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Hooksett, New Hampshire
Hooksett, New Hampshire
Hooksett, New Hampshire
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Hooksett is a town in Merrimack County, New Hampshire, United States. The population was 14,871 at the 2020 census,[2] up from 13,451 at the 2010 census.[3] The town is located between Manchester, the state's largest city, and Concord, the state capital. A prominent landmark is Robie's Country Store, a National Historic Landmark and a frequent stop for presidential candidates during the New Hampshire primary.[4]

Key Information

The central village in town, where 5,283 people resided at the 2020 census, is defined as the Hooksett census-designated place and is located at a bridge crossing of the Merrimack River. The town also contains the census-designated place of South Hooksett.

History

[edit]

Hooksett was incorporated in 1822. First known as "Chester Woods" and "Rowe's Corner", the community was called "Hooksett" for nearly 50 years before being incorporated. The name may have come from a hook-shaped island in the Merrimack or from early fishermen, who called the area "Hookline Falls". Rocky ledges flank the Merrimack River, and there were several cross-river ferries located here, as well as lumber mills and a brick-making establishment powered by the falls. The first census, taken in 1830, reported 880 residents.

The first settlement in the area was Martins Ferry near the Merrimack River and what is today's Southern New Hampshire University. The name comes from the Martin family who owned the ferry and the land around the area for decades. Today, Martin's Corner 1 mile (1.6 km) to the east bears the name. In 1794, the lottery-funded Hooksett Canal became part of the transportation facilities of the Amoskeag cotton mills in Manchester.

Geography

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Hooksett Village from the Pinnacle

Hooksett is situated on the Merrimack River in south-central New Hampshire. Interstate 93 connects Hooksett to the White Mountains and Boston. Hooksett lies fully within the Merrimack River watershed.[5]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 37.1 square miles (96.2 km2), of which 36.1 square miles (93.4 km2) are land and 1.1 square miles (2.8 km2) are water, comprising 2.88% of the town.[1]

The highest point in Hooksett is Quimby Mountain, at 902 feet (275 m) above sea level, near the town's western border. On the town's eastern border, a ridge ascending towards Hall Mountain in neighboring Candia reaches 900 feet (270 m) above sea level.

Adjacent municipalities

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Demographics

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Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1830880—
18401,17533.5%
18501,50327.9%
18601,257−16.4%
18701,3305.8%
18801,76632.8%
18901,8937.2%
19001,665−12.0%
19101,528−8.2%
19201,82819.6%
19302,13216.6%
19402,2736.6%
19502,79222.8%
19603,71333.0%
19705,56449.9%
19807,30331.3%
19908,76720.0%
200011,72133.7%
201013,45114.8%
202014,87110.6%
U.S. Decennial Census[2][6]
Robie's Country Store in Hooksett Village

As of the census of 2010, there were 13,451 people, 4,926 households, and 3,533 families residing in the town. The population density was 369 inhabitants per square mile (142/km2). There were 5,184 housing units at an average density of 54.9 units/km2 (142.4 units/sq mi). The racial makeup of the town was 94.6% White, 1.0% African American, 0.2% Native American, 2.0% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.7% some other race, and 1.5% from two or more races. 2.1% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.[7]

There were 4,926 households, out of which 34.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.0% were headed by married couples living together, 8.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.3% were non-families. 20.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.6% were someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.59, and the average family size was 3.01.[7]

In the town, the population was spread out, with 22.4% under the age of 18, 10.9% from 18 to 24, 25.1% from 25 to 44, 30.0% from 45 to 64, and 11.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39.8 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.8 males.[7]

For the period 2009 through 2013, the estimated median annual income for a household in the town was $81,792, and the median income for a family was $96,469. Male full-time workers had a median income of $57,228 versus $45,116 for females. The per capita income for the town was $34,355.[8]

For demographic data on Hooksett village and its surroundings, see Hooksett (CDP), New Hampshire. For data on the South Hooksett CDP in the southern part of the town, see South Hooksett, New Hampshire.

Transportation

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Five New Hampshire state routes, two Interstate Highways, and one U.S. route cross Hooksett.

