Welcome to
Lake Winnipesaukee is the vibrant heart of the local community in Alton and beyond. From a neighborhood perspective, the lake offers more than just a scenic backdrop—it’s a hub of activity and connection. Residents enjoy a blend of tranquility and recreation, with boating, fishing, and swimming in the summer, and ice skating or ice fishing in the winter. The lake’s shores are dotted with charming homes and close-knit communities, where neighbors often gather for events like barbecues, farmers' markets, or fireworks by the water. For many, Lake Winnipesaukee is not just a place to live near; it’s a way of life.
Lake Winnipesaukee is the largest lake in the U.S. state of New Hampshire, located in the Lakes Region at the foothills of the White Mountains. It is approximately 21 miles long (northwest-southeast) and from 1 to 9 miles wide (northeast-southwest), covering 69 square miles—71 square miles when Paugus Bay is included—with a maximum depth of 180 feet. The center area of the lake is called The Broads.
The lake contains at least 264 islands, half of which are less than 0.25 acres in size, and is indented by several peninsulas, yielding a total shoreline of approximately 288 miles. The driving distance around the lake is 63 miles. It is 504 feet above sea level. Winnipesaukee is the third-largest lake in New England after Lake Champlain and Moosehead Lake.
The communities that surround the lake, clockwise from the southernmost town, are:
Lake Winnipesaukee has 21,521 households, with an average household size of 2.3. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Lake Winnipesaukee do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 49,961 people call Lake Winnipesaukee home. The population density is 53.61 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Median Age
Men vs Women
Population by Age Group
0-9 Years
10-17 Years
18-24 Years
25-64 Years
65-74 Years
75+ Years
Education Level
Total Households
Average Household Size
Average individual Income
Households with Children
With Children:
Without Children:
Blue vs White Collar Workers
Blue Collar:
White Collar:
