New Hampshire’s Demographics are Changing

While New Hampshire is 82% White, a recent analysis  of 2020 Census data by University of New Hampshire demographer Kenneth M. Johnson, Ph.D., reveals that there was a 75% increase in the number of non-White residents as compared with a decade ago in New Hampshire.  Although the state’s population grew modestly over the past decade (4.6%) to1,377,500 in April 2020, residents who self-identify as other than non-Hispanic White represent 12.8% (176,900) of the Granite State’s population, compared to 7.5% (101,400) in 2010.   Non-White children and teens under the age of 18 make up one fifth or 20% of New Hampshire’s youngest population.   In Manchester and Nashua, over 40% of school-aged children and youth today are non-White.   

Not only are New Hampshire’s demographics changing – increasing diversity across the U.S. and globalization of today’s economy and other aspects of society mean that everyone will interact with more diverse groups of people in their lifetimes.  Whether or not a person grows up in a predominantly White state, being able to respect and engage with people of diverse backgrounds and identities is essential.  For many, living in New Hampshire makes the importance of being intentional about paying attention to DEI even more apparent.  New Hampshire’s 6,547 charitable 501c3 organizations  offer multiple entry points and opportunities through their mission-driven work for valuing DEI as part of the Granite State culture.