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Somersworth, NH

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Somersworth, NH

Somersworth is a city in Strafford County, New Hampshire, United States. The population was 11,855 at the 2020 census. Somersworth has the smallest area and third-lowest population of New Hampshire's 13 cities.

Somersworth is located in eastern Strafford County at 43°15′14″N 70°52′32″W (43.253783, −70.875499). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 10.0 square miles (25.9 km²), of which 9.8 square miles (25.4 km²) are land and 0.2 square miles (0.5 km²) are water, comprising 1.96% of the city. Somersworth is bordered to the northeast by the Salmon Falls River, which is also the state boundary with Maine. The highest point in Somersworth is Prospect Hill rising just west of the city center, on which the city reservoir is built. The hill's elevation is approximately 310 feet (94 m) above sea level.

New Hampshire Route 9 (High Street) is the main road through the city, leading north into Berwick, Maine, and south into Dover. New Hampshire Route 108 passes through a western portion of the city, leading northwest to Rochester and south to Dover. New Hampshire Route 236 (West High Street) leads west out of downtown to NH 108.

Prior to European settlement, the area that is now Somersworth was central-south Abenaki land. These Algonquian speaking peoples of the Wabanaki Confederacy lived along what they called Newichwanook, now the Salmon Falls River. Colonists from Britain arriving before 1700 named the area "Sligo", after Sligo in Ireland and settled there as a part of Dover. The community was organized in 1729 as the parish of "Summersworth", meaning "summer town", because during that season the ministers preached here. It was set off and incorporated in 1754 by colonial governor Benning Wentworth, and until 1849 included Rollinsford. A clerical error at incorporation contracted the name to "Somersworth". It was incorporated as a city in 1893, before which it was also known as "Great Falls".

Situated where the Salmon Falls River drops 100 feet (30 m) over a mile, Somersworth early became a mill town, beginning with gristmills and sawmills. In 1822, the brothers Isaac and Jacob Wendell of Boston purchased for $5,000 a gristmill with its water rights at the Great Falls. They established the Great Falls Manufacturing Company, a textile business that expanded to include three mills for spinning thread and weaving cotton and woolen fabrics, specializing in "drillings, shirtings and sheetings". Throughout the 19th century, other expansive brick mill buildings, including a bleachery and dye works, were erected beside the river. The bleachery became the longest running textile operation in Somersworth. The building housed the operations that took the buff-colored fabric produced in the seven mills and transformed it into a sparkling white material that could be dyed or printed according to the buyer's wishes. The gate house at the dam directed water as needed, regulating the flow either into the river or a company canal, which itself had gates sending it under the mill. Water power turned the wheels and belts that operated mill machinery. The railroad arrived in the early 1840s, before which goods were carted to Dover.

Health and wellness are paramount in Somersworth, with the city offering various amenities and services to support the well-being of its residents. The HCRC Somersworth Methadone Clinic and Salmon Falls Family Healthcare stand as cornerstone in providing comprehensive healthcare services to the community. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Somersworth Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. A popular option includes YMCA. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Somersworth, such as the Salmon Falls River Trail and Willand Pond. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Somersworth, NH include Hilltop Fun Center, Mast Point Dam Recreation Area, and Tri-City Plaza.

Population: 12,159 (2022). Elevation: 204 ft (62 m). Area: 10.00 sq mi (25.89 km²). ZIP Code: 03878. Area code: 603.

FAQs

Is Somersworth, NH up and coming?

Somersworth is a city on the move. Located in the center of New Hampshire's fastest growing region, the City offers a strategic location for new businesses that is affordable, has all the amenities of a big city, with the feel of small town charm, and offers an attractive quality of life. It is home to a wide range of business opportunities,  including everything from medical & healthcare to large and small manufacturing; from large retailers to downtown boutique shops and restaurants.

Is Somersworth, NH population growing?

In 2022, Somersworth, NH had a population of 12k people with a median age of 38.1 and a median household income of $75,841. Between 2021 and 2022 the population of Somersworth, NH grew from 11,964 to 11,994, a 0.251% increase and its median household income grew from $68,762 to $75,841, a 10.3% increase. The 5 largest ethnic groups in Somersworth, NH are White (Non-Hispanic) (83.9%), Asian (Non-Hispanic) (4.36%), Two+ (Non-Hispanic) (4.07%), Two+ (Hispanic) (2.31%), and Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) (2.01%).

What is the crime rate in Somersworth, NH?

The crime rate in Somersworth is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 21 crimes per one thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rate. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Somersworth is 1 in 47. Based on FBI crime data, Somersworth is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to New Hampshire, Somersworth has a crime rate that is higher than 93% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Somersworth

HCRC Somersworth Methadone Clinic 

Salmon Falls Family Healthcare 

Somersworth Parks and Recreation Department 

YMCA

Salmon Falls River Trail 

Willand Pond

Hilltop Fun Center

Mast Point Dam Recreation Area

Tri-City Plaza

Data USA

Neighborhood Scout

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