MassachusettsPop. 94,082Smaller cities
Is Fall River a Good Place to Live? Fall River, Massachusetts: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Fall River ranks #1084 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #445 of 524 smaller cities and #24 of 25 in Massachusetts. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($1,155/mo, #107 of 524), and trails on high violent crime (768 per 100,000, #426 of 444) and low graduation rates (72.9%, #414 of 437).
Fall River by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Fall River's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Fall River?
Fall River's cost of living index is 101.8, 2% above the US level of 100 and #770 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,155/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $450,311, 32% below the typical Massachusetts home ($661,896).
| Measure | Fall River | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 101.8#770 of 1,308 | 105.8 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $450,311#733 of 1,187 | $661,896 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,850/mo#611 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $395,500#781 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,155/mo#394 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 7x#1148 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 24.5%#945 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Massachusetts is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Fall River housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Fall River is in the Providence-Warwick, RI-MA metro.
Massachusetts housing market →Is Fall River safe?
Fall River recorded 768 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.3 times the US rate of 328 and 2.5 times Massachusetts's 303. That ranks #997 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #426 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Fall River Police Department. Property crime runs 1,550 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Fall River | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 768#997 of 1,085 | 303 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,550#502 of 1,085 | 1,031 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Massachusetts is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Fall River?
The median household in Fall River earns $56,673, 32% below the US figure of $83,163 and 46% below Massachusetts ($104,828). Unemployment is 6.3% (US 4.3%). 19.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Fall River | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $56,673#1115 of 1,312 | $104,828 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 6.3%#996 of 1,058 | 4.5% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 19.6%#1098 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.3%#489 of 1,132 | +0.2% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Massachusetts is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Fall River?
The median resident of Fall River is 39.3 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 16.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1239 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 35.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Fall River | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 39.3 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 16.4%#1239 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 35.3% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Fall River's schools and health?
Fall River's 19 public schools graduate 72.9% of students in four years (Massachusetts 90.1%), with 12.5 students per teacher and $21,758 spent per pupil. 35.3% of adults are obese and 12.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Fall River | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 72.9%#1008 of 1,063 | 90.1% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 12.5#127 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $21,758#133 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 35.3%#796 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 12.5%#867 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 21.8%#1284 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 8.9%#500 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Massachusetts is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 12,303 students are enrolled in Fall River's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Fall River?
The average commute in Fall River is 25.8 minutes (Massachusetts 30.6); 1.8% of workers take transit and 7.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Fall River scores 14.4 of 20 (above average walkable), #100 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 69.5°F and winters 32.1°F, with 45.9 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Fall River | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 25.8 min#837 of 1,312 | 30.6 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 8.8%#980 of 1,312 | 13.3% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 70.9% | 62% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.8% | 7.8% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 3.6% | 4.3% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.9% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 7.1% | 14.8% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 14.4#100 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Massachusetts is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 39.1 | 20.7 | 3.7 |
| Feb | 40.9 | 21.7 | 3 |
| Mar | 47.3 | 27.9 | 4.8 |
| Apr | 57.4 | 36.4 | 4 |
| May | 67.4 | 46 | 3.3 |
| Jun | 76.3 | 55 | 3.6 |
| Jul | 82.5 | 61.6 | 3 |
| Aug | 81.2 | 60 | 3.8 |
| Sep | 74 | 52.4 | 3.6 |
| Oct | 63.5 | 41.8 | 4.6 |
| Nov | 53.5 | 33.3 | 4.3 |
| Dec | 44.1 | 26 | 4.1 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at New Bedford Muni Airport.
| Measure | Fall River | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 50.4°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 69.5°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 32.1°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 45.9 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at New Bedford Muni Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Fall River?
Bristol County's air had a median air quality index of 38, and 84% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Bristol County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 94% of US counties.
| Measure | Fall River | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 38#228 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 3#572 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.09%#112 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Bristol County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Bristol County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.0096% | 75% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0036% | 57% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.061% | 23% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0011% | 17% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Fall River compare with similar-size cities?
