Rochester's property tax burden lower than surrounding towns, report finds

ROCHESTER - The New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute earlier this month released a report showing that Rochester maintains a moderate and competitive property tax rate compared to nearby communities.

The tax rate in Rochester is $15.30 per $1,000 of assessed value, slightly below the regional average of $15.45, placing Rochester in the middle of the range among surrounding towns and cities. Additionally, the tax rate in Rochester is, in some cases, lower than several neighboring communities, including:

• Dover $19.68 ($9,840 on a $500,000 home)
• Somersworth $19.27 ($9,635)
• Barrington $19.56 ($9,780)
• Durham $18.87 ($9,435)

According to the report, property taxes vary significantly across New Hampshire, stating, "About 63 percent of all state and local government tax revenue in New Hampshire is raised through property taxes," adding "Local governments in New Hampshire, including counties, cities, towns, and school districts, are more reliant on property taxes for overall revenue than local governments in any other state in the country."

City Manager Katie Ambrose is expected to present Rochester's FY26-27 budget at an upcoming City Council meeting. The meeting is open to the public and will be broadcast on Breezeline and Comcast cable TV, livestreamed online, and available via video on demand. Visit www.rochesternh.gov/govtv to learn more.