  • NH 3A crosses Hooksett from south to north closely paralleling the Merrimack River and I-93 and is known locally as West River Road. It connects Manchester to Bow.
  • NH 27 begins in Hooksett at NH 28/US 3 and follows Whitehall Road eastwards into Candia.
  • NH 28 crosses Hooksett from south to north in concurrency with US 3 and is known locally as Hooksett Road, Daniel Webster Highway, and Allenstown Road. It connects Manchester to Suncook.
  • NH 28A enters from the south at Manchester, and follows Mammoth Road to its northern terminus at NH 28/US3.
  • NH 28 Bypass enters from the southeast and Auburn after crossing a small portion of Manchester. It follows Londonderry Turnpike and terminates at NH 28/US 3.
  • Interstate 93 is a freeway that crosses the town from south to north, connecting Manchester to Bow. There are three interchanges that provide access to Hooksett: one with NH 28/US 3 in South Hooksett, one with NH 3A just after crossing the Merrimack River, and one with Hackett Hill Road in the northern part of Hooksett, which also provides access to NH 3A. There is an additional freeway junction with I-293. The portion of I-93 north of I-293 is part of the F.E. Everett Turnpike. There is a rest area and welcome center in Hooksett, close to the border with neighboring Bow.
  • Interstate 293 enters the town briefly near the southern border with Manchester and terminates at I-93. The freeway has no exits that provide direct access to Hooksett.
  • US 3 crosses Hooksett from south to north in concurrency with NH 28 and is known locally as Hooksett Road, Daniel Webster Highway, and Allenstown Road. It connects Manchester to Suncook.

Education

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Hooksett is part of School Administrative Unit 15, along with the neighboring towns of Auburn and Candia. SAU-15 administers five schools, three within Hooksett:[9]

  • Fred C. Underhill School (lower elementary, grades Pre-K–2)
  • Hooksett Memorial School (upper elementary, grades 3–5)
  • David R. Cawley Middle School (grades 6–8)

SAU-15 has no high school; students from Hooksett attend high school in neighboring school districts. As of 2014, Hooksett has contracted with Pinkerton Academy for the majority of its high school students (about 650), while a smaller number of students would attend either Bow High School (about 40 students), Pembroke Academy (about ten students) or Londonderry High School (about 160 students).[citation needed] Prior to 2014, Hooksett students attended high school at one of the three high schools of the Manchester School District in the city of Manchester. In October 2013 618 high school students lived in Hooksett, with 426 of them attending Manchester school district schools. Students may still chose to attend Manchester schools after 2014.[10]

One four-year university, Southern New Hampshire University, lies partially within Hooksett and partially in neighboring Manchester.[11][12]

See also

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References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Hooksett, New Hampshire

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Hooksett is a town in Merrimack County, New Hampshire, United States, incorporated on June 18, 1822, from portions of Bow and Dunbarton. The town's name originates from "Hook and Sett," referring to a bend in the Merrimack River and a fishing weir used by early inhabitants. As of the 2020 United States census, Hooksett had a population of 14,871 residents. Situated along the between , the state's largest city, and Concord, the state capital, Hooksett functions primarily as a suburban community with a developing supported by proximity to major highways and available developable land. Historically shaped by river-based industries and , the town transitioned from 19th-century milling to modern residential and commercial growth, boasting a household income of $91,005 and of $56,916. Notable features include Robie's Country Store, a longstanding , and recognition as the first community designated a Preserve America site in 2005 for its historical preservation efforts.

History

Early Settlement and Naming

The area now known as Hooksett was initially part of the town of , chartered in 1722 by Provincial Governor Samuel Shute as a large grant encompassing territories later divided into several modern municipalities, including Hooksett. Settlement in the region began in the early , with the earliest documented references to local landmarks appearing around 1719; portions east of the were termed White Pine Country or Chester Woods in Chester's historical records, reflecting the abundance of timber suitable for masts. Early European inhabitants engaged in rudimentary , , and , with the first notable settlement established at Martins Ferry along the , facilitating and via the . The name "Hooksett" emerged in colonial-era documents predating formal municipal boundaries, with early state papers referencing "Isle au Hooksett" and "Isle au Hooksett Falls," suggesting a possible French-influenced from exploratory surveys. Historians attribute the term most plausibly to a hook-shaped or bend in the near the village site, which would have been conspicuous to early navigators and fishermen; an alternative explanation posits derivation from "Hookline Falls," a descriptor used by anglers for the river's fishing conditions at that location. No definitive is recorded, and the name lacks evident Native American roots, distinguishing it from many regional toponyms. By the late , the area was informally known as Hooksett—distinct from prior designations like Woods or Rowe's Corner—for approximately 50 years prior to its separation from , Goffstown, and Dunbarton.

