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Cities and Towns in Strafford County, New Hampshire

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Founded in 1769, Strafford County is one of 10 counties in the state of New Hampshire. Historically, Strafford County was one of five original counties. The city of Dover is the county seat. With FIPS code of 17, Strafford County has a population of 130,889 and area of 369 square miles (956 km²).

List of all cities in Strafford County, NH alphabetically

City/Town Postal Code Area Code
Barrington, NH 03825 603
Center Strafford, NH 03815 603
CTR Strafford, NH 03815 603
Dover, NH 03820 603
03821 603
03822 603
Durham, NH 03824 603
03861 603
East Rochester, NH 03868 603
Farmington, NH 03835 603
Gonic, NH 03839 603
Lee, NH 03824 603
03861 603
Liberty Mutual Insurance, NH 03822 603
Madbury, NH 03823 603
Milton, NH 03851 603
03852 603
Milton Mills, NH 03852 603
New Durham, NH 03855 603
Newington, NH 03805 603
Portsmouth, NH 03805 603
Rochester, NH 03839 603
03866 603
03867 603
03868 603
Rollinsford, NH 03869 603
Somersworth, NH 03878 603
Strafford, NH 03884 603

Major Cities and Towns in Strafford County, New Hampshire

Dover

Location and History

Dover is the largest city in Strafford County, located in the southeastern part of New Hampshire along the Cocheco River. Established in 1623, it is the oldest permanent settlement in New Hampshire and one of the oldest in the United States. Dover originally thrived as a mill town, capitalizing on its riverfront location to power watermills for textiles and other manufacturing. In the 19th century, Dover’s industrial economy expanded with the growth of shipbuilding and manufacturing, especially textiles and paper products. The city’s historical significance is evident in its many preserved buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly in the Dover Downtown Historic District. Today, Dover is a vibrant city with a diverse economy, including retail, healthcare, and technology. The city’s blend of historical charm and modern amenities makes it a desirable place to live and visit, offering both a bustling downtown and access to the natural beauty of the surrounding region.

Major Schools

Dover is served by the Dover School District, which includes Dover High School, Horne Street Elementary School, and McClelland School. The district offers a variety of academic programs, including arts, athletics, and advanced placement courses. For higher education, University of New Hampshire in nearby Durham is a popular option for Dover residents, as it offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a wide range of fields.

Major Landmarks

Dover is home to a number of important landmarks, many of which reflect its rich history. The Woodman Institute Museum showcases local history, with exhibits on natural history, military artifacts, and local industries. The Dover Point Historic District is a picturesque area along the Cocheco River, known for its historical homes and buildings dating back to the colonial period. The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire, located in Dover, provides interactive exhibits for children and families. Additionally, Henry Law Park, located in downtown Dover, offers a beautiful setting with a pond, walking paths, and a bandshell for concerts and events.

City Stats:

  • Area: 31.3 square miles
  • Population: 32,000 (estimated, 2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 03820
  • Latitude: 43.1980° N
  • Longitude: 70.8745° W

Rochester

Location and History

Rochester is located in the central part of Strafford County, near the Salmon Falls River. The town was settled in 1722 and incorporated in 1723. Originally a farming community, Rochester’s location near the river allowed it to develop a strong industrial base, with early industries such as gristmills, sawmills, and textile manufacturing. In the 19th century, the construction of the railroad further boosted Rochester’s growth, attracting more businesses and residents. The city developed into an important center for shoe manufacturing, becoming known as “The Shoe Capital of New England” during the early 20th century. Over time, however, the manufacturing sector declined, and Rochester shifted towards a more diversified economy, including retail, healthcare, and education. Today, Rochester is the second-largest city in Strafford County, with a growing population and economy, while still maintaining its historical charm.

Major Schools

Rochester is served by the Rochester School District, which includes Rochester Middle School, Spaulding High School, and several elementary schools. The district provides a variety of programs, including sports, arts, and vocational education. For higher education, residents can access Great Bay Community College in nearby Portsmouth or attend the University of New Hampshire in Durham.

Major Landmarks

Rochester has several historic landmarks that reflect its industrial heritage. The Rochester Historical Society Museum offers exhibits on the city’s past, particularly its role in the shoe industry. The Rochester Common, located in the heart of the city, hosts seasonal events such as concerts, festivals, and farmers’ markets. The Lilac Mall is a popular shopping destination, and the city’s surrounding natural beauty provides opportunities for outdoor activities, including hiking and fishing along the Salmon Falls River. Gonic Village, a historical area of the city, is home to several preserved mill buildings from the industrial era.

City Stats:

  • Area: 45.1 square miles
  • Population: 32,000 (estimated, 2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 03867
  • Latitude: 43.3033° N
  • Longitude: 70.9741° W

Somersworth

Location and History

Somersworth is located in the southwestern corner of Strafford County, close to the Maine border. Incorporated in 1729, the town grew as a mill town, powered by the Salmon Falls River. The presence of waterpower led to the establishment of textile and shoe manufacturing in the 19th century, which spurred the town’s industrial development. Somersworth was historically known as a hub for shoe production, and the town was once home to a number of shoe factories. As with many other industrial towns in New England, Somersworth’s economy transitioned in the late 20th century as manufacturing jobs declined. Today, Somersworth is a smaller city known for its residential communities and its proximity to the larger cities of Dover and Rochester. The town retains much of its historical charm, with several preserved buildings from its industrial past.

Major Schools

Somersworth is served by the Somersworth School District, which includes Somersworth High School, Idlehurst Elementary School, and Somersworth Middle School. The district offers a variety of academic programs, including arts, athletics, and advanced placement courses. For postsecondary education, residents often attend Great Bay Community College in nearby Portsmouth or University of New Hampshire in Durham.

Major Landmarks

Somersworth features several landmarks that highlight its historical significance. The Somersworth Historical Society Museum offers exhibits about the town’s industrial history, particularly its shoe manufacturing past. The First Baptist Church, built in 1827, is a notable example of early New England architecture. The Somersworth Downtown District includes several preserved buildings from the 19th century. For outdoor recreation, the Somersworth Recreation Center offers a variety of sports and activities, and the nearby Horne Street Park provides walking trails and open space for families.

City Stats:

  • Area: 5.2 square miles
  • Population: 11,000 (estimated, 2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 03878
  • Latitude: 43.2484° N
  • Longitude: 70.8701° W

Farmington

Location and History

Farmington is located in the northern part of Strafford County, nestled along the Cocheco River. Incorporated in 1791, Farmington was originally a farming community that gradually developed into a mill town, with industries such as sawmills and gristmills utilizing the waterpower of the Cocheco River. By the 19th century, Farmington became known for its agricultural output, particularly its dairy farming. The town also saw growth in the 20th century with the development of small manufacturing businesses. Today, Farmington is a quiet town that offers a blend of rural living with access to nearby cities like Rochester and Dover. It remains an agricultural hub but has also developed a small retail sector and a growing number of residents employed in nearby cities.

Major Schools

Farmington is served by the Farmington School District, which includes Farmington High School, Henry Wilson Memorial School, and several elementary schools. The district offers a variety of programs, including vocational training and special education. For higher education, residents often attend nearby colleges such as Great Bay Community College or University of New Hampshire.

Major Landmarks

Farmington is home to several historical landmarks that reflect its early settlement and industrial past. The Farmington Historical Society Museum showcases local history, including exhibits on the town’s agricultural and industrial heritage. The Farmington Village Historic District features several well-preserved buildings from the 19th century. The Cocheco River, running through the town, offers scenic beauty and opportunities for kayaking and fishing. The nearby Farmington Town Forest provides hiking trails and access to nature, and Tenny Mountain, just outside of town, offers year-round outdoor recreation.

City Stats:

  • Area: 27.3 square miles
  • Population: 7,800 (estimated, 2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 03835
  • Latitude: 43.4125° N
  • Longitude: 71.0503° W

Barrington

Location and History

Barrington is located in the central part of Strafford County, bordered by several neighboring towns. The town was originally settled in the mid-18th century and incorporated in 1727. Barrington was primarily an agricultural community for much of its early history, with farming and timber harvesting being the main economic drivers. The town’s economy began to diversify in the 19th century with the establishment of small mills, but it remained largely rural throughout much of the 20th century. Today, Barrington is a growing town that offers a blend of rural and suburban living, with increasing residential development and a focus on preserving its natural beauty. The town remains primarily residential but has seen growth in its retail sector in recent years.

Major Schools

Barrington is served by the Barrington School District, which includes Barrington Elementary School, Barrington Middle School, and Cooperative Middle School. The district offers a variety of academic programs and extracurricular activities. For higher education, students often attend University of New Hampshire in Durham or Great Bay Community College in Portsmouth.

Major Landmarks

Barrington is home to several parks and natural landmarks, including the Barrington Town Forest, which offers trails for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing. The Cocheco River runs through the town, providing opportunities for canoeing and fishing. Turtle Pond and Alumni Park offer quiet spaces for recreation and relaxation. Barrington also maintains its agricultural heritage, with several local farms offering produce and goods to the community.

City Stats:

  • Area: 33.1 square miles
  • Population: 8,500 (estimated, 2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 03825
  • Latitude: 43.2480° N
  • Longitude: 71.0407° W

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