Atkinson, NH
Origin: Named for Colonel Theodore Atkinson, whose farm once covered nearly all of the area set aside from Plaistow that became the town. He was a brother-in-law to Governor Benning Wentworth, and served as secretary of the colony until the Revolution.
Population, Year of the First Census Taken: 479 residents in 1790
Population Trends: Atkinson's population has grow very rapidly—2000's population of 6,178 was more than twelve times 1950's population of 492, a total numeric increase of 5,686 residents. Decennial growth rates ranged from an 18 percent increase between 1980-1990 to a 125 percent increase between 1960-1970. Atkinson ranked sixth in percent growth and 30th in numeric growth over fifty years. The 2004 Census estimate for Atkinson was 6,638 residents, which ranked 46th among New Hampshire's incorporated cities and towns.
Population Density, 2004: 594.3 persons per square mile of land area. Atkinson contains 11.2 square miles of land area and 0.2 square miles of inland water area.
Villages and Place Names: Atkinson Heights, Conleys Grove, Westville, Atkinson Depot
