What is the property tax rate in Grafton County?

The combined effective property tax rate in Grafton County, New Hampshire is approximately 1.55%.

Grafton County Property Tax Calculator (2026) — New Hampshire Property Tax Almanac

Property Tax in Grafton County, 2026

A calculator and field guide for Lebanon-area homeowners — and for anyone considering a move to Grafton County — including New Hampshire's 100% assessment ratio (full market value statewide), the celebrated "NH advantage" (no state income tax + no state sales tax — property tax does virtually all state-and-local revenue work), the 4-component total mill rate (municipal + county + local school + Statewide Education Property Tax / SWEPT $1.030/$1,000 for 2026, RSA 76:3/76:8), the dramatic town-by-town variation (New Castle ~$5.73/$1,000 to "doom loop" rural towns >$35/$1,000), the town-option Elderly Exemption (RSA 72:39-a/b, age-tier AV reductions), and town-variable Veteran Tax Credits (RSA 72:28 + RSA 72:35 — DIRECT tax credits, not AV reductions, $700-$5,000 range for 100% disabled). New Hampshire effective rates are top 5 highest in the US (~1.93% statewide median).

Grafton County is part of New Hampshire's distinctive 4-component property tax system. NH has NO state income tax + NO state sales tax — property tax does virtually all state-and-local revenue work. The total mill rate sums 4 components: municipal + county + local school + Statewide Education Property Tax (SWEPT, $1.030/$1,000 for 2026). Real property is assessed at 100% of FMV. Grafton's representative effective rate is ~1.55%. NH ranks top 5 US for effective rate (~1.93% statewide median).

How the bill is built

Each town's assessor determines FMV on a 5-year reassessment cycle (RSA 75:8-a). NH assesses at 100% of FMV. Tax = FMV × total mill rate / 1,000. Grafton's representative total mill rate is ~16 mills (~1.55% effective). NH bills issue in 2 halves: first bill (~July) is estimated at half of prior-year tax; second bill (~December) "trues up" at the final rate set by the DRA. Most towns due July 1 + December 1.

Mill rate variation across NH is dramatic. Range from ~$5.73/$1,000 (New Castle) to ~$38/$1,000 (Berlin, Claremont) — a 6-7x spread. Affluent seacoast and lakefront towns with substantial seasonal/commercial tax base keep mill rates low; post-industrial and rural towns with declining commercial base have the highest. For relocation buyers, mill rate matters far more than home value.

NH veteran credits are town-variable. NH provides DIRECT TAX CREDITS (subtracted from the bill), not AV reductions. Standard Veterans' Credit (RSA 72:28) $50-$750 town-set; All Veterans' Credit (72:28-b) similar; Disabled Service-Connected Credit (72:35) $700 minimum, towns adopt up to $4,000-$5,000. NH does NOT join the categorical full-vet-exemption states — treatment is town-by-town. Apply with town assessor (form PA-29 + DD-214) by April 15.

2026 Grafton County rate breakdown (total mill rate per $1,000 of AV (100% FMV; muni + county + school + SWEPT), North Haverhill district)

Taxing entity	Rate
Combined municipal + county + local school + SWEPT (Hanover ~14.65 mills + Dartmouth tax-exempt impact, Lebanon ~26 mills, Plymouth ~25 mills × 100% AR; county avg ~1.55%)	15.5000
Combined total	15.5000

As of April 27, 2026 · From Grafton County + Town Assessors (NH towns assess; Dartmouth College at Hanover).