Fall River is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #445 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 94,082.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall River, MAPop. 94,082 | #1084 | 48.2 | $56,673 | $1,155/mo | 768 | 25.8 min |
| Asheville, NCPop. 94,535 | #902 | 51.7 | $71,102 | $1,402/mo | 753 | 18.2 min |
| Sandy, UTPop. 94,291 | #350 | 60.9 | $112,176 | $1,777/mo | 221 | 22.7 min |
| Mount Pleasant, SCPop. 93,993 | #225 | 63.8 | $124,755 | $2,159/mo | 132 | 24.9 min |
| Livonia, MIPop. 93,851 | #201 | 64.4 | $98,460 | $1,322/mo | 217 | 24.3 min |
| Erie, PAPop. 93,850 | #850 | 52.5 | $46,113 | $870/mo | 315 | 18.3 min |
| O'Fallon, MOPop. 93,801 | #134 | 67.0 | $110,443 | $1,443/mo | 97 | 25.5 min |
| Bellingham, WAPop. 93,438 | #771 | 53.8 | $66,755 | $1,577/mo | 263 | 18.1 min |
| Redding, CAPop. 93,409 | #994 | 50.2 | $70,466 | $1,379/mo | 735 | 16.7 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Fall River compare with the rest of Massachusetts?
Fall River ranks #24 of the 25 Massachusetts cities we track, with a score of 48.2 against Massachusetts's statewide 70. Its households earn 46% below the Massachusetts median. Violent crime is 2.5 times the statewide rate. Homes are 32% below the typical Massachusetts home.
| City | Rank in MA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brookline, MAPop. 63,266 | #1 | 79.5 | $142,101 | $2,835/mo | 124 |
| Newton, MAPop. 89,044 | #2 | 78.3 | $190,304 | $2,370/mo | 56 |
| Somerville, MAPop. 81,036 | #3 | 72.4 | $132,572 | $2,517/mo | 195 |
| Medford, MAPop. 59,354 | #4 | 71.9 | $129,540 | $2,509/mo | 181 |
| Cambridge, MAPop. 118,796 | #5 | 70.4 | $130,748 | $2,787/mo | 436 |
| Waltham, MAPop. 64,902 | #6 | 69.3 | $120,216 | $2,268/mo | 224 |
| Quincy, MAPop. 102,114 | #7 | 66.1 | $98,882 | $2,118/mo | 302 |
| Methuen Town, MAPop. 53,475 | #8 | 65.3 | $113,310 | $1,749/mo | 114 |
| Framingham, MAPop. 72,399 | #9 | 64.5 | $107,419 | $2,033/mo | 264 |
| Malden, MAPop. 65,906 | #10 | 64.0 | $100,606 | $2,204/mo | 203 |
| Weymouth Town, MAPop. 58,505 | #11 | 62.2 | $102,714 | $1,941/mo | 237 |
| Peabody, MAPop. 54,695 | #12 | 61.6 | $96,657 | $1,950/mo | 292 |
| Boston, MAPop. 666,442 | #13 | 61.1 | $97,344 | $2,147/mo | 583 |
| Revere, MAPop. 60,012 | #14 | 60.2 | $86,969 | $2,076/mo | 314 |
| Haverhill, MAPop. 67,698 | #15 | 59.1 | $88,326 | $1,668/mo | 330 |
| Lowell, MAPop. 118,368 | #16 | 56.5 | $78,658 | $1,625/mo | 505 |
| Taunton, MAPop. 60,433 | #17 | 56.5 | $79,283 | $1,324/mo | 386 |
| Worcester, MAPop. 207,055 | #18 | 56.0 | $70,102 | $1,487/mo | 602 |
| Lynn, MAPop. 101,709 | #19 | 55.6 | $75,043 | $1,722/mo | 561 |
| Chicopee, MAPop. 55,295 | #20 | 55.1 | $62,615 | $1,157/mo | 482 |
| New Bedford, MAPop. 100,998 | #21 | 52.5 | $56,981 | $1,137/mo | 345 |
| Brockton, MAPop. 105,386 | #22 | 52.3 | $80,115 | $1,641/mo | 538 |
| Lawrence, MAPop. 88,736 | #23 | 52.1 | $60,433 | $1,662/mo | 361 |
| Fall River, MAPop. 94,082 | #24 | 48.2 | $56,673 | $1,155/mo | 768 |
| Springfield, MAPop. 154,749 | #25 | 45.5 | $52,656 | $1,144/mo | 871 |
All 25 Massachusetts cities we track, by overall score. Massachusetts statewide: median income $104,828, violent crime 302.7 per 100,000.
