Hillsborough County, located in the southern part of New Hampshire, is the most populous county in the state. With a population of over 400,000, it is also home to a diverse group of voters. As election season approaches, it is important to understand the demographic makeup of Hillsborough County voters and how it may impact election campaigns.
The Importance of Hillsborough County in New Hampshire Elections
New Hampshire is known for its first-in-the-nation primary, making it a crucial state for presidential candidates. And within New Hampshire, Hillsborough County plays a significant role.It is the largest county in terms of population and has the most registered voters in the state. Furthermore, Hillsborough County has a diverse mix of urban and rural areas, making it a microcosm of the entire state. This means that winning over voters in Hillsborough County can have a significant impact on the outcome of elections in New Hampshire.
The Demographic Makeup of Hillsborough County Voters
According to the latest data from the U. S. Census Bureau, Hillsborough County has a population that is 89.5% white, 3.9% Asian, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, and 2.7% Black or African American.The median age in the county is 39 years old.When it comes to political affiliation, Hillsborough County is considered a swing county. In the 2016 presidential election, Hillary Clinton won the county by a narrow margin of just 0.1%. However, in the 2020 presidential election, Joe Biden won by a larger margin of 8.4%. This shows that the county is becoming more Democratic-leaning, but it is still a competitive area for both parties. One of the key factors that may have contributed to this shift is the growing diversity in Hillsborough County.
As the county becomes more diverse, it may become more challenging for Republican candidates to win over voters.
The Impact of Education and Income on Voting Patterns
Education and income are two important factors that can influence voting patterns. In Hillsborough County, 37.5% of the population has a bachelor's degree or higher, which is higher than the national average of 31.5%. This means that a significant portion of the population is highly educated and may be more politically engaged. Furthermore, the median household income in Hillsborough County is $76,596, which is higher than the national average of $68,703. This suggests that residents in the county may have more disposable income and may be more likely to donate to political campaigns. Both education and income levels can impact voting patterns as they can influence a person's values and beliefs. For example, highly educated individuals may prioritize issues such as healthcare and climate change, while those with higher incomes may be more concerned about taxes and economic policies.The Role of Age and Gender in Hillsborough County Elections
Age and gender are also important factors to consider when looking at the demographic makeup of Hillsborough County voters.According to the U. Census Bureau, 51.3% of the county's population is female, while 48.7% is male.In terms of age, the largest age group in Hillsborough County is 25-44 years old, making up 30.6% of the population. This is followed by those aged 45-64 years old at 27.6%. These two age groups are often considered the most politically engaged, which means they can have a significant impact on election outcomes. However, it is worth noting that the county also has a growing population of younger voters.
In the 2020 presidential election, voters aged 18-29 years old made up 14% of the total votes in Hillsborough County, which is higher than the national average of 11%. This suggests that younger voters are becoming more politically active in the county.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Hillsborough County Elections
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has also had an impact on election campaigns in Hillsborough County. Due to safety concerns, many voters have chosen to vote by mail or participate in early voting. This has led to a record number of absentee ballots being requested and returned in the county. Furthermore, the pandemic has also highlighted the importance of healthcare and economic policies, which may influence how voters in Hillsborough County cast their ballots.Candidates who prioritize these issues may have an advantage in winning over voters in the county.