Note: Grafton County is **home to Dartmouth College** in **Hanover** — Dartmouth (~6,500 students — **one of the 8 Ivy League universities**, founded 1769 by Eleazar Wheelock, the celebrated 9th-oldest US institution of higher education and the celebrated smallest of the Ivy League by undergraduate enrollment). Anchored by **Lebanon** (~14K, the celebrated Connecticut River-valley city + celebrated Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center hub), **Hanover** (~12K — the celebrated Dartmouth college town, the de-facto economic-cultural anchor of the Upper Valley), **Plymouth** (~7K — home to **Plymouth State University** ~5,000 students), **Lincoln** (~2K — celebrated White Mountain town), **Woodstock** (~1.5K — celebrated White Mountain village), **Littleton** (~6K — celebrated White Mountain commercial center), and **Bristol** (~3K — celebrated Lakes Region gateway). Major employment includes **Dartmouth College** (~6,000 employees — academic + staff), **Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center** (in Lebanon — the celebrated New England regional medical center, ~12,000 employees — the celebrated largest employer in the Upper Valley), **Plymouth State University**, the celebrated **Hypertherm** plasma cutter manufacturer (in Hanover), and substantial White Mountain tourism.

Note: Grafton County effective property tax rates run approximately **1.55%** — among the lower in New Hampshire. **Hanover at 14.65 mills** is celebrated for being **lower than expected** — the celebrated paradox: Dartmouth's ~$8 billion endowment-funded campus produces substantial tax-exempt property (~40% of Hanover's land area), but the celebrated affluent residential property base + the celebrated commercial Dartmouth corridor produces sufficient tax base. Hanover's celebrated median home value of approximately $850K combined with the moderate mill rate produces celebrated $12,000+ median annual property tax bills (the celebrated highest median bills in NH). Lebanon ~26 mills (~2.62% effective), Plymouth ~25 mills.

Note: For relocation buyers: Grafton County offers **the premier Upper Valley + Dartmouth + western New Hampshire White Mountains** option — substantial Dartmouth-anchored economy, exceptional cultural amenities (the celebrated **Hood Museum of Art** at Dartmouth, the celebrated **Hopkins Center for the Arts**, the celebrated Dartmouth Skiway), exceptional Connecticut River + White Mountains + Mt. Moosilauke + Franconia Notch outdoor recreation, exceptional Dartmouth-affiliated public schools (the celebrated Hanover High School + Lebanon High School), and reasonable Boston commute (Hanover to Boston ~2 hr 15 min via I-89/I-93). The trade-off: aggressive housing prices in Hanover (median $850K+, comparable to Boston-suburbs), substantial Dartmouth-driven seasonal population variation, distance from major NH urban centers (Hanover to Manchester ~1.5 hr).

Deductions and exemptions for 2026

New Hampshire homeowner property tax relief operates through several mechanisms — but with a critical caveat: relief is town-administered, not state-administered. NH towns/cities (234 total) are the assessing entity. State law sets minimum exemptions and credits; towns may (and most do) increase them substantially. The primary mechanisms are: (1) the Town-Option Elderly Exemption (RSA 72:39-a/b, age-tier AV reductions), (2) the Veterans' Tax Credits (RSA 72:28 standard, RSA 72:35 disabled — DIRECT tax credits, not AV reductions), (3) the SAH/SHA Specially Adapted Housing Exemption (RSA 72:36-a — narrow full exemption), and (4) the Current Use Assessment (RSA 79-A — for qualifying farm/forest land at use value rather than market value).

Town-Option Elderly Exemption (RSA 72:39-a/b)

Every NH town/city sets its own age-tier AV reduction amounts and income/asset eligibility limits. Typical structure: 3 age tiers (65-74, 75-79, 80+) with progressively larger AV reductions; income limit typically $40,000-$60,000 single or $50,000-$80,000 married; asset limit typically $100,000-$200,000 (excluding home). Affluent towns offer substantially larger exemptions: Hanover offers $200K AV reduction for 80+ (saves ~$3,000+/year at Hanover's mill rate), Concord offers tiered $50K-$130K, Manchester offers $75K-$135K. Other towns offer modest $25K-$50K reductions. Apply with town assessor between January 1 and April 15. Annual recertification required for income-tested programs.

