Is Somersworth Safe, Pros and cons of living in Somersworth
Somersworth, New Hampshire, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and access to larger metropolitan amenities. Nestled along the Salmon Falls River, this Seacoast region community provides a picturesque New England setting. It’s a place where residents can enjoy a quieter pace of life while still being within commuting distance of major employment centers.
The city balances historic appeal with modern conveniences, making it an attractive option for those seeking a well-rounded lifestyle. Its location offers proximity to both the natural beauty of the New Hampshire countryside and the cultural hubs of nearby cities. This combination of factors contributes to Somersworth’s appeal as a place to live, work, and raise a family.
Is it Safe to Live in Somersworth?
Somersworth’s overall crime rate is higher than the national average, with crime rates being 28% higher than the national average (according to AreaVibes). The city experiences a daily average of 0.91 incidents, which includes 0.06 violent crimes and 0.85 property crimes (according to AreaVibes). This places Somersworth as safer than only 34% of U.S. cities (according to AreaVibes).
However, the perception of safety can vary by neighborhood. Residents often consider the southeast part of the city to be the safest (according to CrimeGrade.org). Your chance of being a victim of crime can range from 1 in 23 in the south neighborhoods to 1 in 52 in the southeast (according to CrimeGrade.org). While the overall crime rate is a concern, localized safety can differ significantly within the city.
Housing and Cost of Living
Housing Costs
The housing market in Somersworth presents a mixed picture for potential buyers and renters. The median home value in Somersworth is approximately $439,895, showing a 2.8% increase over the past year (according to Zillow). Other sources indicate a median home value of $318,400 (according to Niche) and a median listing price of $475,000 (according to realtor.com®).
Rental prices in Somersworth are also notable. The average rent for an apartment is around $1,767 per month, reflecting a slight decrease of 1.13% from the previous year (according to RentCafe). However, other reports suggest the average rent is $1,949 per month, which is 19% higher than the national average (according to Apartments.com). This indicates a competitive rental market where prices can fluctuate.
Cost of Living
The overall cost of living in Somersworth is higher than both the national and state averages. Somersworth’s cost of living is 11% higher than the U.S. national average and 17% higher than the New Hampshire state average (according to Salary.com). This is driven primarily by elevated housing costs, transportation expenses, and food prices.
When considering monthly expenses, single individuals might expect to spend around $2,899 per month, while families of four could face costs of approximately $6,384 per month (according to Salary.com). These figures underscore the need for a robust income to comfortably manage living expenses in Somersworth.
Job Market and Economy
Major Employers
Somersworth’s economy is supported by a diverse range of industries and employers. Key sectors employing residents include manufacturing, healthcare and social assistance, and retail trade (according to Data USA). These industries provide a substantial number of job opportunities within the city.
While specific major employers are not detailed in the provided data, the presence of these sectors suggests a stable employment base. The continued growth in employment, noted at 1.04% from 2023 to 2024, indicates a healthy and expanding job market (according to Data USA).
Unemployment and Salaries
The unemployment rate in Somersworth is currently 2.8% (according to Point2Homes). This rate is lower than the long-term average of 4.10% for the area (according to YCharts), suggesting a stable job market. The most recent data shows the unemployment rate at 2.90% as of February 2026 (according to YCharts).
Salaries in Somersworth vary, with the median household income reported at $74,504 (according to Point2Homes). Other sources indicate a median household income of $82,642 (according to Livability.com) and an average individual income of $56,461 (according to World Population Review). The median wage for a team member is $40.2K per year (according to ZipRecruiter).
Climate and Environment
Temperatures
Somersworth experiences a four-season climate with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. The average daily high temperatures in the summer can reach up to 81°F in July, while winter temperatures typically range from a high of 33°F to a low of 18°F in January (according to NOAA and World Population Review).
The temperature typically varies between 17°F and 81°F throughout the year, rarely falling below 2°F or exceeding 89°F (according to World Population Review). The warmest period lasts from June to September, with average daily highs above 71°F, and the coldest period spans from December to March, with average daily highs below 42°F (according to World Population Review).
Rainfall and Precipitation
The city receives an average annual precipitation of 45 inches, with snowfall averaging 55 inches (according to Livability.com). Rainfall is distributed throughout the year, with October being the wettest month, averaging 4.1 inches (according to World Population Review). January sees the least amount of rain, with an average of 1.5 inches (according to World Population Review).
During the winter months, the chance of a wet day remains constant at approximately 26% (according to NOAA). The chance of rain alone decreases from 18% to 12%, while the chance of snow alone increases from 4% to 8% throughout the season (according to NOAA).
Education and Demographics
School Ratings
The Somersworth School District serves the city’s educational needs, but performance data indicates areas for improvement. The district is ranked within the bottom 50% of all school districts in New Hampshire based on combined math and reading proficiency testing (according to Public School Review). Somersworth High School is ranked 73rd out of 86 high schools in the state, and Somersworth Middle School is ranked 103rd out of 132 middle schools (according to SchoolDigger.com).
Proficiency rates in math and reading are significantly lower than state averages. For instance, the math proficiency rate at Somersworth High School was 17% for the 2024-2025 school year, compared to the state average of 42% (according to SchoolDigger.com). The district’s graduation rate is 82%, showing an increase over the past five years (according to Public School Review).
Demographics
Somersworth is home to approximately 12,111 residents, with a median age of 38.4 years (according to Point2Homes). The population is predominantly White, making up about 83% of residents, with smaller percentages of Black or African American, Asian, and multiracial populations (according to Census Reporter and World Population Review).
Citizenship is high, with 97.8% of residents being U.S. citizens (according to Data USA). The population is also growing slightly, with a current annual growth rate of 0.59% (according to World Population Review).
Pros and Cons of Living in Somersworth
Pros
Somersworth offers a tranquil New England setting with a strong sense of community. Its proximity to major routes and cities like Portsmouth and Boston provides convenient access to a broader range of amenities and employment opportunities. The city also boasts a stable job market with a low unemployment rate, making it an attractive place for professionals.
The housing market, while competitive, offers a range of options. The cost of living, though higher than the national average, is balanced by the city’s appeal as a place to settle down. The natural surroundings and recreational spaces add to the quality of life for residents.
Cons
The cost of living in Somersworth is notably higher than the national average, particularly due to housing expenses. Crime rates, while varying by neighborhood, are generally higher than the national average, which may be a concern for some. Furthermore, the public school system’s performance indicators suggest that educational outcomes may not meet the standards found in other areas.
While job opportunities exist, the average salaries may require careful budgeting when considering the higher cost of living. The climate, with its cold and snowy winters, might also be a drawback for those who prefer warmer weather year-round.