Hooksett, New Hampshire Population, Hospitals, Airports, and Schools

by btobers · Published June 21, 2019 · Updated September 12, 2024

Hooksett is a town located in Merrimack County, New Hampshire. The geography of Hooksett is characterized by rolling hills and forests. It is home to the Merrimack River as well as numerous lakes and ponds. The climate in Hooksett is typical of the temperate northeast; summers are warm and humid with temperatures usually reaching into the 80s, while winters tend to be cold with occasional snowfall.

Hooksett was first settled in 1721 and officially incorporated in 1722. Throughout its history, it has been home to many notable residents including Daniel Webster, who was born in Hooksett in 1848. Politically speaking, Hooksett leans heavily towards the Republican Party with most of its elected officials being Republican-aligned.

The economy of Hooksett is largely based on tourism and retail businesses, as well as some light manufacturing industries such as furniture making and paper products. Education is also a major part of the local economy, with several public schools, private schools, and colleges located within the town boundaries.

One of Hooksett’s most recognizable landmarks is Amoskeag Falls on the Merrimack River which was once used to power numerous mills along the river’s banks during the Industrial Revolution. Other attractions include Salmon Brook Park which offers hiking trails along a scenic riverbank; Locke Lake which offers fishing and swimming; Great Brook Ski Touring Center for cross-country skiing; and many other recreational activities like horseback riding and rock climbing.

Population: 11,721. Estimated population in July 2024: 13,279 (+13.3% change)
Males: 5,858 (50.0%), Females: 5,863 (50.0%)

Merrimack County

Demographics

Median resident age: 35.3 years
Median household income: $61,491
Median house value: $135,700

Population by Race

Races in Hooksett:

White Non-Hispanic (95.5%)
Hispanic (1.5%)
Two or more races (0.7%)
Black (0.7%)

Ancestries: Irish (17.7%), French Canadian (16.7%), French (15.6%), English (13.0%), Italian (8.3%), German (7.3%).

Elevation: 199 feet

Land area: 4.7 square miles

Population by Education

Hooksett, New Hampshire is a town located in Merrimack County with a population of 13,451 people. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, the population of Hooksett is approximately 95% White, 2% Hispanic or Latino, 1% African American and 1% Asian. The median age of the population is 37 years old and there are more females than males living in the town with 51% female and 49% male. The median household income is $65,846 and the average household size is 2.58 people.

Hooksett has an educated population; nearly 60% of adults 25 years or older have earned at least a bachelor’s degree or higher. The town also has a large labor force with over 11,000 members employed in various industries such as education services, healthcare and social assistance, retail trade and construction. There are also many small businesses that are owned by locals contributing to the economic stability of Hooksett. The town has an unemployment rate of 4 percent which is lower than the national average of 3.7%.

The majority of residents own their homes (71%), while 27% rent their homes. There are numerous housing options available in Hooksett including single-family homes, condominiums and apartments for those looking to rent or buy property in the area. Additionally, there are many recreational activities available for those looking to enjoy nature such as hiking trails at Pawtuckaway State Park or fishing on one of the many lakes located near Hooksett.

For population 25 years and over in Hooksett

High school or higher: 88.6%
Bachelor’s degree or higher: 29.4%
Graduate or professional degree: 9.1%
Unemployed: 8.8%
Mean travel time to work: 25.7 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Hooksett town

Never married: 21.5%
Now married: 63.2%
Separated: 0.7%
Widowed: 4.7%
Divorced: 9.8%

4.9% Foreign born (1.7% Asia, 1.2% North America, 1.0% Africa, 1.0% Europe).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Hooksett:

CATHOLIC MEDICAL CENTER (about 8 miles; MANCHESTER, NH)
ELLIOT HOSPITAL (about 9 miles; MANCHESTER, NH)
CONCORD HOSPITAL (about 10 miles; CONCORD, NH)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Hooksett:

MANCHESTER (about 12 miles; MANCHESTER, NH; Abbreviation: MHT)
PEASE INTERNATIONAL TRADEPORT (about 45 miles; PORTSMOUTH, NH; Abbreviation: PSM)
LAURENCE G HANSCOM FLD (about 45 miles; BEDFORD, MA; Abbreviation: BED)

Other public-use airports nearest to Hooksett:

CONCORD MUNI (about 8 miles; CONCORD, NH; Abbreviation: CON)
BOIRE FIELD (about 23 miles; NASHUA, NH; Abbreviation: ASH)
HAWTHORNE-FEATHER AIRPARK (about 30 miles; HILLSBORO, NH; Abbreviation: 8B1)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Hooksett:

NEW HAMPSHIRE COLLEGE (about 3 miles; MANCHESTER, NH; Full-time enrollment: 3,251)
UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS-LOWELL (about 32 miles; LOWELL, MA; Full-time enrollment: 8,373)
NORTHERN ESSEX COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 35 miles; HAVERHILL, MA; Full-time enrollment: 3,388)
UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE-MAIN CAMPUS (about 35 miles; DURHAM, NH; Full-time enrollment: 12,586)
MERRIMACK COLLEGE (about 37 miles; NORTH ANDOVER, MA; Full-time enrollment: 2,384)
FITCHBURG STATE COLLEGE (about 43 miles; FITCHBURG, MA; Full-time enrollment: 3,660)
MIDDLESEX COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 43 miles; BEDFORD, MA; Full-time enrollment: 4,501)

Public primary/middle schools in Hooksett:

FRED C UNDERHILL SCHOOL (Students: 651; Location: 2 SHERWOOD DR; Grades: PK – 03)
DAVID R CAWLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL (Students: 476; Location: 89 WHITEHALL ROAD; Grades: 06 – 08)
HOOKSETT VILLAGE SCHOOL (Students: 308; Location: 35 MAIN ST; Grades: 04 – 05)
HOOKSETT MEMORIAL SCHOOL (Location: 1550 HOOKSETT RD; Grades: N – N )

Private primary/middle school in Hooksett:

LITTLE ANGELS LEARNING CENTER (Students: 64; Location: 11 KIMBALL DR; Grades: PK – KG)

Libraries

Library in Hooksett:

HOOKSETT PUBLIC LIBRARY (Operating income: $297,031; Location: 1701-B HOOKSETT ROAD; 43,511 books; 941 audio materials; 1,665 video materials; 139 serial subscriptions)