Veterans' Tax Credits (RSA 72:28 + RSA 72:35)

Critical distinction: NH credits are DIRECT TAX CREDITS (subtracted from the bill), not AV reductions. Structure: (1) Standard Veterans' Tax Credit (RSA 72:28) — wartime vets, $50 state minimum, towns adopt $51-$750 (most towns at $500-$750). (2) All Veterans' Tax Credit (RSA 72:28-b) — all 90-day vets, similar $50-$750 range; cannot stack with RSA 72:28. (3) Total/Permanently Disabled Service-Connected Vet Credit (RSA 72:35) — 100% P&T vets, $700 state minimum, towns adopt up to $4,000-$5,000 (Londonderry adopted $5,000 starting 2026 tax year, several towns at $4,000). (4) Surviving Spouse of KIA (RSA 72:29-a) — $700-$2,000 town option. NH does NOT join the categorical full-exemption states — treatment is town-by-town with credit amounts varying $700-$5,000.

SAH/SHA Specially Adapted Housing Exemption (RSA 72:36-a)

FULL property tax exemption for 100% P&T disabled vets with VA-funded specially adapted homes (Specially Adapted Housing or Special Home Adaptation grants). Very narrow applicability — only qualifying severely disabled vets with VA-adapted homes. NOT a general full exemption.

Current Use Assessment (RSA 79-A)

Qualifying farm, forest, and unimproved land may be assessed at "current use" value (productive value) rather than market value. Substantial reduction — a 20-acre wooded parcel with $200K market value might be assessed at $3K under current use. Requires application + 10-acre minimum (mostly). Land-use change tax applies if removed from current use (10% of full market value).

Appealing your assessment

New Hampshire property tax appeals follow a 3-tier process. Level 1: Town Board of Selectmen / Town Assessor. File written appeal by March 1 (or within 60 days of bill mailing if later). Present comparable sales, recent appraisals, or condition documentation. Most appeals are resolved informally with the town. Level 2: NH Board of Tax and Land Appeals (BTLA) OR Superior Court. If unresolved with town, appeal to BTLA or Superior Court by September 1. BTLA is faster and cheaper (no filing fee). Level 3: NH Supreme Court. Most appeals are resolved at Level 1 or 2. Tax cycle: bills issued in 2 halves (first ~July, second ~December). Important: filing the BTLA appeal during the 5-year reassessment year is the most efficient path — pre-reassessment AVs cannot be challenged.

Cities and towns in Grafton County

Grafton County contains 8 incorporated municipalities, ranging from North Haverhill to the smallest village. Search volume for property tax is often city-specific, so here is the complete list — with population from the 2020 US Census, rounded to the nearest 100.

Data: US Census Bureau, 2020 Decennial Census. Populations rounded. Cities marked as "split" straddle a county border — the portion inside Grafton County is subject to Grafton County's tax rolls, while the portion outside is subject to the adjacent county's.

City or town	Type	Population (2020)
Lebanon	city	14,000
Hanover	town	12,000
Plymouth	town	7,000
Littleton	town	6,000
Haverhill County seat	town	4,500
Bristol	town	3,000
Lincoln	town	2,000
Woodstock	town	1,500

About city-level property tax rates: The rate breakdown and calculator on this page reflect the North Haverhill tax district. Other cities in Grafton County may pay into different school districts, city rates, and special districts — so their combined rates can differ, sometimes substantially. Always verify the specific rates for your address with the Grafton County + Town Assessors (NH towns assess; Dartmouth College at Hanover) before relying on any estimate.

Frequently asked questions

When are New Hampshire property taxes due?

NH property tax bills are issued in 2 halves. The first bill (~July) is estimated at half of the prior-year tax. The second bill (~December) "trues up" at the final tax rate set by the NH Department of Revenue Administration (DRA). Due dates vary by town — most are due July 1 + December 1 or similar split. Late payments accrue 8% interest. Most homeowners pay through escrow via mortgage servicer.

Why does NH have such high property taxes?

New Hampshire has NO state income tax + NO state sales tax — property tax does virtually all state-and-local revenue work. The Interest & Dividend (I&D) tax is also being phased out (1% in 2026, eliminated 2027), making NH effectively income-tax-free starting 2027. The trade-off: NH's property tax burden ranks among the top 5 highest in the US (~1.93% statewide median). The celebrated "NH advantage" — the no-income/no-sales-tax structure — must be weighed against the correspondingly high property tax burden. For high-income earners, the trade-off generally favors NH (income tax savings exceed property tax premium); for lower-income earners, it may not.

