Massachusetts
New Bedford is a large city in Massachusetts with a population of 100,731. Residents earn $56,025 per year, which is 25% below the national average.
Based on current data, New Bedford receives an overall livability score of 2.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. New Bedford has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
The median household income in New Bedford is $56,025, 25% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.7%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 16.7% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
The median home value in New Bedford is $324,400, 15% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $1,085 per month. The price-to-income ratio of 5.8x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
With 1,257 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern — this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,526 per 100,000, 80% above the national average.
16.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 76.1% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.5/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
New Bedford experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 265 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 52.9 inches, including 18.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37.
| English Only | 62.1% |
| 21% below US avg | |
| Spanish | 37.9% |
| 183% above US avg |
| Median HH Income | $56,025 |
| 25% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $30,475 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,374 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $104,753 |
| Unemployment | 4.7% |
| 31% above US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 16.7% |
| 35% above US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 1,434 |
| County GDP | $2,110M |
| Restaurants | 154 |
| Healthcare | 55 |
| Retail | 195 |
| Manufacturing | 18 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $8,108 |
| 132% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.50% |
| Commute Time | 25.2 min |
| Work from Home | 4.7% |
| Census Median | $324,400 |
| 15% above US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $428,272 |
| Median List Price | $500,000 |
| Median List Price | $500,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $247 |
| Homes Sold | 28 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.8% |
| Price Drops | 14.6% |
| Inventory | 82 |
| Census Median Rent | $1,085 |
| 7% below US avg | |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,969 |
| Studio | $1,727 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,822 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,300 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,858 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,232 |
| Owner-Occupied | 40.0% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,108 |
| 132% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 2.50% |
| Obesity | 36.5% |
| 14% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 12.0% |
| Heart Disease | 7.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.1% |
| Asthma | 13.8% |
| COPD | 9.3% |
| Stroke | 3.9% |
| Binge Drinking | 16.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 32.3% |
| Depression | 25.8% |
| Mental Distress | 22.7% |
| Physical Distress | 17.8% |
| Insurance Rate | 95.4% |
| Checkup Rate | 79.2% |
| Premature Death | 4,473/100K |
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 93.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 55 |
| Total Violent | 1,257.3/100K |
| 231% above US avg | |
| Murder | 3.2/100K |
| 50% below US avg | |
| Rape | 90.2/100K |
| Robbery | 266.3/100K |
| Assault | 897.6/100K |
| Total Property | 3,526.4/100K |
| 80% above US avg | |
| Burglary | 908.1/100K |
| Theft | 2,362.5/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 255.9/100K |
| Arson | 19.9/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 53.6°F |
| 1% below US avg | |
| January Average | 39°F (4°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 265 days/yr |
| Annual Rainfall | 52.9 inches |
| 39% above US avg | |
| Snowfall | 18.1 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 37.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 72 ft (22 m) |
| Area | 20.0 sq mi (51.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 5,037/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.6613°N, 70.9379°W |
| County FIPS | 25007 |
Winner: Democrat by 52.6 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 16.8% |
| 50% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 76.1% |
| School Test Score | 6.49 |
| RUCC Code 7 | Nonmetro — Urban 2.5K–20K |
| Population Density | 5,037/sq mi |
| Total Area | 20.0 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 21 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 22 |
| Public Libraries | 7 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 55 |
| Restaurants | 154 |
| Retail Stores | 195 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Commute | 25.2 min |
| Work from Home | 4.7% |