Is Suncook Safe, Pros and cons of living in Suncook

Suncook, New Hampshire, offers a glimpse into classic New England charm, nestled along the Suncook River. This community, part of both Pembroke and Allenstown, presents a unique blend of historical industrial roots and evolving suburban life. Its development was historically tied to the Suncook River’s power, with 19th-century factory buildings now repurposed for modern uses.

The area boasts a population of approximately 5,432 residents as of the latest Census data, with a median age around 38 years old. Suncook is characterized by its predominantly White population, with smaller percentages identifying as Hispanic, Asian, Black, or Multiracial. This demographic makeup has seen some shifts towards increased diversity in recent years. The community’s housing stock ranges from small apartments to single-family homes, with a majority of residences being owner-occupied.

Is it Safe to Live in Suncook?

Suncook generally presents a safe environment for its residents, with crime rates reported as slightly lower than the average U.S. city. The overall crime rate is approximately 19.67 per 1,000 residents, a figure that is lower than both the state and national averages (as reported by CrimeGrade). Residents often consider the eastern parts of Suncook to be the safest, with varying chances of being a victim of crime depending on the specific neighborhood. The cost of crime in Suncook is estimated to be around $254 per resident annually, which is also lower than the statewide average (as reported by CrimeGrade).

While Suncook is considered safe, like any community, it experiences certain types of crime. Property crimes, including burglaries and vehicle thefts, are noted as concerns in some areas. Vandalism and mischief also occasionally occur, particularly in public spaces. Community vigilance and reporting suspicious activity to local authorities are encouraged to maintain safety (as reported by DoorProfit).

Housing and Cost of Living

The cost of living in Suncook is generally below the national average, encompassing expenses for goods and services, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and utilities (as reported by AreaVibes). Housing costs, in particular, are a significant factor, with a median home price around $368,077 (as reported by AreaVibes). This median home price is lower than the New Hampshire average, making it a more affordable option within the state (as reported by AreaVibes).

Rental prices in Suncook are also noteworthy. The median gross rent is approximately $1,091 per month (as reported by Point2Homes), and the average rental price is around $2,086 per month (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The median monthly rent is 12% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). The rent-to-income ratio in the area is around 33.5%, indicating that a substantial portion of renters’ earnings goes toward housing expenses (as reported by Point2Homes).

Job Market and Economy

The average salary in Suncook is approximately $45,157 annually, or about $21.71 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). The median household income in Suncook was reported as $79,836 (as reported by Point2Homes), with an average individual income of $43,605 (as reported by Data Commons). Major employment sectors in Suncook include management occupations, education and library occupations, and sales and related occupations (as reported by Data Commons).

New Hampshire’s unemployment rate was at 3.1% in March 2026 (as reported by USAFacts). While specific unemployment figures for Suncook are not readily available, the state’s rate is lower than the U.S. average. Major employers in New Hampshire include C&S Wholesale Grocers, Dartmouth-Hitchcock, and various universities and healthcare systems (as reported by Zippia, NH.gov). These larger state employers indicate a diverse job market that may extend opportunities to Suncook residents.

Climate and Environment

Suncook experiences a climate with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Temperatures throughout the year typically range from a low of 12°F to a high of 83°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The average annual precipitation is about 45 inches, with snowfall averaging around 63 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

The warmest months in Suncook are generally July and August, with average high temperatures in the low 80s Fahrenheit. Winters are cold, with January being the coldest month, experiencing average low temperatures around 15°F and highs near 32°F (as reported by WeatherSpark). The area sees significant seasonal variation in rainfall, with October typically being the wettest month and January the driest.

Education and Schools

Suncook is served by several school districts, including the Pembroke School District and the Hooksett School District. Specific school ratings for Suncook are available through platforms like Niche, which provides reviews and data on local schools. For instance, David R. Cawley Middle School has a rating of 4.25 out of 5 (as reported by Niche).

The overall quality of education in New Hampshire is highly regarded, with many districts receiving strong ratings. For example, the Hanover School District was ranked the best in New Hampshire by Niche in 2024 (as reported by Patch). While Suncook’s specific districts may vary in their rankings, the state’s commitment to education is evident in its performance metrics and available school resources.

Demographics and Community

Suncook has a population of approximately 5,432 residents, with a median age of 37.9 years (as reported by Point2Homes). The racial makeup is predominantly White (around 85.5%), with Hispanic (7.2%), Multiracial (3.6%), Black (2.7%), and Asian (0.9%) populations also present (as reported by Census Dots). The community is largely comprised of U.S. citizens, with a small percentage of foreign-born residents (as reported by Data USA).

The median household income in Suncook is around $79,836, showing a positive year-over-year change (as reported by Point2Homes). Households led by residents aged 45 to 64 report the highest median income, while younger households and those led by individuals over 65 have lower median incomes. Overall, a significant majority of Suncook’s residents live above the poverty line (as reported by Point2Homes).