What are the 4 components of the total mill rate?

Every NH property tax bill aggregates 4 separate rates: (1) Municipal rate — set by the town/city for general government services. (2) County rate — set by the county delegation for county services (jail, nursing home, registry of deeds). NH counties retain functional government. (3) Local school rate — set by the local school district (typically the LARGEST component, often 50-70% of total). (4) Statewide Education Property Tax (SWEPT) — $1.030/$1,000 for 2026 (RSA 76:3/76:8). The total mill rate visible on your tax bill is the sum of these 4 components.

Why do NH mill rates vary so dramatically between towns?

Among NH's 234 cities, towns, and unincorporated places, mill rates range from approximately $5.73/$1,000 (New Castle) to over $38/$1,000 (Berlin, Claremont) — a 6-7x range. The variation reflects substantial town-by-town differences in: commercial-vs-residential tax base composition (towns with substantial commercial property = lower residential rates), local school spending levels (school is the LARGEST component), and population density. Affluent seacoast and lakefront towns (New Castle, Wolfeboro, Center Harbor, Hanover) have low mill rates because seasonal/commercial property carries a substantial share of the burden. Post-industrial cities and rural towns with declining commercial tax base (Berlin, Claremont, Newport, Concord) have high mill rates. For relocation buyers, mill rate matters far more than home value in determining your actual NH property tax burden.

How does the Town-Option Elderly Exemption work?

New Hampshire's Elderly Exemption (RSA 72:39-a/b) is a TOWN-OPTION program — every NH town/city sets its own age-tier AV reduction amounts and income/asset eligibility limits. Typical structure: 3 age tiers (65-74, 75-79, 80+) with progressively larger AV reductions; income limit typically $40,000-$60,000 single or $50,000-$80,000 married; asset limit typically $100,000-$200,000 (excluding home). Affluent towns offer substantially larger exemptions: Hanover offers $200K AV reduction for 80+ (saves ~$3,000+/year). Apply with town assessor between January 1 and April 15 (annual recertification required). Combined with NH's high effective rates, the exemption can produce substantial savings ($1,000-$5,000+ annually depending on town).

How do New Hampshire Veteran Tax Credits work?

Critical distinction: NH credits are DIRECT TAX CREDITS (subtracted from the bill), not AV reductions. (1) Standard Veterans' Tax Credit (RSA 72:28) — wartime vets, $50 state minimum, towns adopt $51-$750 (most towns at $500-$750). (2) All Veterans' Tax Credit (RSA 72:28-b) — all 90-day vets, similar $50-$750 range. (3) Total/Permanently Disabled Service-Connected Vet Credit (RSA 72:35) — 100% P&T vets, $700 state minimum, towns adopt up to $4,000-$5,000 (Londonderry adopted $5,000 starting 2026 tax year). (4) SAH/SHA Specially Adapted Housing (RSA 72:36-a) — FULL property tax exemption (very narrow — only 100% P&T vets with VA-funded specially adapted homes). NH does NOT join the categorical full-exemption states. Apply with town assessor (state form PA-29 + DD-214 + VA disability rating) by April 15.

How do I appeal my New Hampshire assessment?

NH property tax appeals follow a 3-tier process. Level 1: Town Board of Selectmen / Town Assessor. File written appeal by March 1 (or within 60 days of bill mailing). Level 2: NH Board of Tax and Land Appeals (BTLA) OR Superior Court. Appeal by September 1. BTLA is faster and cheaper (no filing fee). Level 3: NH Supreme Court. Most appeals are resolved at Level 1 or 2. Important: filing the BTLA appeal during the 5-year reassessment year is the most efficient path — pre-reassessment AVs cannot be challenged.

About Grafton County

Beyond the property tax — a few things you might not know about the place.