Incorporation and Industrial Era

Hooksett was incorporated as a town in 1822, deriving its name from the river bend at Hooksett Falls on the Merrimack, though it had been referred to as such for nearly fifty years beforehand while known locally as Chester Woods or Rowe's Corner. At the time of incorporation, the area lay within Hillsborough County, but it was reassigned to the newly formed Merrimack County in 1823. The town's early economy relied on the Merrimack River's water power at the falls, which supported pre-existing lumber mills, brick production, and ferries for crossing the river, activities that continued and expanded post-incorporation to facilitate trade and manufacturing. Industrial development accelerated immediately after incorporation with the establishment of the Hooksett Manufacturing Company in 1823, capitalized at $200,000, to produce cloth in a mill complex on the 's east bank. The initial structure measured 40 by 80 feet, forming the core of a linear industrial site that grew through additions of brick and wood-frame buildings. From 1835 to 1865, the of operated the facility, integrating it into the region's burgeoning textile sector before its sale. Brickworks in Hooksett supplied materials for Amoskeag's expansions in , underscoring the town's role in supporting larger-scale milling powered by the same system. By the late , the Hooksett mill site had passed to investors including Robert Bailey, who recapitalized it at $300,000 and scaled output to 5 million yards of cloth annually by 1880. In , a group of investors acquired the property and reorganized it as Mills, shifting toward production while leveraging the established water power and rail connections, such as the 1862 Suncook loop of the Concord & Railroad. These developments positioned Hooksett as a key node in New Hampshire's 19th-century industrial corridor along the Merrimack, where hydraulic power drove textile and related manufacturing until broader economic shifts in the early .

20th-Century Growth and Modern Developments

During the mid-20th century, Hooksett experienced accelerated population growth driven by suburban expansion from nearby Manchester and improved transportation infrastructure, including the development of Interstate 93 in the 1960s, which enhanced accessibility. The town's population rose from approximately 3,700 in 1960 to 7,303 by 1980, reflecting a shift from agrarian roots to a more industrialized economy with the establishment of the Hooksett Industrial Park in the 1960s, attracting manufacturing and technology firms. This period marked a transition toward light manufacturing, supported by the town's proximity to the Merrimack River for power and logistics, though traditional textile operations like Dundee Mills waned as New England's industry relocated southward. By the late , Hooksett's economy diversified further with employers in and services, exemplified by the expansion of what became GE Aerospace's facility, bolstering employment in precision manufacturing. Population continued to climb, reaching 11,351 in 2000 and 13,451 in 2010, fueled by residential subdivisions and commercial zoning that capitalized on the town's strategic location along major routes. Infrastructure investments, such as the conversion of the Hooksett Toll Plaza to open-road tolling in the , facilitated commuter traffic and economic activity without halting flows. In recent decades, Hooksett has pursued balanced development amid ongoing increases to 14,871 by 2020 and an estimated 15,377 in 2024, with annual growth rates around 1.7%. Key modern advancements include major industrial projects like the 500,000-square-foot Granite Woods Commerce Center initiated in 2023, featuring high-bay warehousing and loading facilities to attract firms. Residential proposals, such as a 160-unit complex in a repurposed office building approved in 2025 and a larger mixed-use plan for over 400 housing units on 100 acres, address housing demands while integrating commercial spaces. committed $16 million in capital investments at its Hooksett plant in 2025, sustaining 800 jobs in production. Ongoing infrastructure upgrades, including bridge rehabilitations and sewer expansions tied to new developments, underscore efforts to manage growth pressures from suburban spillover.

