Hampstead, NH
Origin: Once part of Haverhill and Amesbury, Massachusetts, the town was formed as a result of the 1739 change in boundary lines between Massachusetts and the new province of New Hampshire. It was originally known as Timberlane Parish, because of the heavy growth of native trees. In 1749, Governor Benning Wentworth renamed the town Hampstead, after the English residence of William Pitt, a close friend.
Population, Year of the First Census Taken: 724 residents in 1790
Population Trends: Hampstead's population had the eighth highest fifty-year percent increase, growing at least double the statewide average rate over each decade. Growth rates ranged from a 23 percent increase between 1990-2000 to a 90 percent increase between 1960-1970. Hampstead's population grew by a total of 7,395 residents, going from 902 in 1950 to 8,297 residents in 2000. The 2004 Census estimate for Hampstead was 8,700 residents, which ranked 32nd among New Hampshire's incorporated cities and towns.
Population Density, 2004: 649.3 persons per square mile of land area. Hampstead contains 13.4 square miles of land area and 0.7 square miles of inland water area.
Villages and Place Names: East Hampstead, West Hampstead
