Living in Somersworth is worth it! According to the City of Somersworth, Somersworth formed when a small village separated from Dover. Members of the village formed their own parish, began collecting taxes, and built a meeting house. They named the village "Summersworth" by combining two Anglo-Saxon words: "Sumer," meaning "summer," and "worth," meaning "manor" or "town."
Summersworth was incorporated as a town in 1754 and as a city in 1893. When the community was incorporated as a town, the clerk who drafted the town charter spelled the name "Somersworth," and the name stuck. Somersworth became a milling town and a hub for manufacturing cloth, shoes, and textiles. The mills closed during the 20th century.
Somersworth today is now a nice place to live, with a revitalizing downtown area, a welcoming population, and great amenities. Somersworth is well known today for its industrial history and scenic views of the Salmon Falls River.
You can enjoy everything living in Somersworth has to offer. But before you start moving to Somersworth NH, you should learn more about this special New Hampshire city, including Somersworth NH jobs and Somersworth weather. Here's what you should know about living in Somersworth.
Where Is Somersworth NH?
Somersworth is in Strafford County, New Hampshire. The area Somersworth is in has a mixture of well-developed communities and large green areas. Somersworth has a large shoreline along the Salmon Falls River, which borders the community. Willand Pond also borders Somersworth at its southern tip. Somersworth is located along the Maine-New Hampshire border, and it directly borders the communities of Rochester, Dover, Rollinsford, and Berwick. The city is in the Boston metropolitan area and the Greater Boston area, and it is 71.2 miles from Somersworth to Boston. Somersworth is also in the Seacoast Region, which includes communities like Exeter.
The city itself has a well-developed downtown area, a few residential and commercial pockets, and large, undeveloped green areas. COAST Bus provides rapid transit bus services, with Route 1 running through Somersworth and connecting it to Berwick and Dover. State Routes 9, 108, and 236 run through the community, connecting it to surrounding communities and making moving to Somersworth NH easy.
Somersworth NH Population and Demographics
According to the US Census, the Somersworth NH population in 2020 was 11,855, up by 0.8% since 2010. Somersworth is the smallest of the three incorporated cities in Strafford County, though it's larger than all unincorporated communities and all but one town in the county. Somersworth is also one of the smallest incorporated cities in New Hampshire by population, and it's the smallest by land area. The Somersworth NH population density is 1,210 people living in Somersworth per square mile, over three times higher than the county density.
Notable people living in Somersworth include Fred H. Brown, Stuart Chase, and John Wentworth, Jr. Notable Somersworth demographics include:
- 50.0% female, 50.0% male
- Median age of residents living in Somersworth: 38.2
- Racial and ethnic composition of people living in Somersworth: 83.8% White (82.6% non-Hispanic), 9.3% two or more races, 5.8% Hispanic or Latino, 2.9% Asian, 2.6% Black or African American
- Median household income of residents living in Somersworth: $79,677 (roughly 16.7% lower than the state median income)
- Educational attainment of individuals living in Somersworth: 94.9% of residents older than 25 have graduated from high school, 28.7% have a bachelor's degree
- Foreign-born population of residents living in Somersworth: 5.8%
Somersworth is popular among young people. Nearly half of the Somersworth population is between the ages of 10 and 39. 52.5% of the population is single, with 28.2% having never been married. 23.8% of households are comprised of non-family people, with unmarried people living together, usually renting the property. 9.9% of residents living in Somersworth are veterans, with over 300 veterans from the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Here are the latest Somersworth crime rates from 2024, with data from the FBI provided by Beautify Data:
- Total crime rate: 2,713.94 offenses per 100,000 people living in Somersworth (6.4% lower than the Manchester crime rate, 164.0% higher than the New Hampshire rate, 28.1% higher than the national average)
- Violent crime rate: 179.30 crimes per 100,000 individuals living in Somersworth (63.0% higher than the New Hampshire rate, 50.1% lower than the national average)
- Property crime rate: 2,534.64 offenses per 100,000 residents living in Somersworth (176.1% higher than the New Hampshire rate, 44.0% higher than the national average)
Somersworth may seem to have high crime rates, but few crimes actually happen in Somersworth. In 2024, only 22 violent crimes occurred, none of which were homicides. 311 property crimes occurred in 2024, 293 of which were larcenies-thefts, not break-ins. Very few people living in Somersworth experience crime while living in Somersworth, and you can follow basic security measures like locking your doors at night to prevent crimes. Most larcenies are of less than $1,000 and involve shoplifting and offenses in businesses, not homes.
The Somersworth Police Department employs 36 sworn police officers who respond to all emergencies in the community.
