Median Income
$76,136
1% higher than US avg
Home Value
$167,100
41% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
613/100K
61% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
33.0%
2% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.9%
1% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How New Bedford Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population936
Median Age38.6 yrs
Density367/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans3.1%
Economy
A+
Median Income$76,136
Per Capita$29,174
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$12,615M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$167,100
Ownership91.5%
Zillow$205,525
Housing Units397
Rent Burden28.9%
Crime
F
Violent613/100K
Property3,730/100K
Health
Obesity31.9%
Smoking21.8%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain41.8 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,139 ft (347 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+33.0%
High School+98.8%
Graduate+6.5%
School Score5.95
Community
2024 VoteR 54% / D 45%
Commute24 min
Broadband97.8%
EV Stations2
Libraries16
Is New Bedford a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, New Bedford receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates. New Bedford offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in New Bedford is $76,136, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in New Bedford is $167,100, 41% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 613 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 3,730 per 100,000, 90% above the national average.
Education
33.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
New Bedford experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 28°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 41.8 inches, including 27.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
New Bedford has a population of 936 with a density of 367 people per square mile, spread across 2.6 square miles. The median age is 38.6 years, 1% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.4% female and 46.6% male. The city is predominantly White (99.9%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.6% of residents. 3.1% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 12.6% of residents have a disability. 98.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.6yrs
Median Age
1% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
New Bedford vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.6%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.4%
82% below US avg
Social Characteristics
New Bedford vs U.S. Average
The median household income in New Bedford is $76,136, which is 1% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,174 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $993, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 6,253 business establishments, including 557 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 13.2% of workers work from home.
Income: New Bedford vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $76,136 |
| 1% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,174 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $993 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $65,728 |
| Gini Index | 0.469 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 6,253 |
| County GDP | $12,615M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 557 |
| Healthcare | 727 |
| Retail | 807 |
| Manufacturing | 297 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,653 |
| 62% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.38% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 66.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 13.2% |
The median home value in New Bedford is $167,100, 41% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $205,525, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $996 for a one-bedroom to $1,225 for a two-bedroom apartment. 91.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 397 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1958. The average annual property tax is $5,653 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $167,100 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $205,525 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $900 |
| 1 Bedroom | $996 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,225 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,570 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,744 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 91.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 91.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 8.5% |
| Housing Units | 397 |
| Median Year Built | 1958 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,653 |
| 62% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.38% |
In New Bedford, 31.9% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 10.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 31.8% have high blood pressure. 21.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.6% report binge drinking. 25.2% are physically inactive. 13.9% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:973. The dentist ratio is 1:1,351. 89.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: New Bedford vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.9% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.3% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.8% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 6.7% |
| Cancer | 6.2% |
| Kidney Disease | 3.0% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 21.8% |
| 56% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.2% |
| Mental Distress | 13.9% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Short Sleep | 40.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.2% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:973 |
| Dentists | 1:1,351 |
| Mental Health | 1:211 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.5% |
| Dental Visits | 58.9% |
| Premature Death | 12,041/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 89.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 727 |
New Bedford has a violent crime rate of 613 per 100,000 residents, 61% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,730 per 100,000, 90% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 34 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, New Bedford receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: New Bedford vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 613.2/100K |
| 61% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,730.5/100K |
| 90% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 34 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
New Bedford experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 275 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 41.8 inches. The area receives 27.5 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 1,139 feet.
Temperature
28°F Jan (-2°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 51.1°F |
| 5% below US avg |
| January Average | 28°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,139 ft (347 m) |
| Area | 2.6 sq mi (6.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 367/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.0894°N, 80.4935°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Mahoning County County |
| Nearest Airport | Youngstown/Warren Regional (YNG) 15 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
41.8"
10% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.29"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0460 ppm |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.76 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.9 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 83.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 66.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 80.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
38 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.5. Most recent: M2.5 on May 12, 2025.
