New Hampshire typically enjoys a robust labor market, with statewide unemployment hovering around 3.1% in April 2025. However, joblessness isn’t distributed equally across every community. According to ZipAtlas, Conway currently holds the highest unemployment rate among cities in the state—15.4%, a striking outlier compared to both New Hampshire’s average (3.4%) and the national rate (5.0%).
Understanding the Discrepancy: Conway’s Unemployment Spike
Why does Conway, a small tourist town in Carroll County, see such a high rate of joblessness? Several factors converge here:
- Seasonal Employment Cycles
Conway’s economy heavily depends on tourism—hiking in the Whites, scenic railroads, ski lodges, and summer camps. Jobs tied to these sectors often fluctuate dramatically with the seasons. Off‑season months see many workers laid off, driving spikes in unemployment. - COVID‑19 Aftershocks
While the hospitality sector rebounded in many areas, small tourism-dependent towns like Conway have recovered unevenly. Some businesses didn’t reopen, and others have restructured, reducing staffing needs. - Demographic Pressures
Youth unemployment tends to be higher, and Conway’s demographic makeup includes a notable number of part‑time and seasonal workers—roles most affected by economic lulls.
How Conway Compares to Other New Hampshire Cities
ZipAtlas highlights the contrast sharply:
| City | Unemployment Rate |
|---|---|
| Conway | 15.4% |
| Greenville | 13.8% |
| Seabrook Beach | 10.9% |
| Lisbon | 9.9% |
| … | … |
This data underscores Conway’s position not just at the top—but significantly above the next-ranking communities .
Statewide Economic Context
To put Conway’s situation into perspective:
- New Hampshire’s average unemployment — around 3.1–3.4%
- National average — approximately 5.0%
Despite strong statewide performance, areas like Carroll County grapple with structural and seasonal challenges distinct from urban or industrial hubs.
Broader Factors Behind Conway’s Statistics
1. Seasonal Economy
Spring through fall floods the local workforce with demand in tourism. But as winter deepens, many jobs vanish, and the unemployment rate spikes—sometimes doubling or tripling compared to summer months.
2. Limited Economic Diversification
Conway lacks a strong industrial or corporate presence to cushion local job loss. The town isn’t diversified enough to absorb job cuts in tourism.
3. Youth and Part-Time Workforce
A high share of under‑25 employees, often in transient roles, means joblessness hits harder during breaks or off-seasons, worsening the unemployment figure.
4. Access to Full-Time Opportunities
Some residents may lack the education or training for stable, year‑round work, limiting options during off-peak periods.
The Human Cost of Unemployment
15.4% unemployment isn’t just a statistic—it reflects:
- Income Instability: Families dependent on tourism may face serious financial strain during off-season months.
- Local Business Decline: Less income circulating in the economy means lower sales for shops, restaurants, and services.
- Mental Health Impacts: Job loss can lead to stress, anxiety, and an increased need for local social services.
Communities often respond by enhancing seasonal job training, diversifying the local economy, or supporting workforce development initiatives.
What’s Being Done—and What Could Help
Expanding Seasonal Support
- Workforce training programs aligned with hospitality, outdoor recreation, and tourism.
- Cross-training opportunities: Enabling workers to pivot between sectors during the off-season.
Economic Diversification
- Attracting remote-work hubs, tech startups, or year-round amenities to stabilize employment.
- Investing in alpine recreation industries that run through multiple seasons.
Regional Collaboration
Conway might partner with nearby municipalities to create regional employment buffers, share economic planning, and coordinate support systems.
Looking Forward: Is This a Temporary Fluctuation?
While seasonal unemployment is inevitable to some degree, 15.4% is still exceptionally high—even for a top-tier tourist destination. If Conway’s economy were redistributing fairly, we’d expect a dip closer to the state average during off-seasons. Instead, the persistently high rate signals deeper structural issues at play.
Efforts to build off-season resilience—and foster year-round job creation—are critical. As neighboring towns like Greenville (13.8%) and Seabrook Beach (10.9%) have slightly lower yet still high rates, the solution likely lies in cooperative, multi-town strategy
Summary
- Conway leads the state with a staggering 15.4% unemployment rate, far above the 3.1–3.4% statewide average.
- The spike reflects predictable seasonal dynamics, but also structural gaps in economic diversity and support.
- Solutions can include workforce training, remote job attraction, and regional cooperation to provide year-round stability.
- Turning this limbo into opportunity could reshape Conway’s economy—smoothing seasonal waves into sustainable growth.
By confronting the challenge directly, Conway—and all of New Hampshire—can aim for a future where no city lags, no family is left without opportunity, and economic vitality is shared across every season.