Geography

Location and Physical Features

Hooksett occupies a position in south-central within Merrimack County, approximately 8 miles south of the state capital, Concord, and immediately north of the city of . The town lies along the western bank of the , which forms a significant portion of its eastern boundary and serves as a key geographical feature influencing local hydrology and historical development. Interstate 93, a major north-south highway, passes through the town, facilitating connectivity to southward and the White Mountains northward. The town's geographic coordinates center around 43°05′48″N 71°27′54″W, with elevations varying from about 175 feet at the Merrimack River gage to higher terrain inland. According to state records, Hooksett encompasses 36.2 square miles of land and 0.9 square miles of inland water, yielding a total area of 37.1 square miles. The , characterized by a descent of approximately 16 feet over short distances with rocky ledges flanking its banks, has historically supported mills and ferries due to its gradient and flow. Physical terrain includes undulating hills and forested regions, particularly east of the river in areas historically termed Chester Woods or White Pine Country, reflecting pre-colonial timber resources. The landscape features a mix of alluvial plains near the river transitioning to rocky outcrops and wooded uplands, typical of the piedmont region. No significant mountains or lakes dominate, but the river's presence contributes to localized flooding risks and riparian ecosystems.

Adjacent Municipalities and Boundaries

Hooksett is bordered to the north by the towns of Pembroke and Allenstown, to the northeast by Deerfield, to the east by Candia, to the southeast by Auburn, to the south by the city of , to the southwest by Goffstown, to the west by Bow, and to the northwest by Dunbarton. The town's boundaries encompass approximately 36.3 square miles, with the forming a significant natural divide running roughly north-south through the center, separating about one-third of the land area to the west from the majority to the east. Portions of the northern and eastern boundaries adjoin protected areas, including Bear Brook State Park, which spans into Allenstown and Deerfield. Western boundaries feature terrain such as Quimby Mountain adjacent to Dunbarton and Bow. Under New Hampshire law (RSA 51:2), municipal boundaries like those of Hooksett must be perambulated and marks renewed at least every seven years by selectmen or designees to maintain accurate delineation. The irregular shape of Hooksett reflects historical settlement patterns along the and major transportation corridors, including , which influences inter-municipal connectivity and shared infrastructure planning with neighbors like and Allenstown. Coordination on open space preservation extends across borders with Auburn, Bow, Candia, Dunbarton, and others to protect regional natural features.

Government and Politics

Town Governance Structure

Hooksett operates under a adopted in 1989, establishing a council-administrator form of government that replaced the traditional New Hampshire selectboard system. The vests primary legislative authority in the Town Council, which consists of seven members elected by voters for staggered three-year terms. In a March 2024 town vote, residents approved amendments eliminating electoral districts effective July 1, 2024, and reducing council seats from nine to seven effective July 1, 2025, to streamline representation and reduce costs. The Town Council appoints the Town Administrator, who serves as the chief executive responsible for implementing policies, managing daily operations, and overseeing appointed department heads. Council responsibilities include providing policy direction, reviewing and approving departmental budgets and the Capital Improvement Plan, negotiating collective bargaining agreements, adopting ordinances, and appointing members to various boards and committees. While the council proposes the annual operating budget, it requires review by the independent Budget Committee before final approval at the deliberative Annual Town Meeting, where registered voters deliberate and vote on warrant articles, preserving direct democratic input on fiscal matters as mandated by New Hampshire statutes. Elections for council seats occur annually in March, with terms expiring June 30; the 2025 filled three seats for terms ending June 30, 2028, two for June 30, 2027, and two for June 30, 2026, aligning with the reduction. The conducts regular public meetings, typically bi-weekly, and adheres to rules of procedure outlined in the and state law, including requirements for public hearings on ordinances and zoning changes. Additional oversight bodies, such as the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Adjustment, operate semi-independently but report to the . This structure balances elected representation with professional administration while retaining authority for major decisions.