Cost of Living in Somersworth
Somersworth cost of living statistics can be hard to research due to its small size. You can use Boston and Strafford County cost of living statistics to estimate the cost of living in Somersworth. The Boston cost of living index is 150.8, meaning items in the area cost 50.8% more than the national average.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four living in Strafford County would need to earn $122,960 a year to cover their cost of living. Living in Somersworth can be expensive, regardless of your lifestyle and who you're moving to Somersworth NH with. A single person living in Somersworth by themselves needs to earn $55,366 to cover their expenses.
Somersworth New Hampshire real estate can be pricey or affordable depending on what exactly you're looking for. According to Redfin, the median cost of Somersworth homes for sale is $410,000, with an average cost per square foot of $266. The median cost is 4.3% lower than the national median. According to RentCafe, the average rent in Somersworth is $1,642 a month.
Typical Somersworth* Living Expenses
- 1 pound of white rice: $2.76
- 1 pound of chicken fillets: $6.19
- 1 pound of apples: $2.65
- 1 one-way COAST Bus ticket: $1.50
- 1 gallon of gasoline: $3.33
- Average Somersworth* utilities per month: $202.75
Source: Numbeo
*Typical expenses actually for Boston
Somersworth Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Somersworth
Somersworth does not have any official neighborhoods, or an official downtown area. You can find homes for sale scattered around the community, and you have options for a few different home styles. You can purchase a modest two-bedroom manufactured home with 1,000 square feet for less than $200,000. You can also buy a sprawling multi-family property with six bedrooms, nearly 4,000 square feet, and vinyl siding for $750,000.
128 homes for sale in Somersworth were sold in 2025, most of which were single-family homes. You can find manufactured homes in HOAs, but your options for traditional townhomes or condos may be limited.
You have options for apartments, with several major complexes in Somersworth. The Thomas Apartments offers one- and two-bedroom smoke-free and pet-free apartments between 784 and 1,131 square feet starting at $1,880 a month. Residents at the Thomas Apartments have access to an outdoor pool, a playground, and a business center. Tara Meadows offers studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments between 392 and 915 square feet, making it ideal for singles and couples moving to Somersworth NH without children. The complex has picnic areas, athletic courts, and bike racks, so outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy living in Tara Meadows.
Somersworth Weather and Climate
Somersworth has a humid continental climate, with warm, clear summers and snowy, freezing winters. According to Weather Spark, July is the hottest month of Somersworth weather, with an average temperature of 71 degrees and an average high of 81. Temperatures remain warm between early June and mid-September, before undergoing a steady decline through the autumn. January is the coldest month of Somersworth weather, with an average temperature of 24 degrees and an average low of 18. Average lows remain below freezing between late November and late March.
Somersworth receives an average of 36.3 inches of rainfall and 49.8 inches of snowfall. Somersworth can experience blizzards and severe snowstorms at any point during the winter. According to Seacoast Online, a blizzard in 2021 dropped over 10 inches of snow in Somersworth and the surrounding area. Even storms that drop less than six inches of snow can cause difficult traffic conditions. You can use WMUR and other local stations to follow weather developments and prepare for storms.
August is the best month to visit and start moving to Somersworth NH. August has an average temperature of 69 degrees, warm enough that you can wear a short-sleeved shirt without a jacket and stay comfortable. You can visit outdoor attractions and enjoy physical and outdoor activities like hiking and swimming at many locations.
Things to Do in Somersworth
You can enjoy unique and family-friendly things to do in Somersworth, including top outdoor destinations and great and affordable stores. Market Basket is the top grocery store in Somersworth. You can also go shopping at Walmart Supercenter, Target, and The Home Depot.
The Oaks is a championship 18-hole golf course with bent grass greens, water features, and bunkers. The course can be challenging for beginners, but all players are welcome. You can sign up for group golf clinics, and golfers living in Somersworth between the ages of 6 and 12 can sign up for summer camps.
100 Hide-Away Place, Somersworth, NH, 03878, 603-692-6257
The Hilltop Fun Center is the largest amusement center in the Seacoast area. It's home to four go-kart tracks, a mini-golf course, a laser tag arena, and nine batting cages. Adults can visit and enjoy alcoholic beverages at an on-site bar.
165 NH-108, Somersworth, NH, 03878, 603-742-8068
Willand Pond Park is home to Willand Pond, a 66-acre pond open to fishing and small-boat boating without motors. The park is also home to a rope course, fitness stations, and a picnic area with benches and scenic views overlooking the pond.
