Rockingham County is a county located in the state of New Hampshire. As of 2000, the population is 277,359. Its county seat is Brentwood6.
History
The area that today is Rockingham County was first settled by Europeans moving north from the Plymouth Colony in Massachusetts as early as 1623. The government was linked tightly with Massachusetts until New Hampshire became a separate colony in 1679, but Counties weren't introduced until 1769.
Rockingham was identified in 1769 as one of five original counties for the colony. It is named for Charles Watson-Wentworth, 2nd Marquess of Rockingham, who had been Prime Minister in 1765-1766. The county was organized in 1771, with its County Seat at Exeter. In 1844 its area was reduced by the formation of Belknap County to the northwest. In 1997 the county court facilities were moved to the current county seat at Brentwood.
Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 2,056 km² (794 mi²). 1,800 km² (695 mi²) of it is land and 256 km² (99 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 12.47% water.
Demographics
As of the census2 of 2000, there are 277,359 people, 104,529 households, and 74,320 families residing in the county. The population density is 154/km² (399/mi²). There are 113,023 housing units at an average density of 63/km² (163/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 96.80% White, 0.58% Black or African American, 0.18% Native American, 1.11% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.38% from other races, and 0.92% from two or more races. 1.19% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 104,529 households out of which 35.90% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.50% are married couples living together, 8.20% have a female householder with no husband present, and 28.90% are non-families. 22.00% of all households are made up of individuals and 7.00% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.63 and the average family size is 3.11.
In the county the population is spread out with 26.40% under the age of 18, 6.20% from 18 to 24, 32.80% from 25 to 44, 24.40% from 45 to 64, and 10.10% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 37 years. For every 100 females there are 97.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 95.40 males.
The median income for a household in the county is $58,150, and the median income for a family is $66,345. Males have a median income of $45,598 versus $30,741 for females. The per capita income for the county is $26,656. 4.50% of the population and 3.10% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 5.00% of those under the age of 18 and 6.40% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
Cities and towns
Attractions in Rockingham County
External Link
Last updated: 08-02-2005 04:49:44
