Living in New Bedford, Massachusetts
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of New Bedford · Census data 2020–2024
New Bedford has 100,998 residents with a median age of 37. The median household income is $56,981 (45% lower than the Massachusetts median), the median home value is $357,300, the median rent is $1,137/month.
New Bedford at a glance
- Population
- 100,998
- Median age
- 37State: 40
- Median household income
- $56,981State: $103,960
- Median home value
- $357,300State: $562,100
- Median rent
- $1,137/moState: $1,762
- Homeowners
- 40.3%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 17%
- Average commute
- 25 min
Is New Bedford a good place to live?
Pros: Home values 36% lower than the state median; an average commute of 25 minutes.
Cons: Median household income 45% lower than the Massachusetts median; unemployment of 8.3%; a poverty rate of 20.6%.
The weather is best in June to September.
Cost of living in New Bedford
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In New Bedford the median home value is $357,300, 7% higher than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $1,137 per month, which is 31.6% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $2,041 a month in housing costs.
New Bedford median household income
The median household income in New Bedford is $56,981 and the income per person is $30,556. 20.6% of residents live below the poverty line (Massachusetts: 10%).
Housing in New Bedford: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 44,346
- Owner-occupied
- 40.3%
- Renter-occupied
- 59.7%
- Vacant
- 4.7%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1938
- Average household size
- 2.35
New Bedford demographics
- Population
- 100,998
- Median age
- 37
- Under 18
- 23.9%
- 65 and older
- 15.4%
- Households
- 42,271
- Foreign-born
- 20.4%
- Veterans
- 4%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of New Bedford ›
Education in New Bedford
17% of adults 25 and older in New Bedford have a bachelor's degree or higher (Massachusetts: 47.3%), and 5.2% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in New Bedford
- Unemployment rate
- 8.3%State: 5.2%
- Average commute
- 25 minState: 29 min
- Work from home
- 5.4%
- Drive alone
- 72.1%
- Public transit
- 2.7%
- Walk to work
- 2.3%
- Homes with broadband
- 86.6%
New Bedford vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Bedford | 100,998 | $56,981 | $357,300 | $1,137 |
| Acushnet Center | 2,810 | $71,864 | $378,900 | $1,083 |
| Smith Mills | 4,612 | $64,818 | $420,400 | $658 |
| Bliss Corner | 5,405 | $75,420 | $446,200 | $1,538 |
| Fairhaven | 15,903 | $95,965 | $446,700 | $1,118 |
| Acushnet | 10,624 | $89,503 | $436,400 | $1,170 |
| Mattapoisett | 6,634 | $130,241 | $681,600 | $1,597 |
| Dartmouth | 33,328 | $99,839 | $496,500 | $1,462 |
| Mattapoisett Center | 2,669 | $105,500 | $651,900 | $1,658 |
More for people moving to New Bedford
New Bedford ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in New Bedford: FAQ
What is the median household income in New Bedford, MA?
The median household income in New Bedford is $56,981, 45% lower than the Massachusetts median of $103,960 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in New Bedford?
The median home value in New Bedford is $357,300, compared with $562,100 in Massachusetts.
How much is rent in New Bedford?
The median gross rent in New Bedford is $1,137 per month, about 31.6% of household income.
Is New Bedford, MA a good place to live?
Pluses: home values 36% lower than the state median; an average commute of 25 minutes. Minuses: median household income 45% lower than the Massachusetts median; unemployment of 8.3%; a poverty rate of 20.6%.
What is the median age in New Bedford?
The median age in New Bedford is 37 years (Massachusetts: 40).
How long is the commute in New Bedford?
The average commute to work in New Bedford is 25 minutes; 5.4% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in New Bedford?
The unemployment rate in New Bedford is 8.3% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is New Bedford?
17% of adults in New Bedford have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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