NH economist lowers forecast for 2026
A key New Hampshire economist has trimmed down to 2.2% his forecast for the growth in the state's economy this for 2026, citing lackluster consumer confidence and the uncertainty of the U.S. war against Iran.
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For the first time in many months, average rents in Manchester fell in May, dropping 0.7 percent from April, according to a report from the website Apartment List.
But for New Hampshire as a whole, rents remain on the rise, climbing an average of 4.4 percent from April, according to the report.
Year-over-year rent growth in Manchester now stands at 1.1 percent, a far cry from the 16 percent jump recorded last Maye Nevertheless, since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020, rents in the city have surged 39.5 percent.
That 39.5 percent three-year increase in rents is the eight-largest among U.S. cities, according to another recent report released by the moving company matching service Moving Feedback.
According to Apartment List, the median rent in Manchester in May was $1,334 for a one-bedroom apartment and $1,780 for a two-bedroom apartment.
Nationally, Apartment List rents have risen 1.9 percent for the year.
A key New Hampshire economist has trimmed down to 2.2% his forecast for the growth in the state's economy this for 2026, citing lackluster consumer confidence and the uncertainty of the U.S. war against Iran.
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) earlier this month released its latest Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account data, reaffirming outdoor recreation as a major driver of New Hampshire’s economy and a significant contributor nationwide.
The NH Executive Council paused the approval of $773 million in federal spending contracts for the “GO NORTH” rural health program Wednesday, March 4, putting the brakes on a major initiative of Gov. Kelly Ayotte after councilors said the contracts were rushed and needed more scrutiny.
Employer health benefits costs are rising faster than inflation and wage growth, putting continued pressure on employer-sponsored plans. According to KFF’s 2025 Employer Health Benefits Survey, per-employee benefit costs increased 6% in 2025, with another 6.5% increase projected for 2026.
Christopher Ellms Jr. received a 4-1 vote from the executive council on Wednesday, March 4, to become the next chair of the state’s Public Utilities Commission.
The Jaffrey Zoning Board approved a request on March 3 allowing grading and earthwork within wetland setbacks on Prescott Road as part of MilliporeSigma’s plan to improve wastewater treatment capacity at its facility.
New Hampshire Media Teachers and Media Power Youth (MPY) have announced a strategic partnership for the 2026 NH High School Short Film Festival (NHHSSFF). This collaboration introduces a new category designed to celebrate the students, educators and community members who help New Hampshire’s schools and neighborhoods thrive.
New U.S. Census Bureau data offer a detailed look at how New Hampshire residents have fared during and following the COVID-19 pandemic. This data, covering the five years of 2020-24, provides insight into long-term trends in income and poverty across different regions and demographic groups.
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