Manchester, New Hampshire, a city with a rich industrial past, has seen its population ebb and flow over the decades. As of 2023, the city is home to approximately 115,474 residents, making it the 255th largest city in the United States. This figure represents a slight dip from the previous year, a trend that highlights the dynamic nature of population shifts.
Looking back, Manchester's growth trajectory has been quite interesting. From a modest 13,932 residents in 1850, the city experienced significant expansion, particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. By 1900, its population had surged to 56,987, and it continued to climb, reaching a notable 78,384 by 1920. This period of rapid growth was fueled by its burgeoning textile mills and manufacturing industries, drawing people from far and wide.
The latter half of the 20th century saw a more moderate, yet steady, increase. The population hovered around the 100,000 mark for a good portion of this time, with figures like 107,227 in 2000 and 109,565 in 2010. Interestingly, the current population of 115,474 actually represents the city's peak population. While the growth rate since 2000 has been around 7.6%, it's worth noting that Manchester's growth is currently below average when compared to similarly sized cities across the US, with about 77% of those cities growing faster.
Beyond the raw numbers, Manchester is a vibrant community within Hillsborough County. Covering an area of 33.1 square miles, it boasts a population density of 3,310 people per square mile, making it the second most densely populated city in New Hampshire. This density contributes to a lively urban environment.
The demographic makeup of Manchester is diverse. The voting-age population, comprising US citizens 18 and older, stands at 83,227, with a near-even split between males and females. Senior citizens, those aged 65 and over, make up about 13.2% of the population. Racially, the city is predominantly White (84.8%), with significant Black (6.1%) and Asian (5.1%) communities, alongside smaller percentages of other racial groups. It's also important to note that 10.4% of the population identifies as Hispanic.
Economically, Manchester presents a mixed picture. The median household income is $60,711, with 14.1% of residents living below the poverty line, and a child poverty rate of 19.8%. The labor force participation rate among those aged 16 and older is 70.2%, with an unemployment rate of 4.9%. Education levels are relatively high, with 87.3% of adults having at least a high school degree, and a notable 30.1% holding a bachelor's degree.
Culturally, the city reflects its diverse population. Approximately 20.8% of residents aged 5 and older speak a non-English language at home, with Spanish, Indo-European languages, and Asian languages being the most common. Housing in Manchester is split between owner-occupied units (44.0%) and rentals (56.0%), with a median monthly rent of $1,135. A significant portion of the housing stock, 32.6%, was built before 1940, reflecting its historical development, while 8.7% of units are more modern, built after 2000.
Manchester, like many cities, is a place of constant evolution, shaped by its history, its people, and its ongoing development. Its population figures, while numbers on a page, represent a community with a unique character and a story that continues to unfold.