Pew Analysis Ties 16% of New Hampshire Poverty to Housing Costs
The report found housing expenses account for 22% of child poverty in the state and points to zoning limits as a driver of costs.
By Boston Business Watch News Desk
· 1 min read
A new analysis from the Pew Charitable Trusts found that housing costs account for a large share of poverty in New Hampshire, NHPR reported on October 7, 2026.
About 7% of New Hampshire residents live in poverty, a low rate compared with the rest of the country, according to the report. But 16% of the state's overall poverty is attributable to high housing costs, and the figure rises to 22% for child poverty.
The analysis concluded that lowering barriers to new residential construction, including strict zoning rules, could reduce housing costs and poverty levels.
Jeremy Lamb, who works at the Cross Roads House shelter in Portsmouth, described an 83-year-old client who entered the shelter after being unable to keep paying rent, NHPR reported. The client spent down savings and retirement funds before arriving, he said.
In the same broadcast, NHPR reported a settlement in a class-action lawsuit alleging the state health department failed to deliver all required services under the Choices for Independence Medicaid home-care program. The agreement requires the state to monitor whether participants receive the care agencies deem necessary. Two informational webinars on the settlement are scheduled for November 2026.
This story was first reported by NHPR.
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