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

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

Walpole, New Hampshire is a small town of about 1,700 people located in Cheshire County in the southwestern corner of the state. The town is situated in a rural countryside with rolling hills and forests along the Connecticut River. It has a humid continental climate with cold winters and hot summers. Walpole was founded in 1763 by Colonel Benjamin Bellows and was named after Sir Robert Walpole, a British prime minister from 1721 to 1742.

Politically, the town is a part of New Hampshire’s Second Congressional District. The economy of Walpole is largely agricultural-based with many dairy farms and apple orchards scattered across the area. There are also several small businesses that provide employment for locals. The town is served by two schools: Walpole Elementary School and Fall Mountain Regional High School, both of which are part of the Fall Mountain Regional School District.

Walpole also has several landmarks that attract visitors from all over New England. Among them are Bellows Falls State Park, which features a waterfall on the Connecticut River; Mount Wantastiquet State Park, which offers hiking trails; and Moody Point Recreation Area, which includes picnic areas and swimming areas on nearby Lake Saint Catherine. Other attractions include several historic homes such as the General Bellows House Museum and Old Stone Church; as well as art galleries like Artworks Gallery & Studio and Grafton County Arts Council Gallery. There are also multiple covered bridges located around town that make for great photo opportunities!

Population: 3,594. Estimated population in July 2024: 3,703 (+3.0% change)
Males: 1,725 (48.0%), Females: 1,869 (52.0%)

Cheshire County

Demographics

Median resident age: 40.6 years
Median household income: $44,673
Median house value: $118,400

Population by Race

Races in Walpole:

White Non-Hispanic (97.8%)
Two or more races (1.1%)
American Indian (0.6%)

Ancestries: English (25.8%), Irish (25.3%), French (12.8%), Polish (7.8%), United States (7.0%), German (6.4%).

Elevation: 417 feet

Population by Education

Walpole, New Hampshire is a small town located in the southwestern corner of the state. The population of Walpole is estimated to be around 2,500 people as of 2020. The town is home to many families, young professionals, and retirees alike. The median age in Walpole is around 43 years old and the median household income is around $48,000. This town has a rich history and culture that dates back to the 1700s when it was first settled by colonists from Massachusetts. It was an important stop along the Connecticut River during the Revolutionary War.

Today, Walpole is a bustling small town with plenty to do and see. It’s home to several small businesses such as restaurants, cafes, boutiques, and galleries. There are also several historic sites including a Revolutionary War fortification and an old mill on the banks of the Connecticut River. There are plenty of outdoor activities available as well such as hiking trails in nearby state parks or kayaking down the river for those looking for some adventure. In addition to these activities, Walpole also hosts several annual events such as parades on Memorial Day and Independence Day that attract visitors from all over New Hampshire and beyond.

For population 25 years and over in Walpole

High school or higher: 88.9%
Bachelor’s degree or higher: 31.4%
Graduate or professional degree: 10.7%
Unemployed: 2.4%
Mean travel time to work: 24.3 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Walpole town

Never married: 19.3%
Now married: 60.3%
Separated: 2.1%
Widowed: 7.8%
Divorced: 10.6%

2.3% Foreign born (1.8% Europe).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Walpole:

CHESHIRE MEDICAL CENTER,THE (about 14 miles; KEENE, NH)
SPRINGFIELD HOSPITAL INC (about 16 miles; SPRINGFIELD, VT)
GRACE COTTAGE HOSPITAL (about 17 miles; TOWNSHEND, VT)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Walpole:

RUTLAND STATE (about 47 miles; RUTLAND, VT; Abbreviation: RUT)
WESTOVER ARB/METROPOLITAN (about 63 miles; SPRINGFIELD/CHICOPEE, MA; Abbreviation: CEF)
BARNES MUNI (about 67 miles; WESTFIELD/SPRINGFIELD, MA; Abbreviation: BAF)

Other public-use airports nearest to Walpole:

DILLANT-HOPKINS (about 18 miles; KEENE, NH; Abbreviation: EEN)
HARTNESS STATE (SPRINGFIELD) (about 19 miles; SPRINGFIELD, VT; Abbreviation: VSF)
CLAREMONT MUNI (about 21 miles; CLAREMONT, NH; Abbreviation: CNH)

Amtrak stations near Walpole:

5 miles: BELLOWS FALLS (DEPOT ST.). Services: enclosed waiting area, public restrooms, public payphones, free short-term parking, free long-term parking, call for taxi service.
19 miles: BRATTLEBORO (VERNON RD.). Services: enclosed waiting area, public restrooms, call for car rental service, call for taxi service.

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Walpole:

KEENE STATE COLLEGE (about 16 miles; KEENE, NH; Full-time enrollment: 4,049)
DARTMOUTH COLLEGE (about 46 miles; HANOVER, NH; Full-time enrollment: 5,309)
MOUNT WACHUSETT COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 46 miles; GARDNER, MA; Full-time enrollment: 2,023)
UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS-AMHERST (about 51 miles; AMHERST, MA; Full-time enrollment: 21,468)
SMITH COLLEGE (about 55 miles; NORTHAMPTON, MA; Full-time enrollment: 3,053)
FITCHBURG STATE COLLEGE (about 56 miles; FITCHBURG, MA; Full-time enrollment: 3,660)
MOUNT HOLYOKE COLLEGE (about 60 miles; SOUTH HADLEY, MA; Full-time enrollment: 2,029)

Public primary/middle schools in Walpole:

WALPOLE MIDDLE SCHOOL (Students: 274; Location: 8 BEMIS LN; Grades: 03 – 08)
WALPOLE PRIMARY (Students: 102; Location: PO BOX 548; Grades: KG – 02)

Private primary/middle school in Walpole:

WALPOLE VILLAGE NURSERY SCHOOL (Students: 37; Location: PO BOX 63; Grades: PK – KG)

Libraries

Library in Walpole:

WALPOLE TOWN LIBRARY (Operating income: $84,999; Location: 48 MAIN STREET; 17,364 books; 167 audio materials; 107 video materials; 51 serial subscriptions)