Cheshire County, New Hampshire
According to Countryaah, Cheshire County is located in the southwestern corner of New Hampshire, nestled among the rolling hills of the Monadnock Region. It is bordered on the north by Sullivan County, on the east by Hillsborough County, on the south by Massachusetts and Vermont, and on the west by Vermont. The county seat is Keene.
The county has a total area of 910 square miles and a population of 77,117 as of 2019. The terrain is mostly hilly with some flat areas near rivers and streams. The highest point in Cheshire County is Pack Monadnock at 2290 feet above sea level.
The county has a variety of natural resources including forests, lakes and rivers that are popular for outdoor activities such as fishing, camping, hiking and boating. There are also many state parks located within Cheshire County including Monadnock State Park which offers spectacular views from its summit as well as numerous trails for all levels of hikers.
Cheshire County boasts an array of cultural attractions such as art galleries, museums, historical sites and performing arts centers that provide plenty to do for visitors and locals alike. Shopping opportunities abound throughout the county with antique stores dotting every town from Walpole to Marlborough to Fitzwilliam.
The major cities in Cheshire County are Keene (the largest city), Claremont (second largest), Jaffrey (third largest) and Swanzey (fourth largest). Other towns include Alstead, Walpole, Marlborough, Fitzwilliam and Nelson. Each town provides its own unique atmosphere with quaint shops and restaurants along with plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy year-round.
Cheshire County is a great place to live or visit due to its abundance of natural beauty combined with its diverse cultural attractions – making it an ideal destination for anyone looking for a great getaway.
Demographics of Cheshire County, New Hampshire
Cheshire County, New Hampshire is a diverse area with a population of 77,117 according to 2019 estimates. The county has a median age of 40.2 years and its population is spread out with 22% under the age of 18, 11% from 18 to 24, 29% from 25 to 44, 27% from 45 to 64 and 11% who are 65 years of age or older.
In terms of racial and ethnic makeup, 87.6% of Cheshire County residents are White Non-Hispanic, 4.2% are Black or African American Non-Hispanic, 1.4% are Asian Non-Hispanic, 0.3% are Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander Non-Hispanic and 6.5% identify as two or more races Non-Hispanic. In terms of language spoken at home the most common language other than English is Spanish at 8%.
The median household income in Cheshire County is $59,912 with 14.1 percent living below the poverty line including 21 % of those under the age 18 and 7 % of those 65 years old and over. The county has a homeownership rate of 74%.
In terms of educational attainment 74 percent have completed high school or higher while 19 percent have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher. The unemployment rate in Cheshire County is 2.7%.
Overall, Cheshire County is an ethnically diverse area with a range of incomes that provides plenty for everyone to enjoy.
Places of Interest in Cheshire County, New Hampshire
Cheshire County, New Hampshire is full of attractions for visitors and locals alike. The county is home to a variety of outdoor activities, historical sites, and cultural attractions.
Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the Monadnock Region – a collection of mountains, state parks and trails offering plenty of opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing and more. There are also plenty of ski resorts in the area including Crotched Mountain Ski & Ride Area and Pats Peak Ski Area.
History buffs will be delighted by the many museums in Cheshire County such as the Cheshire Historical Society Museum or the American Precision Museum which chronicles the history of precision manufacturing in America. There are also several historic sites including the Chesterfield Meeting House – America’s first meeting house built in 1772 – or the Peterborough Town House which dates back to 1766.
For those looking for a taste of culture, there’s plenty to see and do in Cheshire County as well. The area is home to several performing arts venues such as Keene’s Colonial Theatre or Claremont Opera House where you can catch a show. There are also art galleries like the Monadnock Art Gallery or Earth Arts Gallery where you can admire local artwork.
No matter what your interests may be, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Cheshire County.
Notable People of Cheshire County, New Hampshire
Cheshire County, New Hampshire is home to a number of notable people from different backgrounds and disciplines. From politicians to athletes, entrepreneurs to entertainers, Cheshire County has produced some of the most influential people in history.
One of the most influential politicians from Cheshire County is Senator Jeanne Shaheen who was the first woman in U.S. history to be elected both governor and senator. Shaheen was born in St. Charles, Missouri but raised in Madbury, New Hampshire and attended Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania before going on to serve as governor of New Hampshire and then senator for over a decade.
The county has also been home to several athletes including Olympic ice skater Michelle Kwan who won 5 World Championship titles as well as 9 U.S National titles during her career. Kwan was born in Torrance, California but moved with her family to West Chesterfield when she was young and began training at the nearby Ice Castle International Training Center.
Cheshire County is also home to several entrepreneurs such as Steve Jobs – co-founder of Apple Inc – who lived in Merrimack while attending high school at Phillips Exeter Academy before founding one of the world’s leading tech companies with Steve Wozniak.
The area has also produced several entertainers such as actor Adam Sandler who grew up in Manchester and attended Manchester Central High School before going on to star in many successful films including The Waterboy and The Wedding Singer which he wrote himself.
All these notable people have made their mark on Cheshire County, New Hampshire making it an important part of American history.