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Radon in New Hampshire: Levels by County and EPA Zones

Updated November 2026 · Data: EPA Map of Radon Zones · Sources

New Hampshire has a mix of radon risk: 1 county is in EPA Zone 1 (highest potential), 9 in Zone 2 and 0 in Zone 3. Find your county below, then learn how to test your home and what to do if the result is high.

1 of 10counties in EPA Zone 1 (highest potential)
9 of 10counties in Zone 2 (moderate)
0 of 10counties in Zone 3 (low)

Your county’s zone is not your home’s radon level. Homes with high radon are found in every zone. The EPA recommends testing every home, whatever its zone.

Map of EPA radon zones by county

Coos: EPA radon Zone 2Belknap: EPA radon Zone 2Carroll: EPA radon Zone 1Strafford: EPA radon Zone 2Sullivan: EPA radon Zone 2Rockingham: EPA radon Zone 2Hillsborough: EPA radon Zone 2Cheshire: EPA radon Zone 2Merrimack: EPA radon Zone 2Grafton: EPA radon Zone 2
Zone 1 (highest potential)Zone 2Zone 3Source: U.S. EPA Map of Radon Zones (June 2024 data file). County boundaries: U.S. Census Bureau via us-atlas.

Radon zones by county in New Hampshire

The table lists the EPA radon zone for each of the 10 counties in New Hampshire. The zone shows the predicted average indoor radon screening level for homes in that county.

CountyEPA zonePredicted average indoor level
BelknapZone 22 to 4 pCi/L
CarrollZone 1Above 4 pCi/L
CheshireZone 22 to 4 pCi/L
CoosZone 22 to 4 pCi/L
GraftonZone 22 to 4 pCi/L
HillsboroughZone 22 to 4 pCi/L
MerrimackZone 22 to 4 pCi/L
RockinghamZone 22 to 4 pCi/L
StraffordZone 22 to 4 pCi/L
SullivanZone 22 to 4 pCi/L
Source: U.S. EPA Map of Radon Zones (data file published June 2024).

What the EPA radon zones mean

  • Zone 1 (highest potential): predicted average indoor screening level greater than 4 pCi/L. In New Hampshire: 1 county (10%).
  • Zone 2 (moderate potential): predicted average between 2 and 4 pCi/L. In New Hampshire: 9 counties (90%).
  • Zone 3 (low potential): predicted average below 2 pCi/L. In New Hampshire: 0 counties (0%).

The EPA built the map from indoor radon measurements, geology, soil permeability and type of house foundation. It was made to help governments and builders target resources, not to decide whether a single home needs testing.

New Hampshire counties with the highest radon potential

1 county in New Hampshire is in Zone 1: Carroll.

How to test for radon in New Hampshire

Testing is the only way to know your home’s radon level. Short-term test kits (2 to 90 days) are sold at hardware stores and online, and some state programs offer kits at low cost; check with the New Hampshire DHHS Radon Program. Test in the lowest lived-in level of the home, with windows and doors closed, and follow the kit instructions.

  • Do-it-yourself kits: a simple, low-cost first step for your own home.
  • Long-term tests (more than 90 days): give a better picture of your home’s year-round average.
  • Certified professionals: look for certification from the National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP) or the National Radon Safety Board (NRSB), and ask the state program whether New Hampshire requires a state license.
  • Buying or selling a home: ask for a radon test as part of the home inspection.

If your radon level is high

The EPA recommends fixing your home if the radon level is 4 pCi/L or higher, and considering a fix between 2 and 4 pCi/L. The most common fix is a radon mitigation system (sub-slab depressurization), which pulls radon from under the foundation and vents it outside, above the roof line.

  • The EPA says most homes can be fixed for about the same cost as other common home repairs; the price depends on the size and design of the home.
  • Get estimates from more than one qualified, certified mitigation contractor. See our radon mitigation cost guide for typical prices.
  • Test again after the system is installed, and retest every few years.

Learn more: safe radon levels · how to test · test kits compared · radon and home sales · radon in well water

New Hampshire radon program

Radon rules and programs in New Hampshire

  • Home sales: before a sale contract is signed, New Hampshire sellers must give buyers a statement about radon, radon testing and mitigation (RSA 477:4-a).

Contact

The New Hampshire DHHS Radon Program answers questions from residents about radon testing, results and certified professionals.

Contact details as listed by the state radon program directory. Please confirm on the program’s website before calling.

Frequently asked questions

Is radon a problem in New Hampshire?

1 of New Hampshire’s 10 counties are in EPA Zone 1, where the predicted average indoor radon level is above 4 pCi/L, and 9 are in Zone 2 (2 to 4 pCi/L). High levels can be found in any home, so testing is the only way to know.

Which New Hampshire counties have the highest radon potential?

The 1 county in EPA Zone 1 have the highest predicted average levels. You can find them in the table above and in the Zone 1 list.

What radon level is safe?

There is no known safe level of radon. The EPA recommends fixing your home at 4 pCi/L or higher and considering a fix between 2 and 4 pCi/L.

Who can I contact about radon in New Hampshire?

The New Hampshire DHHS Radon Program answers questions about testing, results and certified professionals. Phone: 603-271-1708.

Sources