Fiscal Policies and Voter Decisions

Hooksett's fiscal framework relies heavily on property taxes, as imposes no state income or sales taxes on localities. The town council proposes annual budgets, which voters must approve through warrant articles at deliberative sessions and town meetings held in early . Default budgets serve as a statutory fallback, funding only prior-year levels of like public safety and administration while excluding new expenditures or expansions. This structure incentivizes fiscal restraint, as rejected proposals trigger automatic reversion to lower spending. Over the past five years, burdens have risen sharply due to increasing assessed values and operational costs, with the median homeowner's annual bill climbing from $5,225 in 2020 to approximately $8,944 in 2024. For fiscal year 2025-2026, officials proposed a budget of $25.4 million—a 4.85% increase over the prior year—and a budget of $44.85 million, projecting an additional $314 and $150 per median home ($516,300 value), respectively, plus $86 for school renovations. taxes also contributed to hikes, rising 4.74% in 2024 amid shared Merrimack burdens. These proposals reflect policies aimed at maintaining infrastructure and services amid , but they have strained residents facing stagnant wages and higher living costs. Voter decisions underscore a pattern of tax aversion, with residents repeatedly rejecting expansions to prioritize lower taxes over enhanced spending. In the March 11, 2025, town meeting, voters defeated both the proposed town and school budgets, invoking default levels of $24.5 million and $43.96 million, respectively, and sidelining items like $2.8 million for road repairs and additional firefighters. Similar rejections occurred in prior years, forcing officials to reassess priorities and defer non-critical projects, as default budgets prohibit funding for unfunded needs. Town Administrator Andre Garron described the 2025 outcome as voters being "loud and clear" against hikes, reflecting broader community pushback against cumulative increases exceeding 70% since 2020. This fiscal conservatism influences candidate selection and policy debates, favoring officials who advocate spending controls and efficiency over growth-oriented initiatives.

Economy

Historical Economic Foundations

The economic foundations of Hooksett were established through the utilization of the Merrimack River's falls, which supplied for resource-based industries predating the town's 1822 incorporation. As early as 1770, the first mill was constructed by Thomas Cochrane, initiating localized manufacturing powered by the river. Ferries operated to enable crossings of the Merrimack, supporting trade, while lumber mills and brick production leveraged the falls for processing natural resources abundant in the region. These activities positioned Hooksett—then known informally as Hooksett for decades—as a nodal point for transportation and extraction, with the 1794 construction of the Hooksett Canal, funded by lottery, enhancing navigation to bolster downstream operations and regional commerce. Industrial expansion accelerated post-incorporation with the establishment of the Hooksett Manufacturing Company in 1823, focused on cotton cloth production in a linear complex of brick and wood structures along Merrimack Street at Isle au Hooksett Falls. This venture, employing water power from the river, marked the transition to as a core economic driver, aligning with New Hampshire's broader shift from to factory-based output. Acquired by the in 1835, the facility operated as Dundee Mills from 1865 to 1929, producing crash toweling—a coarse fabric—and peaking at 300 jobs, which stimulated worker housing, canal traffic, and railroad linkages for raw material and product distribution. By the late , Hooksett had evolved into a bustling , with Dundee Mills diversifying into furniture production and serving as a cornerstone of employment and village growth around Main Street's commercial core. These operations, reliant on river and proximity to Manchester's larger Amoskeag complex, underscored causal dependencies on geography and capital inflows rather than solely local innovation. The sector's decline began with floods in 1936 and 1938, which shuttered the Emerson Manufacturing Company iteration, eroding the base that had defined Hooksett's early prosperity. Complementary agrarian pursuits, such as market farming for factory workers and urban markets, provided subsistence but were secondary to industrial outputs in shaping the town's foundational economy.

Key Sectors and Employment

The local economy of Hooksett centers on , , and retail as primary sectors, supporting a workforce of approximately 3,060 employed residents in 2023, reflecting a 4.94% growth from 2,910 in 2022. employs 299 residents, and social assistance 520, and retail trade 270, with many workers commuting to nearby for additional opportunities. A key manufacturing hub is the facility on Industrial Park Drive, which as of recent operations employs nearly 900 workers focused on high-tech machining and production of components for commercial and applications. This site contributes significantly to the town's industrial base, leveraging New Hampshire's broader advanced manufacturing strengths in and . In , UnitedHealthcare operates a major office on Central Park Drive, employing 500-999 staff in administrative and service roles. Retail remains vital due to Hooksett's position along , with supermarkets like on Market Drive and Shaw's each sustaining 100-249 employees in distribution, sales, and operations. Overall employment stability is evident in low rates, averaging around 2% in late 2024, with a labor force of about 9,400 and monthly employment figures near 9,200-9,300. The town's Advisory Committee actively supports business retention and expansion to bolster these sectors amid regional growth in and advanced industries.

