce, Keene offers a distinct advantage: the "super-commute" is nonexistent. The average commute time is under 20 minutes. With 43.4% of the population college-educated, the local economy is shifting toward hybrid-friendly sectors—primarily healthcare (Cheshire Medical Center) and education (Keene State College). The low unemployment rate (3.0%) suggests that while local job openings may be limited in number, the competition for them is low.

5. Quality of Life Audit

Keene scores exceptionally well on health metrics, driven by low prevalence of chronic disease and smoking. The environmental data, however, requires attention regarding air quality management.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics (Health, Air Quality, Safety)

Safety & Environment:

• Violent Crime: 120 per 100k (National Average: 380 per 100k). Keene is 68% safer than the US average.
• Property Crime: 1,450 per 100k (National Average: 1,950 per 100k).
• Air Quality: The AQI of 45 and PM2.5 of 7.5 µg/m³ are both below national averages, though winter inversions can temporarily spike these numbers.
• Schools: The local school district performs at the 78th percentile in math/reading proficiency, a strong draw for families.
• Weather: Currently 45.0°F with a high of 47°F and low of 34°F. Expect seasonal variability, with winter averages dropping to the 20s°F.

6. The Verdict

Pros:

• Income vs. Cost: Median income ($78,183) exceeds the US average while housing costs match it, creating a +4.8% net wealth advantage.
• Safety & Health: Violent crime is 68% lower than the national average; diabetes and smoking rates are significantly lower.
• Labor Market: Unemployment at 3.0% guarantees high employability for skilled workers.

Cons:

• Utility Costs: Electricity at 23.4 cents/kWh is a recurring financial drain.
• Climate: Current temps of 45°F signal a long winter; heating costs will offset some utility savings.
• Inventory: The housing market, while affordable, operates on low inventory (Median Home Price $325,000).

Final Recommendation:
Keene is a high-value relocation target for 2026. It is statistically ideal for remote workers earning the median income or higher who seek safety and health metrics above the national baseline. The "perfect storm" of lower-than-average unemployment (3.0%) and average housing costs (100.0 Index) makes it a financially sound choice, provided you budget for the 46.3% electricity premium.

7. FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Keene?
For a single person, a salary of $60,000 provides a comfortable surplus after the monthly budget of $2,515. For a family, $95,000 is recommended to maintain a similar savings rate.

2. How does Keene's value compare to other cities?
Keene is 4.4% cheaper for home buying than the US average. While it lacks the appreciation potential of a booming metro, it offers significantly lower risk and a higher quality-of-life index of 83.5/100.

3. Are the safety statistics reliable?
Yes. The violent crime rate of 120 per 100k is statistically very low. Property crime exists at a rate of 1,450 per 100k, but this is still 25% lower than the national average.

4. What is the best timing for a move?
The current weather of 45°F suggests late Spring or early Fall are optimal to avoid heating costs and snow. However, moving in Winter (November–February) often yields lower rental rates on the $1,150 1BR median.