The picturesque town of Keene, New Hampshire is nestled in the southwestern part of the state. Known for its vibrant community, rich history, and stunning natural surroundings, Keene offers a great blend of small-town charm and modern amenities. With a strong local economy, excellent educational institutions, and a wealth of outdoor activities, it’s no wonder that Keene is a sought-after destination for both residents and investors alike. In the friendly community of Keene you’ll be in good company with about 24,771 residents – 54% of whom are homeowners. The residents of Keene are well established with an average age of 40, made up of families of all age groups. Though fairly kicked back throughout the week, during weekends and holidays, you can see a lot more activity and excitement. Over the recent months roughly 90 homes have been sold with an average sold price of $330,927. That is a decrease of $17,573 from the previous period. This means things may be getting more affordable!
Keene is the home to Keene State College. According to Times Higher Education, Keene State College (KSC) is a public, liberal arts college with a student population of over 5,400 students. Investing in property near this College is a smart strategy due to the consistent rental demand from students, faculty, and staff, leading to steady cash flow and low vacancy rates. The area offers attractive rental yields, especially with the potential for room-by-room leasing and value-added renovations. The college’s presence ensures long-term economic stability and property appreciation, making it a reliable, high-demand market with opportunities for both short-term gains and long-term growth.
Keene offers a variety of job opportunities across multiple industries, making it an attractive location for employment. The largest employers in the area include Keene State College, Cheshire Medical Center, and the City of Keene, which consistently seek professionals in education, healthcare, and public services. Additionally, there are numerous openings in retail, manufacturing, and technology sectors. The job market is robust, with positions ranging from entry-level roles to specialized professional opportunities, making Keene a promising place for career growth. Here are some of the major employers in the area as of 2025:
1. C&S Wholesale Grocers – As one of the largest wholesale grocery supply companies in the U.S., C&S Wholesale Grocers is headquartered in Keene and employs an average of 1,000 people in the region.
2. Cheshire Medical Center/Dartmouth-Hitchcock Keene – This medical center is a key healthcare provider in the region and one of the top employers, offering a range of positions from medical professionals to administrative staff. Employee size average of 500.
3. Timken Company – Specializing in engineered bearings and power transmission products, Timken operates a facility in Keene, where it employs a large workforce in manufacturing and engineering roles. Employee size average of 500 .
4. Keene State College – Part of the University System of New Hampshire, Keene State College is a major educational institution in the city and one of the largest employers, providing jobs to faculty, staff, and administrative personnel.
These companies play a vital role in Keene’s economy, offering diverse employment opportunities across various sectors, including education, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology.
Data Source: nhes.nh
Town Demographics
The average household income in Keene is $89,121 with a poverty rate of 11.15%. The median age in Keene is 36.1 years: 34.6 years for males, and 37.5 years for females.
Source: WorldPopulationReview
What is the average salary in Keene?
As of January 19, 2025, the average annual salary in Keene is $52,970. For a simple salary breakdown, this equals approximately $25 an hour, $1,018 per week, or $4,414 per month. Most salaries in Keene typically range between $40,916 (25th percentile) and $65,024 (75th percentile) annually. Top earners make up to $87,801 annually.
Source: ZipRecruiter
The town’s thriving economy, bolstered by key sectors like education and healthcare, combined with its high quality of life and strategic location, make it an ideal place for long-term investment. Whether you’re looking to expand your portfolio or secure a steady rental income, Keene presents a promising market with significant growth potential. Below is the latest data showing why it is great to invest in this area.
Source: Nhar
Key Metrics Overview:
1. Closed Sales
December 2024 vs. December 2023: Closed sales increased from 13 in December 2023 to 14 in December 2024, a rise of 7.7%.
YTD 2024 vs. YTD 2023: Closed sales increased from 178 in 2023 to 206 in 2024, an increase of 15.7%.
2. Median Sales Price
December 2024 vs. December 2023: The median sales price rose significantly from $299,000 to $382,495, marking an increase of 27.9%.
YTD 2024 vs. YTD 2023: The median sales price increased from $329,000 to $350,500, an increase of 6.5%.
3. Volume of Closed Sales
December 2024 vs. December 2023: The volume of closed sales increased from $4,599,000 to $6,073,290, representing a growth of 32.1%.
YTD 2024 vs. YTD 2023: The volume increased from $63,494,041 to $76,196,544, a rise of 20.0%.
4. Days on Market Until Sale
December 2024 vs. December 2023: The average days on market increased slightly from 33 days to 34 days, a 3.0% rise.
YTD 2024 vs. YTD 2023: The average days on market increased from 19 days to 20 days, an increase of 5.3%.
5. Pending Sales
YTD 2024 vs. YTD 2023: Pending sales rose from 183 in 2023 to 206 in 2024, an increase of 12.6%.
6. Months Supply of Inventory
December 2024 vs. December 2023: The supply of inventory decreased from 1.4 months to 0.8 months, a drop of 42.9%.
7. New Listings
December 2024 vs. December 2023: New listings dropped from 13 to 11, a decrease of 15.4%.
YTD 2024 vs. YTD 2023: New listings increased from 204 in 2023 to 214 in 2024, a rise of 4.9%.
8. Inventory of Homes for Sale
December 2024 vs. December 2023: The inventory of homes for sale dropped from 21 to 14, a decrease of 33.3%.
9. Percent of Original List Price Received
December 2024 vs. December 2023: Sellers received 99.2% of the original list price in December 2024, up from 94.8% in December 2023, a 4.4% increase.
YTD 2024 vs. YTD 2023: The percentage remained steady at 100.6%, reflecting continued strong demand.
Summary of Observations:
Market Growth: The Keene real estate market experienced substantial growth in both closed sales and median sales prices, with year-over-year gains reflecting a competitive and active market.
Tight Inventory: The drop in months of inventory and the number of homes for sale indicates a supply shortage, contributing to upward pressure on prices.
Consistent Demand: The percent of the original list price received and the steady days on market suggest sustained buyer interest despite higher prices.
Price Appreciation: Significant increases in the median sales price show strong home value appreciation, driven by high demand and limited supply.
Here are the listings of available properties in Keene Area. Click the picture below to show all listings.
Let 10X Real Estate help you navigate this promising market with confidence. Contact us today to learn how you can make the most of investing in Keene, NH.
Don’t miss your chance to capitalize on one of New Hampshire’s most attractive markets!
Want to see more featured areas in New Hampshire? Click here to explore featured areas.