Recent Developments and Challenges

In August 2025, the Hooksett Board announced regular updates on plans, emphasizing expansion of water and sewer infrastructure to support commercial growth, alongside a strategic shift toward business-oriented projects including acquisitions of the Cigna Building and Hedgepond properties. These initiatives align with the town's Advisory Committee's ongoing efforts to retain existing businesses through ambassador outreach and promote new investments via streamlined information on municipal websites. Additionally, proposals for new commercial ventures, such as a high-tech and retail components in mixed-use developments like the 160-unit project at 2 College Park Drive (including two retail/restaurant buildings), advanced through planning reviews in 2025. However, local opposition has impeded some expansions, as evidenced by resident pushback against a proposed 40,000-square-foot warehouse in August 2025, citing risks to wetlands, water quality, traffic congestion from heavy trucks, and incompatibility with neighborhood aesthetics compared to smaller nearby structures like the 18,000-square-foot Sullivan Building. Larger industrial projects, such as the 500,000-square-foot Granite Woods Commerce Center, remain paused amid paused speculative construction in southern New Hampshire's market, reflecting broader caution due to rising interest rates and economic uncertainty. A $20 million state highway improvement on Hooksett Road, set for completion by 2030, has drawn concerns from business owners over potential construction disruptions to daily operations and access. These hurdles compound statewide pressures, including New Hampshire's unemployment rate rising above 3 percent in 2025 for the first time in nearly a decade, stalled job growth, and persistent barriers like housing costs that limit labor force expansion in areas like Hooksett.

Demographics

The population of Hooksett has exhibited steady growth since the early , reflecting its position as a suburban community between and Concord. The 2010 U.S. recorded 13,451 residents, which increased to 14,871 by the 2020 , a decennial growth of 10.6%. New state estimates project further expansion, with 15,259 residents in 2023 and 15,377 in 2024, yielding an average annual growth rate of approximately 1.3% from 2000 to 2023. This trend aligns with broader patterns in Merrimack County, where inbound migration from urban centers like has contributed to residential development, though at a moderated pace compared to the . Historical data indicate the town's stood at around 11,467 in 2000, marking a cumulative 30% increase over the subsequent two decades, primarily through natural increase and net domestic migration rather than international inflows. Demographically, Hooksett remains predominantly non-Hispanic, comprising approximately 89% of the as of the 2020 , with Asian residents at 2.3% and other racial groups, including or African American at 0.7%, forming small minorities; or Latino individuals of any race account for 2.3%. The median age is 40 years, with a near-even distribution (49% , 51% ) and a relatively low foreign-born of around 4%. These characteristics underscore a stable, family-oriented composition typical of New Hampshire's southern suburbs.
Race/EthnicityPercentage
White alone, not Hispanic or Latino88.6%
Black or African American alone0.7%
Asian alone2.3%
Two or More Races6.2%
Hispanic or Latino (of any race)2.3%
YearPopulationAnnual Growth Rate (approx.)
200011,467-
201013,4511.6%
202014,8711.0%
202315,2590.9%
202415,3770.8%

Socioeconomic Indicators

The median household income in Hooksett was $106,906 according to 2023 5-year estimates. Median family income reached $131,375 in the same period. averaged $56,916. Poverty affected 4.35% of residents in 2023. Among adults aged 25 and older, 94.3% held a or higher, while 38.9% attained a or above.
IndicatorValue (2023 ACS Estimates)
Median Household Income$106,906
Median Family Income$131,375
$56,916
Poverty Rate4.35%
High School Graduate or Higher (Age 25+)94.3%
or Higher (Age 25+)38.9%
The median property value was $298,900 in 2023, though recent market data indicated home values rising to approximately $519,000 by mid-2025 amid statewide housing pressures.

