Home Value
$73,800
74% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
2.3%
93% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.0%
15% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.1%
42% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.3%
33% lower than US avg
How New Bedford Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population48
Median Age62.5 yrs
Density300/mi²
Male / Female58% / 42%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans48.0%
Economy
Median IncomeN/A
Per Capita$37,792
Unemployment2.1%
Poverty8.3%
County GDP$1,598M
Commute34 min
Housing
Home Value$73,800
RentN/A
OwnershipN/A
Housing Units33
Health
Obesity37.0%
Uninsured8.7%
Smoking15.7%
Depression25.1%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain36.8 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation630 ft (192 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+2.3%
High School+72.1%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.34
Community
2024 VoteR 61% / D 37%
Commute34 min
Broadband33.0%
Libraries14
Is New Bedford a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, New Bedford receives an overall livability score of 1.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of F. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. New Bedford faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.1%. 8.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 34 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in New Bedford is $73,800, 74% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership.
Education
2.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 72.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
New Bedford experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 36.8 inches, including 35.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
New Bedford has a population of 48 with a density of 300 people per square mile. The median age is 62.5 years, 61% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (97.9%).
Population
62.5yrs
Median Age
61% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
New Bedford vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 100.0% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Spanish | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
Social Characteristics
New Bedford vs U.S. Average
The median household income in New Bedford is N/A. The unemployment rate is 2.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 8.3% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 34 minutes.
Income: New Bedford vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $37,792 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,025 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,389 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.1% |
| 42% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.3% |
| 33% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 771 |
| County GDP | $1,598M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 77 |
| Healthcare | 60 |
| Retail | 95 |
| Manufacturing | 35 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,364 |
| 53% above US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 7.27% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 33.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 89.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in New Bedford is $73,800, 74% below the national average.
Home Values
| Census Median | $73,800 |
| 74% below US avg |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Owner-Occupied | 84.8% |
| Housing Units | 33 |
| Median Year Built | 1942 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,364 |
| 53% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 7.27% |
In New Bedford, 37.0% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 8.7% of residents lack health insurance. 15.7% are current smokers. 25.1% report depression. 22.4% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: New Bedford vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.0% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.5% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Cancer | 6.5% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.7% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.4% |
| Depression | 25.1% |
| Mental Distress | 19.2% |
| Physical Distress | 12.8% |
| Short Sleep | 36.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.6% |
| Uninsured | 8.7% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 71.8% |
| Dental Visits | 58.8% |
| Premature Death | 8,701/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 66.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 60 |
New Bedford has an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation is 36.8 inches. The area enjoys 275 sunny days per year. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.3°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 36.8 inches |
| 3% below US avg |
| Snowfall | 35.9 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 630 ft (192 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 300/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.5115°N, 89.7182°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County FIPS | 17011 |