Fall River

Fall River, Massachusetts Overview

Fall River faces challenges across several categories, earning a D grade (41.8/100) and ranking #19 of 20 cities in Massachusetts. Even so, the city scores 63/100 in Education — a relative bright spot compared to its Fiscal Health score of 25/100.

Income & Employment in Fall River

Fall River’s median income of $52,978 is 48% below the state median, but positive population growth of 0.4% signals that affordability or other factors are still attracting residents. The local unemployment rate is 5.6%.

Safety in Fall River

With a violent crime rate of 908.6 per 100,000, Fall River exceeds the Massachusetts average of 345. Safety is a factor prospective residents should weigh carefully. The property crime rate is 1443.4 per 100,000.

Cost of Living in Fall River

The median home value is $357,800. Median monthly rent is $1,086. Renters spend 24.6% of income on rent, well within the 30% affordability guideline. The price-to-income ratio of 6.8x suggests home buyers face a stretched market.

Health & Wellness in Fall River

The adult obesity rate in Fall River is 35.3%, above the national average and a factor in the city’s health profile. The diabetes prevalence rate is 12.5%. Residents report an average of 21.8 poor mental health days per month, above the typical range. Massachusetts ranks #2 nationally for overall health.

Education & Schools in Fall River

The high school graduation rate in Fall River is 72.9%, below the national average and a challenge for the community. The student-teacher ratio of 12.5:1 indicates smaller class sizes. Local districts invest $21,758 per student, well above the national median. The city has 19 public schools serving 12,303 students. School data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data and EDFacts.

Climate in Fall River

The annual average temperature in Fall River is 53.2°F. Summers average 69.8°F. Winters average 37.9°F. Precipitation is abundant at 57.7 inches per year.

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