How is Fall River's score calculated?
Fall River scores 48.2 out of 100, #1084 of 1,312 (grade D, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Massachusetts's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Fall River. Similar-size median 55.5.
31.2 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Fall River's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
47.0 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Fall River. Similar-size median 58.9.
41.0 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Fall River's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
62.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Fall River's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
66.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Fall River. Similar-size median 56.1.
28.7 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Fall River. Similar-size median 42.4.
36.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Fall River. Similar-size median 50.0.
43.4 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Fall River's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
70.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
78.8 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Fall River's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Fall River has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Fall River
Is Fall River, MA a good place to live?
Fall River ranks #1084 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #445 of 524 smaller cities and #24 of 25 in Massachusetts. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($1,155/mo, #107 of 524), and trails on high violent crime (768 per 100,000, #426 of 444) and low graduation rates (72.9%, #414 of 437).
What is the cost of living in Fall River?
Fall River's cost of living index is 101.8, 2% above the US level of 100 and #770 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,155/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $450,311, 32% below the typical Massachusetts home ($661,896).
What is the crime rate in Fall River?
Fall River recorded 768 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.3 times the US rate of 328 and 2.5 times Massachusetts's 303. That ranks #997 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #426 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Fall River Police Department. Property crime runs 1,550 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Fall River?
The median household in Fall River earns $56,673, 32% below the US figure of $83,163 and 46% below Massachusetts ($104,828). Unemployment is 6.3% (US 4.3%). 19.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Fall River?
Median rent in Fall River is $1,155/mo (Census), #394 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,850/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 24.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Fall River?
The typical home value in Fall River is $450,311, up 2.3% in a year, against $661,896 for Massachusetts and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $395,500.
How are the public schools in Fall River?
Fall River's 19 public schools graduate 72.9% of students in four years (Massachusetts 90.1%), with 12.5 students per teacher and $21,758 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Fall River?
The average commute is 25.8 minutes, #837 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 30.6 minutes across Massachusetts. 8.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Fall River?
Fall River averages 50.4°F over the year, 69.5°F in summer and 32.1°F in winter, with 45.9 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Fall River walkable?
Fall River scores 14.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #100 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Fall River at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Bristol County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 94% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Fall River?
Bristol County's air had a median air quality index of 38, and 84% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Fall River?
Fall River has 94,082 residents. The median resident of Fall River is 39.3 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 16.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1239 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 35.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Fall River compare with the rest of Massachusetts?
Fall River ranks #24 of the 25 Massachusetts cities we track, with a score of 48.2 against Massachusetts's statewide 70. Its households earn 46% below the Massachusetts median. Violent crime is 2.5 times the statewide rate. Homes are 32% below the typical Massachusetts home.
What cities are similar in size to Fall River?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Fall River's population of 94,082 are Asheville, NC (#902 overall), Sandy, UT (#350 overall), Mount Pleasant, SC (#225 overall), Livonia, MI (#201 overall), and Erie, PA (#850 overall). Fall River is #1084.