Peterborough, NH demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,539
8.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$85,833/yr
4.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,613
2.1% year-over-year change

Peterborough population

How many people live in Peterborough

Peterborough is home to 2,539 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47% of Peterborough locals are male, and 53% are female.

Total population
2,539
8.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47%
1,192
Female
53%
1,347
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,192 47% 14.6%
Female 1,347 53% 3.4%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Peterborough is 56, with the population distributed as follows: about 7.9% are children under 15, then 6.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 19.2% of the population, while another 31.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 35.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
55.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
7.9%
15 to 24
6.4%
25 to 44
19.2%
45 to 64
31.4%
Over 65
35.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 201 7.9% 34.0%
15 to 24 163 6.4% 79.1%
25 to 44 488 19.2% -6.3%
45 to 64 796 31.4% 9.5%
Over 65 891 35.1% 4.3%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Peterborough, 92.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 6.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 0.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
92.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
6.3%
Non-citizens
1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 2,354 92.7% 6.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 159 6.3% 28.2%
Non-citizens 26 1% 116.7%
Racial breakdown
White
92.8%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
1.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
0.7%
Other
5.2%
Value Percent
White 2,356 92.8%
Asian 35 1.4%
Two or more races 17 0.7%
Other 131 5.2%

Households in Peterborough

A peek inside Peterborough households

Peterborough has 1,394 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 45.3% are families, while the remaining 54.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,394
6.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
762
Family households
632
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 762 54.7% 5.8%
Family households 632 45.3% 7.3%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Peterborough

The housing landscape of Peterborough

Peterborough's housing consists of 1,613 units, with 47.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 7.8% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
1,613
2.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 759 47.1%
1 unit, attached 125 7.8%
2 units 215 13.3%
3 or 4 units 136 8.4%
5 to 9 units 197 12.2%
10 to 19 units 28 1.7%
20 to 49 units 96 6%
50 or more units 57 3.5%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Peterborough

In Peterborough, the median construction year is 1954. About 42.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 687 42.6% 4.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 52 3.2% 44.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 167 10.4% 0.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 202 12.5% -21.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 182 11.3% 18.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 74 4.6% -37.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 95 5.9% 25.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 88 5.5% 35.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 66 4.1% 34.7%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Peterborough occupancy rates

Out of the 1,394 occupied housing units in Peterborough, 56.7% are owner-occupied, while 43.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 13.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,394
6.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
603
Owner occupied
791
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 603 43.3% 4.9%
Owner occupied 791 56.7% 7.8%
Unoccupied housing units
13.6%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Peterborough housing costs

Housing costs in Peterborough come to a median of $1,578 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,515.

Median housing costs per month
$1,578/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Peterborough
$1,515/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Peterborough

Peterborough education at a glance

About 19% of the population in Peterborough went to high school, while 17% pursued college studies. Another 6.8% earned an associate degree and 28% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 28.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 11 0.5% -31.2%
High school diploma 432 19% 3.4%
College diploma 388 17% 4.0%
Associate degree 154 6.8% -13.0%
Bachelor's degree 637 28% -4.8%
Graduate degree 654 28.7% 29.2%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Peterborough

How much people earn in Peterborough

The average annual household income in Peterborough was $123,675 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +6.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $85,833, reflecting a +4.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Peterborough
$123,675/year
6.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Peterborough
$85,833/year
4.9% year-over-year change

Peterborough income by age

In Peterborough, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $86,875. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $155,160 overall. Overall, 96.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $86,875 20.4%
45 - 64 $155,160 3.0%
Over 65 $68,967 10.9%
Above poverty level
2,370
Below poverty level
78
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 2,370 96.8% 14.8%
Below poverty level 78 3.2% -57.4%

Average renter income in Peterborough

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Peterborough, their median household income was $91,768 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 19.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$91,768
Rent-to-income ratio
19.8%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Peterborough

Workforce and job types in Peterborough

The job market in Peterborough is powered by 1,587 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 81.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 18.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 17.2% run their own businesses, 48.6% are employed by private companies, and 15.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,587
16.5% year-over-year change
White collar
1,295
Blue collar
292
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,295 81.6% 10.3%
Blue collar 292 18.4% 55.3%
Employer type
Self employees
17.2%
Private companies
48.6%
Governmental workers
15.7%
Not for profit companies
18.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 273 17.2% 7.1%
Private companies 771 48.6% 46.3%
Governmental workers 249 15.7% -15.0%
Not for profit companies 294 18.5% 2.4%

Transportation in Peterborough

How people get around in Peterborough

Commuting methods vary: 80% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.3% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,256 80% 15.1%
Walk 36 2.3% 12.5%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

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FAQs about Peterborough demographics 

What is the total population of Peterborough?

Peterborough has a total population of 2,539 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +8.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Peterborough?

The gender ratio in Peterborough is as follows:
  • 47% males (1,192 residents)
  • 53% females (1,347 residents)

What is the median age in Peterborough?

The median age in Peterborough is 55.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Peterborough?

The age distribution in Peterborough is as follows:
  • Under 15: 7.9% (201 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 6.4% (163 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 19.2% (488 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 31.4% (796 residents)
  • Over 65: 35.1% (891 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Peterborough?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Peterborough is as follows:
  • White: 92.8% (2,356 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 1.4% (35 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 0.7% (17 residents)
  • Other: 5.2% (131 residents)

What percentage of the population in Peterborough are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 92.7% of the population in Peterborough.

How many housing units are there in Peterborough?

There are 1,613 housing units in Peterborough, reflecting a +2.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Peterborough and what is the average household size?

Peterborough has a total of 1,394 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Peterborough?

Peterborough has a median household income of $85,833, representing a +4.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Peterborough?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 81.6% (1,295 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 18.4% (292 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 17.2% (273 residents)
  • Private companies: 48.6% (771 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15.7% (249 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 18.5% (294 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025