Strafford County, NH Property Tax: $6,582/yr (2026)
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The effective property tax rate in Strafford County is 1.98% of assessed home value. On a home at the county median value of $332,400, that works out to about $6,582 per year, or $549 per month. Strafford County is located in eastern New Hampshire, and is home to approximately 131,743 residents.
About Strafford County
Strafford County covers approximately 367.5 square miles in New Hampshire. The county is home to about 131,743 residents living in roughly 56,162 housing units, of which 61.6% are owner-occupied. The median household income is $86,564, and the median home was built in 1978.
Strafford County borders York County, Belknap County, Carroll County, Merrimack County, Rockingham County — useful comparisons if you're considering nearby areas with potentially different tax rates.
How Property Taxes Work in New Hampshire
Property taxes in New Hampshire are administered at the county level. Each county sets a millage rate applied to the assessed value of real property — the effective rate above accounts for any partial assessments and exemptions already built into the local tax base. Assessed value can differ meaningfully from current market value depending on how often the county reassesses and what fraction of market value it uses.
Most counties in New Hampshire offer exemptions that reduce the taxable assessed value: homestead exemptions for primary residences, senior exemptions, disability exemptions, and veteran exemptions are common. These reduce your effective rate below the county-wide average shown here. Contact the Strafford County Assessor's office to learn which exemptions apply to your property and when to file.
Strafford County vs. Neighboring Counties
| Location | Eff. Rate | Median Home | Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strafford County, NH | 1.98% | $332,400 | $6,582 |
| New Hampshire state average | 1.85% | — | $6,149* |
| York County | 1.03% | $357,200 | $3,691 |
| Belknap County | 1.44% | $340,000 | $4,897 |
| Carroll County | 1.06% | $348,900 | $3,685 |
| Merrimack County | 2.00% | $330,600 | $6,617 |
| Rockingham County | 1.63% | $461,400 | $7,512 |
| US national average | 1.10% | $281,900 | $3,101 |
*State average annual tax computed at Strafford County's median home value of $332,400. Source: US Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Strafford County's property tax rate compare to the rest of New Hampshire?
At 1.98%, Strafford County is higher than the New Hampshire state average of 1.85%. On a home at the county median of $332,400, that means about $6,582 per year — versus $6,149 at the state average rate, a difference of $433 per year. Compared to the national average of 1.10%, Strafford County is above average.
What's a typical annual property tax bill in Strafford County?
For a home at the county median value of $332,400, the annual property tax in Strafford County is approximately $6,582 — or about $549 per month. For a home worth $498,600, expect around $9,872 per year. For a $664,800 home, approximately $13,163 per year. Use the calculator above to estimate taxes for any assessed value.
Where do I appeal a Strafford County property tax assessment?
Property assessment appeals in Strafford County are handled by the Strafford County Assessor's office. Most jurisdictions require filing within 30–90 days of receiving your assessment notice — confirm the specific deadline with the assessor's office before submitting, as deadlines and procedures vary by county. A successful appeal can reduce your assessed value and lower your tax bill for the current and future tax years.
What exemptions are available in Strafford County?
New Hampshire counties commonly offer homestead exemptions for owner-occupied primary residences, senior citizen exemptions for qualifying homeowners aged 65 and older, exemptions for disabled residents, and veterans' exemptions. Each exemption reduces your assessed taxable value, which in turn reduces your effective tax rate below the county-wide 1.98% shown here. Contact the Strafford County Assessor's office to confirm which exemptions are available and the application deadlines.
Data sources: US Census Bureau ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates, US Census Gazetteer (2024), County Adjacency File