Belknap County population grows more than 2% since 2020, outpacing state, nation

Population growth has brought both opportunities and challenges to Belknap County since 2020.

According to recent data from the Department of Business and Economic Affairs, Belknap County's population, at 65,021 as of July 2023, increased by 2.07% since April 2020. Statewide, New Hampshire saw a rise of 24,525 residents, or 1.78%, during the same period. Nationally, the population grew by just over 1%, with an increase of approximately 3.5 million people.

For Belknap County, the growth is attributed to an influx of retirees attracted by the region's natural beauty and recreational offerings, according to County Administrator Debra Shackett.

She pointed to the area's lakes, mountains and entertainment venues like BankNH Pavilion at Meadowbrook, the Colonial Theatre and the Lakeport Opera House as key factors drawing retirees to the region.

"We have a unique quality of life here in the Lakes Region that appeals to those looking for a peaceful and fulfilling retirement," Shackett said, adding the additional tax base is helpful in spreading the tax burden.

Justin Slattery, executive director of the Belknap Economic Development Council, echoed that sentiment.

"Our communities and lifestyle are big draws for people considering relocation to our area," Slattery said, highlighting that the region's appealing natural resources and economic opportunities contribute to a healthy environment, attracting new residents.

He added that other positives are housing development and broadband projects. “That’s helping drive economic development here,” said Slattery, specifically referring to Lake Estate on Winnisquam in Tilton and affordable housing in Laconia.

“I think they’re helpful to our workforce needs and supporting our business growth. We just need to continue moving forward,” he added.

However, this population increase also brings significant challenges, particularly in health care and recruitment.

Shackett expressed concern about the county's ability to meet the growing demand for health care services.

"Our aging population places added pressure on our health care system, especially with nursing home services," she said.

The county faces difficulties in maintaining adequate occupancy levels in the nursing home due to the shortage of workforce.

The health care challenges are compounded by issues in finding local primary care physicians.

Shackett noted many employees are struggling to access local medical care, and Concord Hospital-Laconia has been reducing the range of services it provides.

"This reduction in services is impacting our community's overall health and well-being," she added.

The county's nursing homes and corrections facilities are struggling to attract and retain staff, which further exacerbates the challenges in providing necessary services as the population grows in the county.

Two other New Hampshire counties that have long drawn vacationers are neighboring Grafton and Carroll counties. Grafton, with a population of 93,982, grew by 2.27%, adding 2,066 people; and Carroll, with a population of 51,083 straddling the Lakes Region and Mount Washington Valley, rose 1,108 for a population increase of 2.22%.

According to Frank Roche, president of Roche Realty with offices in Meredith and Laconia, there is a trend of people moving to more rural areas.

“We saw the expansion during COVID — people were seeking more rural areas, and they found it here, and really like it here,” said Roche, adding many people were working remotely during COVID, but now are going back into the office.

Roche said there’s been a lot of development, especially in Laconia, similar to the 1980s, when there was a boom in the Lakes Region.

He cited Governors Crossing, The Gardens at Weirs, a condo project on White Oaks Road and development on Weirs Boulevard, among others.

“All this growth is happening because more and more people are discovering the Lakes Region,” said Roche. “Take a look at the new restaurants in the Lakes Region. That’s another indicator. It seems like Wolfeboro has gone through a rebirth with new stores and restaurants, that’s a good sign. People have faith in the area. People believe it’s a good place to raise a family.”

Roche noted Belknap County is in a second-home market. Specifically in Laconia, 25% to 28% of housing stock consists of second homes, according to Roche, and in Carroll County's Moultonborough, it’s 60%.

Roche worries about Laconia becoming too built up.

“Is it a good thing for the aesthetics of the area? I think it’s a little too much. We live in an area where we are blessed to have so many lakes. Obviously, the biggest granddaddy being Lake Winnipesaukee. What I’m concerned about is because New Hampshire is an attractive state, I would hate to see our area be overrun. We’re in an area where we want to protect the beauty, natural resources that we live in. It’s hard to go back,” he said.