From 1995 to 2023 in New Hampshire, school enrollment declined even though the state’s population has grown, according to a study N.H. Housing released Monday.

Also, the average age of a Granite Stater has increased, and fewer children are being born.

The report notes that public concerns sometimes arise that new housing will burden municipal and school district budgets and cause increases in property taxes.

However, “From Homes to Classrooms: The Relationship Between Housing Development and School Enrollment in New Hampshire,” found “little correlation between new housing development and increases in school enrollment.”

In fact, the study shows the ratio of public school students per housing unit since 1990 decreased from 0.39 students to 0.29 students per unit statewide. The ratio was higher in areas characterized by single-family housing and higher rates of homeownership.

“Municipalities trying to control their tax burden should seek to diversify their tax base and encourage the construction of lower-cost housing that meets identified state priorities,” the study recommends.

According to the study, the state’s population nearly doubled from 737,681 residents in 1970 to 1,395,231 in 2022. Meanwhile, the statewide median age has increased from 30 in 1980 to 37 in 2000 to 43 in 2022.

The fertility rate (births per 1,000 females aged 15-44) declined from about 54 in 1995 to about 46 in 2023, according to the study, which found that the percentage of households with children has declined.

From 1995 to 2023, there has been a decrease of 15.3 percent in school enrollment and a 28.6 percent increase in population.

The population of Cheshire County grew from about 70,000 in 1990 to more than 77,000 in 2022. Public school enrollment in the county has declined by 6.5 percent, or 584 students, over the past decade.

The report also referenced a 2019 study by University of New Hampshire economics professor Richard England that looked at the state’s 234 municipalities and found no statistical correlation between student population growth and a town’s education tax rate.

Rick Green can be reached at 352-1234, extension 1435, or RGreen@keenesentinel.com.

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