Belknap County, New Hampshire
According to countryaah.com, Belknap County, New Hampshire is a rural county located in the Lakes Region of the state. As of 2019, the population was estimated to be 60,088 people. The majority of the population is white (94.3%), followed by Asian (2.6%), Hispanic or Latino (1.6%), and African American (0.5%). The largest city in Belknap County is Laconia, which has a population of 16,790 people as of 2019. The median age in Belknap County is 44 years old, with 25% of the population under 18 years old and 13% over 65 years old. The median household income is $58,735 and 8% of families are below poverty level. Education levels vary across the county; high school graduation rates are at 93%, while college attainment rates are slightly higher at 38%. Additionally, unemployment rates are lower than the national average at 3%.
The majority of Belknap County’s residents live in small towns and rural areas with agriculture being an important part of their economy. About 40% of all land in Belknap County is used for farming or ranching purposes and much of the area’s workforce is employed within this sector. Tourism also plays an important role in Belknap County’s economic growth with recreational activities such as skiing, sailing, kayaking and snowmobiling drawing visitors from all over New Hampshire and beyond each year. Manufacturing industries have also become increasingly important to the county’s economy with several large companies having operations located throughout Belknap County including aviation parts manufacturer B/E Aerospace and electronics manufacturer Sanmina-SCI Corporation both having facilities located near Laconia.
History of Belknap County, New Hampshire
Belknap County, New Hampshire has a rich and varied history. The area was first inhabited by the Pennacook and Abenaki tribes who lived off the land by fishing, hunting, and gathering. In 1622, the first English settlers arrived in Belknap County and began clearing land for farms. By 1763, the area was organized as part of Londonderry Township and later became part of Strafford County in 1771. In 1840, Belknap County was officially incorporated as its own county with Laconia serving as its county seat.
The 19th century saw a period of rapid growth for Belknap County with new industries such as lumber mills, tanneries and granite quarries beginning to appear throughout the region. In 1847, the Winnipesaukee Railroad opened connecting Laconia to Concord which allowed for easier access to goods and services. This period also saw an influx of immigrants from Europe particularly from Ireland and Germany who came to work in factories or on farms. By 1900 Belknap County had grown to become home to over 30,000 people who were mainly employed in manufacturing or service industries such as retail stores or restaurants.
In the 20th century Belknap County continued to grow but at a much slower pace than before with population levels leveling off around 60,000 people since 2000. The county has seen an increase in tourism due to its proximity to Lake Winnipesaukee which draws visitors from all over New England each year looking for recreational activities such as fishing or boating. Additionally, there has been an increase in manufacturing jobs due to companies such as B/E Aerospace and Sanmina-SCI Corporation both having facilities located near Laconia.
Belknap County has experienced a long history of growth from its early days when it was first inhabited by Native Americans through today where it is now home to over 60 thousand people who are mainly employed within service or manufacturing industries.
Major cities and towns in Belknap County, New Hampshire
Belknap County, New Hampshire is home to a number of small cities and towns, each with their own unique history and culture. The county seat is Laconia, the largest city in the county. Laconia has a population of 15,451 people as of 2019 and is located on the western shore of Lake Winnipesaukee. It was first settled by Europeans in 1764 and was incorporated as a town in 1855. The city is known for its many cultural attractions including the Laconia Motorcycle Week, an annual event that draws thousands of motorcyclists from around the world every summer. Other notable attractions include Weirs Beach, Funspot Family Fun Center, and Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion at Meadowbrook.
The second largest city in Belknap County is Gilford with a population of 6,890 people as of 2019. Located on the eastern shore of Lake Winnipesaukee, Gilford was first settled by Europeans in 1762 and was officially incorporated as a town in 1812. The city is home to Ellacoya State Park which offers beach access to visitors during the summer months as well as camping sites for those who wish to stay overnight. Other popular attractions include Gunstock Mountain Resort which offers skiing and snowboarding during winter months along with other activities such as zip lining or horseback riding year round.
Other cities and towns located within Belknap County include Alton (3,345), Barnstead (3,511), Belmont (3,631), Center Harbor (1,705), Meredith (2,927), Moultonborough (4,286) and Sanbornton (1,719). Each offers visitors unique attractions such as Castle In The Clouds located in Moultonborough which features breathtaking views from atop a hill overlooking Lake Winnipesaukee or The Barnstead Parade located in Barnstead which takes place annually during July 4th weekend featuring parades floats live music and fireworks displays for all to enjoy.
In conclusion, Belknap County’s cities and towns offer visitors an array of activities throughout all four seasons whether it be skiing at Gunstock Mountain Resort or zip-lining at Ellacoya State Park during winter months or beach going at Weirs Beach during summer months there is something for everyone to enjoy here year round.
Population in Belknap County, New Hampshire
According to Act-Test-Centers, Belknap County, New Hampshire is a county located in the state of New Hampshire. As of 2019, the population was estimated to be around 61,876 people. Belknap County is made up of nine towns and cities including Alton, Barnstead, Belmont, Center Harbor, Gilford, Laconia, Meredith, Moultonborough and Sanbornton.
The largest city in Belknap County is Laconia with a population of 16,410 people as of 2019. It is located on the western shore of Lake Winnipesaukee and is known for its many cultural attractions including the Laconia Motorcycle Week which draws thousands of motorcyclists from around the world every summer. Other notable attractions include Weirs Beach and Funspot Family Fun Center.
The second largest city in Belknap County is Gilford with a population of 6,890 people as of 2019. Located on the eastern shore of Lake Winnipesaukee it was first settled by Europeans in 1762 and was officially incorporated as a town in 1812. The city is home to Ellacoya State Park which offers beach access to visitors during the summer months as well as camping sites for those who wish to stay overnight. Other popular attractions include Gunstock Mountain Resort which offers skiing and snowboarding during winter months along with other activities such as zip lining or horseback riding year round.
Other cities and towns located within Belknap County include Alton (3,345), Barnstead (3,511), Belmont (3,631), Center Harbor (1,705), Meredith (2,927), Moultonborough (4,286) and Sanbornton (1,719). Each offers visitors unique attractions such as Castle In The Clouds located in Moultonborough which features breathtaking views from atop a hill overlooking Lake Winnipesaukee or The Barnstead Parade located in Barnstead which takes place annually during July 4th weekend featuring parades floats live music and fireworks displays for all to enjoy.
Belknap County has something for everyone whether you are looking for outdoor activities such as skiing or zip-lining or cultural events like the Laconia Motorcycle Week there’s sure to be something that interests you here. With its wide array of attractions and diverse population ranging from small towns to larger cities, there’s sure to be something here that appeals to everyone.