Infrastructure

Transportation Networks

Hooksett's transportation infrastructure is dominated by its highway system, which facilitates regional connectivity along the Merrimack River corridor. Interstate 93 (I-93), a major north-south artery, traverses the town with three interchanges: Exit 9 serving Hooksett Road (concurrent U.S. Route 3 and New Hampshire Route 28), Exit 10 providing direct access to U.S. Route 3 (Daniel Webster Highway), and Exit 11 connecting to New Hampshire Route 3A and Hackett Hill Road. U.S. Route 3 carries an average annual daily traffic (AADT) of approximately 33,000 vehicles, peaking at 40,000 during summer months, while congestion is notable on New Hampshire Route 3A, identified as the town's most congested corridor. The Hooksett Toll Plaza on I-93 was converted to open-road tolling in recent years, featuring four toll lanes separated by concrete barriers to improve traffic flow. Local roads total 108 miles as of 2020, classified by maintenance responsibility and function, with state-maintained highways comprising the bulk of higher-capacity routes.
Road ClassMileageDescription
Class I (State Highways)28Major routes like I-93 segments and , state-maintained for regional travel.
Class II (Secondary State Roads)27Includes routes like NH 28 Bypass, aiding local connectivity.
Class V (Town Roads)43Local streets for residential and commercial access, often narrow with limited sidewalks.
Class VI (Unmaintained)6Discontinued roads, minimally used.
Principal arterials include and NH Route 3A, while minor arterials encompass NH Routes 27, 28A, and Bypass 28; challenges include bottlenecks at intersections like and NH Route 3A, exacerbated by the single bridge over the limiting east-west travel. Ongoing Department of Transportation (NHDOT) projects address these issues, such as widening /NH Route 28 over 1.4 miles to enhance safety and reduce congestion, and I-93 bridge preservation between Hooksett and completed in phases through 2024. Public transportation options are limited, relying on demand-response services rather than fixed rail or extensive bus networks. The Hooksett Shuttle Program offers free, handicap-accessible curb-to-curb service for residents, operating Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with connections to and funded by federal grants since in partnership with the Transit Authority (MTA) and Southern New Hampshire Commission. MTA Route 11 provides fixed-route bus service with a stop at the Plaza, linking Hooksett to 's broader system and onward connections to Nashua and Concord. No passenger rail service exists within Hooksett, with the nearest Amtrak stations located in (approximately 20 miles east) or Claremont (65 miles west). Air access is via Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, situated 10 miles south in , handling 1.3 million passengers in 2022 and reachable primarily by highway. Future enhancements outlined in the town's 2024-2034 Master Plan include potential I-93 widening to add one or two carriageways, a new bridge to alleviate constraints, and feasibility studies for expanded bus service near key interchanges and , alongside pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure improvements to support non-motorized travel. These initiatives aim to accommodate projected traffic growth from while addressing safety and capacity deficits.

Public Services and Utilities

The Hooksett Police Department operates as the primary , providing transparent, professional, and ethical services to the town's residents. Led by Chief Janet Bouchard, the department is located at 15 Legends Drive and maintains activity logs for public access. The Hooksett Fire-Rescue Department delivers fire suppression, , and rescue operations across 36.6 square miles from two stations, with 28 full-time line personnel staffing 24-hour shifts. David Nadeau was sworn in as on September 24, 2025. The Department of Public Works manages infrastructure maintenance, including highways, , , and solid waste transfer at 210 West River Road, with operations running Monday through Friday and varying hours such as 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM on most days. The Hooksett serves as a community resource center at 31 Mount Saint Mary's Way, offering materials, programs, and technology access during hours from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM Monday through Thursday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Friday, and 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM Saturday. Utilities in Hooksett involve multiple providers for and sewer due to precinct-based systems, with five water entities including the Hooksett Village Water Precinct and Central Hooksett Water Precinct handling distribution and billing. The Hooksett Sewer Commission oversees . Electricity is primarily supplied by Eversource, while service is provided by Liberty Utilities. Public Works also coordinates and pollution prevention plans to comply with municipal separate storm sewer system requirements.

Education

K-12 Education System

The Hooksett , part of School Administrative Unit 15, administers public for pre-kindergarten through grade 8 residents of Hooksett. The district operates three schools: Fred C. Underhill School for grades K-2, Hooksett Memorial School for grades 3-5, and David R. Cawley Middle School for grades 6-8. For the 2025-26 school year, total enrollment stands at 1,268 students, with a student-teacher of 13:1. Approximately 10% of students are from minority backgrounds, and 15.7% qualify as economically disadvantaged. State assessment results indicate above-average performance relative to statewide figures. Elementary students achieve proficiency rates of 64% in reading and 70% in , compared to state averages of 50% and 43%, respectively. The district's overall testing ranking places it in the top 30% of public school districts. Hooksett does not operate its own public high schools; instead, the town funds tuition for grade 9-12 students to attend select institutions via longstanding agreements. in Derry serves as the designated default high school, with a contractual minimum enrollment of 63% of Hooksett's eighth graders. Alternative options include and Manchester High School West. , an independent secondary school enrolling over 3,200 students from multiple sending towns including Hooksett, admits residents tuition-free under these arrangements.