| Sep 25, 1998 |
2 km SW of Adamsville, Pennsylvania |
M4.5 |
46 km |
| Jun 10, 2019 |
1 km NW of Timberlake, Ohio |
M4.0 |
104 km |
| Jan 26, 2001 |
8 km NNW of Edgewood, Ohio |
M3.9 |
98 km |
| Mar 12, 2007 |
Ohio |
M3.7 |
77 km |
| Aug 28, 2023 |
7 km SE of Madison, Ohio |
M3.6 |
82 km |
| Jun 30, 2003 |
6 km NW of Perry, Ohio |
M3.6 |
99 km |
| Oct 16, 1993 |
8 km SSE of Madison, Ohio |
M3.6 |
80 km |
| Jun 20, 2006 |
9 km WNW of North Perry, Ohio |
M3.5 |
104 km |
| Mar 15, 1992 |
15 km NW of North Perry, Ohio |
M3.5 |
111 km |
| Jan 26, 1991 |
1 km NNE of Mayfield Heights, Ohio |
M3.4 |
94 km |
| Jun 3, 2001 |
3 km N of Edgewood, Ohio |
M3.4 |
94 km |
| Jun 3, 2017 |
1 km WNW of Batesville, Ohio |
M3.4 |
147 km |
| Jun 30, 2004 |
2 km WNW of Madison, Ohio |
M3.3 |
91 km |
| Jul 1, 2013 |
5 km NNW of Fairport Harbor, Ohio |
M3.2 |
103 km |
| Jan 9, 2008 |
6 km WNW of Mentor-on-the-Lake, Ohio |
M3.1 |
105 km |
| Mar 11, 2006 |
8 km NNW of Mentor-on-the-Lake, Ohio |
M3.1 |
107 km |
| Apr 25, 2010 |
2 km WNW of Madison, Ohio |
M3.0 |
91 km |
| Jun 5, 2011 |
5 km W of Lodi, Ohio |
M3.0 |
133 km |
| Mar 30, 2024 |
2 km SSW of Maple Ridge, Ohio |
M3.0 |
52 km |
| Feb 23, 1995 |
3 km W of Ashtabula, Ohio |
M2.9 |
91 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
336 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 75 fatalities, 1,162 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF5 |
56 km |
18 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF4 |
89 km |
7 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF4 |
83 km |
12 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF4 |
44 km |
16 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF4 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1992 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF3 |
74 km |
2 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF3 |
30 km |
9 |
| Oct 12, 1978 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1973 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1972 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1971 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Sep 29, 1966 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1963 |
EF3 |
100 km |
2 |
| Aug 5, 1956 |
EF3 |
19 km |
2 |
| Mar 1, 1955 |
EF3 |
25 km |
1 |
| May 11, 2024 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 7, 2024 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 2.7 m (9 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1823 |
LAKE ERIE |
Unknown |
2.7 m |
— |
140 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (628 ac, 1990).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
628 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-1°C) |
2.9 in |
|
New Bedford has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 28°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (2.1").
Average costs for common services in New Bedford. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$244 ($146–$390) |
| Specialist Visit |
$342 ($195–$537) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$195 ($98–$342) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,147 ($781–$4,880) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$127 ($73–$195) |
| Dental Filling |
$244 ($146–$390) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($24–$73) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$73 ($49–$117) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$293 ($146–$488) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20–$73) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$586 ($390–$976) |
| Battery Replacement |
$195 ($98–$342) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$98 ($59–$146) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$88 ($49–$137) |
| HVAC Repair |
$390 ($146–$781) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,832 ($3,904–$11,712) |
| Roof Repair |
$976 ($390–$1,952) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,784 ($5,368–$14,640) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,464 ($488–$3,416) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,640 ($4,880–$29,280) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,880 ($1,952–$9,760) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,464 ($781–$2,928) |
| Will Preparation |
$488 ($195–$976) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,440 ($976–$4,880) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($29–$98) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$146 ($73–$244) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$78 ($49–$127) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.00 ($2.93–$5.37) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.42 ($2.44–$4.88) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.71 ($2.44–$5.37) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.39 ($2.93–$6.34) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.37 ($3.90–$7.32) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.98 ($0.59–$1.76) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$137 ($78–$244) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$146) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$117) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$98) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$98) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$83 ($49–$146) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$195 ($73–$488) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,952 ($1,171–$3,416) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$127) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.81–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$98 ($29–$244) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($15–$73) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,171 ($586–$2,440) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$976 ($488–$1,952) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$390 ($195–$683) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($24–$98) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$976 ($390–$2,440) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,200 ($4,880–$29,280) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($29–$98) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$98 ($49–$195) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($29–$98) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20–$73) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$293 ($146–$488) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$195 ($98–$390) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $961 |
| Toddler | $866 |
| Preschool | $758 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $736 |
| Toddler | $714 |
| Preschool | $671 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About New Bedford
What is the population of New Bedford?
New Bedford has a population of 936 residents and is located in Pennsylvania. The population density is 367 people per square mile, spread across 2.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.6 years. The population is 53.4% female and 46.6% male.
Is New Bedford expensive to live in?
New Bedford has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 97.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $76,136, 1% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $167,100 (41% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is New Bedford safe?
Public safety is a concern in New Bedford, with a violent crime rate of 613 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,730 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, New Bedford receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in New Bedford?
New Bedford has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 28°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 41.8 inches, with 27.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in New Bedford?
The job market in New Bedford is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $993. There are 6,253 business establishments in the area, including 557 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 13.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in New Bedford?
The median home value in New Bedford is $167,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $205,525. The homeownership rate is 91.5%. The average annual property tax is $5,653.
How are the schools in New Bedford?
Schools in New Bedford score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 33.0% of adults in New Bedford hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.8% have completed high school. 6.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is New Bedford?
The obesity rate in New Bedford is 31.9% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 21.8% of adults are smokers. 25.2% are physically inactive. 89.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:973.
What is transportation like in New Bedford?
The average commute in New Bedford is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 66.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 13.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of New Bedford?
The racial and ethnic makeup of New Bedford is 99.9% White. 97.6% of residents speak only English at home. 3.1% of the population are military veterans. 12.6% of residents have a disability. 98.2% have health insurance coverage.