Weird fact

**Dartmouth College** is celebrated for the **Dartmouth Outing Club (DOC)** — **the oldest and largest collegiate outing club in the United States** (founded 1909 by Fred Harris). The celebrated DOC operates **a 50-mile section of the Appalachian Trail** through New Hampshire and Vermont as DOC trail volunteers — including the celebrated **Dartmouth Outdoor Programs** that offer substantial backcountry skiing, hiking, climbing, and wilderness programming. The celebrated DOC operates **9 backcountry cabins** in the celebrated White Mountains and Connecticut River valley — including the celebrated **Moosilauke Ravine Lodge** (at the base of celebrated 4,802-foot Mt. Moosilauke, the celebrated Dartmouth-owned mountain — the celebrated Dartmouth Outdoor Programs lodge for celebrated freshman trips since 1914). Every fall, the celebrated **Dartmouth First-Year Trips** (mandatory for all incoming Dartmouth freshmen since 1935) sends 1,200+ celebrated incoming students into the celebrated White Mountains for celebrated 4-day wilderness backpacking, hiking, climbing, biking, canoeing, kayaking, and farming trips — among the celebrated American college outdoor traditions. The celebrated DOC also operates the celebrated **Dartmouth Skiway** (a celebrated college-owned downhill ski resort in Lyme, NH) and the celebrated **Dartmouth Outing Club House** in Hanover.

Hometown hero

Dartmouth alumni + Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss) + Robert Frost

**Theodor Seuss Geisel ("Dr. Seuss")** (1904-1991) — the celebrated American children's author of the celebrated 60+ children's books including ***The Cat in the Hat*** (1957), ***Green Eggs and Ham*** (1960), ***How the Grinch Stole Christmas!*** (1957), and ***Oh, the Places You'll Go!*** (1990) — graduated from **Dartmouth College** in **1925** (where he was editor-in-chief of the celebrated *Jack-O-Lantern* humor magazine) before pursuing graduate studies at Oxford. Geisel's celebrated 60+ children's books have sold approximately **600+ million copies worldwide** (translated into 20+ languages) — making him **one of the most-celebrated American children's authors of all time**. The celebrated **Dr. Seuss museum** at Dartmouth (the celebrated Geisel Library, formally renamed in 2012) preserves Geisel's celebrated archives. **Other notable Dartmouth alumni** include: **Daniel Webster** (1782-1852 — the celebrated 14th US Secretary of State, graduated Dartmouth 1801); **Robert Frost** (1874-1963 — the celebrated 4-time Pulitzer Prize-winning American poet, attended Dartmouth 1892 — though he didn't graduate from any institution and his celebrated career began at Pinkerton Academy in Derry, NH); **Nelson Rockefeller** (1908-1979 — celebrated NY Governor + 41st US Vice President, Dartmouth 1930); **Mr. Rogers** (1928-2003 — Fred Rogers, the celebrated PBS *Mister Rogers' Neighborhood* host, briefly attended Dartmouth before transferring); and dozens of celebrated American figures including 7 sitting US Senators (as of 2026).

Biggest annual event

Dartmouth Winter Carnival + Hanover-Lebanon arts + White Mountain tourism

The celebrated **Dartmouth Winter Carnival** (annual, second weekend of February at Dartmouth, since 1911) is **the oldest collegiate winter carnival in the United States** — drawing celebrated 10,000+ attendees over 4 days with the celebrated 25-foot center-of-campus snow sculpture, celebrated cross-country and downhill ski races, celebrated polar plunges into Occom Pond, and celebrated alumni weekend programming. The celebrated 1939 Dartmouth Winter Carnival was the celebrated subject of celebrated F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel-research trip (which inspired the celebrated 1939 *Winter Carnival* film starring Ann Sheridan). The celebrated **Hopkins Center for the Arts** at Dartmouth hosts substantial annual concerts, theater, dance, and lectures — drawing celebrated 200,000+ annual attendees. The celebrated **White Mountains tourism** in Lincoln/Woodstock + Loon Mountain + Cannon Mountain draws celebrated millions of annual visitors for celebrated skiing, hiking, and the celebrated Kancamagus Highway scenic drive.

Property Tax in Grafton County, 2026