Access to Higher Education

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), a private nonprofit institution, maintains its main campus within Hooksett at 2500 North River Road, offering residents direct access to over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs, including business, education, and health sciences, with both on-campus and extensive online options. The university's 300-acre campus, which spans into adjacent , supports traditional college experiences such as athletics at Penmen Stadium in Hooksett, alongside flexible scheduling that accommodates local commuters. Community college options are readily available nearby, with Manchester Community College located approximately 5.4 miles away in Manchester, providing affordable associate degrees, certificates, and transfer pathways in fields like nursing, IT, and general studies as part of the Community College System of New Hampshire. Further afield but still proximate, NHTI-Concord's Community College lies about 7.7 miles south in Concord, emphasizing vocational programs such as dental hygiene and radiation therapy on its 250-acre campus. The University of New Hampshire at Manchester, a public branch campus roughly 6 miles west, delivers bachelor's degrees in high-demand areas like computer science and justice studies, enhancing regional access via Interstate 93 connectivity. These institutions collectively enable Hooksett residents to pursue higher education through short commutes, primarily by personal vehicle, given limited public transit in the area.

Notable Landmarks and Events

Significant Sites and Structures

, located in Hooksett Village along the , has operated since 1887 under the Robie family ownership until 1997, making it the oldest continuously operating business in the area prior to a closure in 2013 and reopening in 2023 by family descendants. The structure is listed on both the National and State Registers of Historic Places due to its role in the historical development of Hooksett Village, including its association with early manufacturing and community commerce. It has served as a frequent campaign stop for presidential candidates during primaries, highlighting its cultural significance. The Arah W. Prescott Historical Library, opened in 1910 as a gift from local benefactor Arah W. Prescott, originally housed the town's before becoming the home of the in 1974. Located at 16 , this brick and granite building exemplifies early 20th-century civic architecture and preserves local artifacts and records. Head Chapel, constructed around 1839 as Hooksett's first one-room schoolhouse, later served religious purposes and is associated with the nearby Head Cemetery, named after former Governor Natt Head. The Hooksett Heritage Commission has undertaken restoration efforts to maintain this structure as part of the town's early educational and community heritage. The Hooksett Depot, a station, represents 19th-century transportation infrastructure that facilitated industrial growth along the . Hooksett's designation as a Preserve America in 2005, the first in , underscores efforts to protect such sites including open houses at key historic buildings.

Community and Historical Events

Hooksett was incorporated as a on July 2, 1822, after being known informally as Hooksett for nearly fifty years, deriving its name possibly from early French references to "Isle au Hooksett" around 1719, reflecting a hook-shaped island or settlement near the falls. Prior to incorporation, the area featured ferries for crossing the , lumber mills, and a brick-making operation established by 1794, powered by the river's falls, supporting early industrial activity in what was then parts of , Goffstown, and Dunbarton. The Turnpike, a key route from Concord to , included a toll house and Langley's , while early settlements like J. Martin's near Whitehall Road and the Londonderry Turnpike saw the construction of Martin's School in 1808 for $112 to serve local children. In 1823, following Merrimack County's formation, Hooksett became its southernmost township, marking a period of boundary adjustments, including a possible 1853 land transfer to Allenstown involving submarginal areas now part of Bear Hill Reservation. Infrastructure developments included a railroad trestle and wooden passenger bridge over the Merrimack in the early , facilitating regional connectivity. The Hooksett Village Water Precinct was established on November 10, 1941, at a to address concerns over waterborne diseases, providing centralized service that continues today. The Hooksett Historical Society, founded in 1974, preserves town artifacts, photos, and records at the Arah Prescott Historical Library on , hosting monthly meetings, open houses, and events like the 2024 Hall of Fame induction for its 50th anniversary. Community commemorations include the 2022 bicentennial celebration on July 2, featuring day-long events with residents recalling town memories, and annual Hooksett Heritage Day, which by 2017 had reached its 13th iteration, sponsored by the Heritage Commission to highlight preservation efforts. In 2005, Hooksett was designated New Hampshire's first Preserve America community by federal recognition, emphasizing its historical assets amid ongoing events like Colonial Days reenactments and NH History Week programs focused on sites such as the state veterans cemetery.

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