475 High Street, Somersworth, NH, 03878
Additional Things to Do in Somersworth
The Somersworth Parks and Recreation Department protects parks and outdoor spaces in Somersworth and plans recreational events for all residents living in Somersworth. You can use the Somersworth events calendar to find out upcoming events in Somersworth after moving to Somersworth.
Somersworth Restaurants
The Seacoast area is well known for its fresh seafood, served at both casual and fine dining restaurants. You can enjoy delicious seafood and other specialties at a range of restaurants in Somersworth New Hampshire, including kid-friendly and romantic eateries.
Anatolia Mediterranean Restaurant is a casual Mediterranean restaurant serving dishes from all over the Mediterranean area, including shish kebab, flatbreads, and salads. Most menu items at Anatolia cost less than $20, and you can order combination platters of appetizers or entrees with salad for less than $15.
2 Main Street, Somersworth, NH, 03878, 603-841-5372
Kelley's Row is an Irish bar and grill well known for its fish and chips, prime rib, and hamburgers. It's the best restaurant in Somersworth for live musical performances and date nights, and it hosts special events on Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, and Easter.
417 NH-108, Somersworth, NH, 03878, 603-692-2200
Fold'd Community Diner is the best Somersworth restaurant for breakfast, serving crepes, omelettes, pancakes, and French toast all day. You can also order sandwiches, burgers, and soup for lunch. Fold'd is a part of the SOS Recovery organization, providing job opportunities to people in recovery and formerly incarcerated people.
69 High Street, Somersworth, NH, 03878, 603-405-0027
Somersworth NH Jobs
According to DataUSA, 6,912 people had jobs in Somersworth NH in 2023. Manufacturing, health care, and retail trade are the three biggest sectors for Somersworth NH jobs, with each sector accounting for at least 10% of jobs in Somersworth NH and having median earnings of over $50,000 a year. 13.6% of Somersworth NH jobs are sales occupations, while 12.9% are management occupations with median earnings of roughly $105,000 a year.
According to Payscale, the average base salary in Somersworth NH is $67,000 a year, while the hourly rate is $21.35 per hour. Major employers in Somersworth include Walmart Supercenter, Target, and Market Basket. You can use Indeed to find and research jobs in Somersworth NH, and you can apply for City of Somersworth jobs on the city government's website.
Somersworth Schools
The Somersworth School District serves all students living in Somersworth. The Somersworth School District contains five schools, including two elementary schools:
Somersworth High School is home to nearly 30 extracurricular and athletic teams, including a marching band and a knitting club. The Somersworth Career Technical Center offers specialized programs in automotive technology, the culinary arts, and medical assistance.
You have a few options for private schools in Somersworth. Seton Academy is a private and independent Catholic K-12 school that also runs a Montessori preschool. Students complete a classical education and learn about rhetoric, logic, and the Catholic tradition with experienced teachers. Strafford Learning Center is a private school for students with special needs, providing occupational, speech, and physical therapy to PK-12 students.
Somersworth is not near any colleges; the closest major college is the University of New Hampshire, roughly 10 miles south of Somersworth. The Somersworth Public Library serves all residents living in Somersworth.
Somersworth New Hampshire Statistics and Information
- County: Strafford County
- Somersworth area: 10.00 square miles
- Somersworth New Hampshire zip code: 03878
- Somersworth NH area code: 603
- Somersworth elevation: 204 feet
- Somersworth time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC -4/-5)
- Closest airport to Somersworth: Portsmouth International Airport (PSM), 14.7 miles from Somersworth
FAQ
Is Somersworth a Good Place to Live?
Yes, Somersworth is a great place to live! Families with young children can enjoy the kid-friendly attractions and restaurants, while young professionals can enjoy the affordable homes for sale and prosperous job opportunities.
Is Somersworth, NH a City or Town?
Somersworth is an incorporated city in New Hampshire, not a town. It has its own municipal government that supplies services like snow removal and trash disposal for its residents. Somersworth is the smallest city in New Hampshire by land area, and it has a small-town feel reminiscent of towns elsewhere in New Hampshire.
What City Is Near Somersworth NH?
The closest city to Somersworth is Dover, which is 4.7 miles from Somersworth. The closest major city is Concord, which is 40.1 miles from Somersworth.
Somersworth NH Map
You can use this map of Somersworth NH, to find the best things to do, amenities, and restaurants in Somersworth New Hampshire!
Start Living in Somersworth Now
Living in Somersworth can be so much fun! You can enjoy great family-friendly attractions and restaurants, as well as low crime rates and affordable apartments and homes for sale.
Now that you know about living in Somersworth, you can start moving to Somersworth NH today. Preferred Movers has the top Somersworth movers, performing over 900 relocations every year. Call 603-379-2272 for a free quote now.
