MassachusettsPop. 100,998Mid-size cities
Is New Bedford a Good Place to Live? New Bedford, Massachusetts: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
New Bedford ranks #849 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #149 of 256 mid-size cities and #21 of 25 in Massachusetts. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($1,137/mo, #44 of 256), and trails on high unemployment (6.4%, #227 of 241) and low household income ($56,981, #221 of 256).
New Bedford by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with New Bedford'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 New Bedford?
New Bedford'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 $1,137/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $442,741, 33% below the typical Massachusetts home ($661,896).
| Measure | New Bedford | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 101.8#770 of 1,308 | 105.8 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $442,741#718 of 1,187 | $661,896 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,841/mo#609 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $357,300#674 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,137/mo#371 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 6.3x#1077 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 23.9%#890 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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.
New Bedford 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. New Bedford is in the Providence-Warwick, RI-MA metro.
Massachusetts housing market →Is New Bedford safe?
New Bedford recorded 345 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 5% above the US rate of 328 and 14% above Massachusetts's 303. That ranks #626 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #115 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by New Bedford Police Department. Property crime runs 1,558 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | New Bedford | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 345#626 of 1,085 | 303 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 1,558#506 of 1,085 | 1,031 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 New Bedford?
The median household in New Bedford earns $56,981, 31% below the US figure of $83,163 and 46% below Massachusetts ($104,828). Unemployment is 6.4% (US 4.3%). 20.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | New Bedford | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $56,981#1107 of 1,312 | $104,828 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 6.4%#1000 of 1,058 | 4.5% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 20.6%#1132 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +0.2%#538 of 1,132 | +0.2% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Massachusetts is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in New Bedford?
The median resident of New Bedford is 37 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 17% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1230 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 40.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | New Bedford | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 37 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 17%#1230 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 40.3% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are New Bedford's schools and health?
New Bedford's 26 public schools graduate 81.7% of students in four years (Massachusetts 90.1%), with 12.3 students per teacher and $22,812 spent per pupil. 36.3% of adults are obese and 13.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | New Bedford | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 81.7%#836 of 1,063 | 90.1% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 12.3#112 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $22,812#99 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 36.3%#895 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 13.2%#979 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 22%#1287 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 11.1%#788 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Massachusetts is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 14,031 students are enrolled in New Bedford's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in New Bedford?
The average commute in New Bedford is 24.7 minutes (Massachusetts 30.6); 2.7% of workers take transit and 5.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index New Bedford scores 14.6 of 20 (above average walkable), #72 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 | New Bedford | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 24.7 min#753 of 1,312 | 30.6 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 8.7%#967 of 1,312 | 13.3% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 72.1% | 62% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 2.7% | 7.8% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 2.3% | 4.3% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.2% | 0.9% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 5.4% | 14.8% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 14.6#72 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 | New Bedford | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 50.4°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 69.5°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 32.1°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 45.9 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 New Bedford?
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 | New Bedford | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 38#228 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 3#572 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.09%#112 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 New Bedford compare with similar-size cities?
New Bedford is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #149 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 100,998.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Bedford, MAPop. 100,998 | #849 | 52.5 | $56,981 | $1,137/mo | 345 | 24.7 min |
| Highlands Ranch, COPop. 102,257 | #109 | 68.0 | $159,307 | $2,531/mo | no data | 24.2 min |
| St. George, UTPop. 101,995 | #547 | 57.3 | $76,508 | $1,545/mo | 191 | 17.2 min |
| Carmel, INPop. 101,651 | #18 | 73.1 | $141,505 | $1,712/mo | 51 | 24.6 min |
| Davenport, IAPop. 100,913 | #1020 | 49.7 | $66,200 | $978/mo | 652 | 19.4 min |
| Hesperia, CAPop. 100,775 | #1235 | 43.3 | $72,160 | $1,590/mo | 463 | 42.9 min |
| Albany, NYPop. 100,492 | #700 | 54.9 | $61,986 | $1,216/mo | 832 | 20 min |
| Boca Raton, FLPop. 100,234 | #347 | 61.0 | $106,273 | $2,508/mo | 113 | 21.2 min |
| Yuma, AZPop. 100,139 | #1169 | 46.1 | $65,482 | $1,114/mo | 353 | 18.4 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 New Bedford compare with the rest of Massachusetts?
New Bedford ranks #21 of the 25 Massachusetts cities we track, with a score of 52.5 against Massachusetts's statewide 70. Its households earn 46% below the Massachusetts median. Violent crime is 14% above the statewide rate. Homes are 33% 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 New Bedford's score calculated?
New Bedford scores 52.5 out of 100, #849 of 1,312 (grade C+, 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 New Bedford. Similar-size median 52.9.
30.7 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by New Bedford's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
73.7 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in New Bedford. Similar-size median 53.8.
37.9 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in New Bedford's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
73.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
New Bedford's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
67.8 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in New Bedford. Similar-size median 51.2.
27.0 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in New Bedford. Similar-size median 42.1.
34.7 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in New Bedford. Similar-size median 50.1.
42.2 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across New Bedford's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
71.6 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
78.8 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: New Bedford's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories New Bedford 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 New Bedford
Is New Bedford, MA a good place to live?
New Bedford ranks #849 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #149 of 256 mid-size cities and #21 of 25 in Massachusetts. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($1,137/mo, #44 of 256), and trails on high unemployment (6.4%, #227 of 241) and low household income ($56,981, #221 of 256).
What is the cost of living in New Bedford?
New Bedford'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 $1,137/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $442,741, 33% below the typical Massachusetts home ($661,896).
What is the crime rate in New Bedford?
New Bedford recorded 345 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 5% above the US rate of 328 and 14% above Massachusetts's 303. That ranks #626 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #115 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by New Bedford Police Department. Property crime runs 1,558 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in New Bedford?
The median household in New Bedford earns $56,981, 31% below the US figure of $83,163 and 46% below Massachusetts ($104,828). Unemployment is 6.4% (US 4.3%). 20.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in New Bedford?
Median rent in New Bedford is $1,137/mo (Census), #371 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,841/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 23.9% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in New Bedford?
The typical home value in New Bedford is $442,741, up 3.6% in a year, against $661,896 for Massachusetts and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $357,300.
How are the public schools in New Bedford?
New Bedford's 26 public schools graduate 81.7% of students in four years (Massachusetts 90.1%), with 12.3 students per teacher and $22,812 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in New Bedford?
The average commute is 24.7 minutes, #753 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 30.6 minutes across Massachusetts. 8.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in New Bedford?
New Bedford 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 New Bedford walkable?
New Bedford scores 14.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #72 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 New Bedford 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 New Bedford?
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 New Bedford?
New Bedford has 100,998 residents. The median resident of New Bedford is 37 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 17% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1230 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 40.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does New Bedford compare with the rest of Massachusetts?
New Bedford ranks #21 of the 25 Massachusetts cities we track, with a score of 52.5 against Massachusetts's statewide 70. Its households earn 46% below the Massachusetts median. Violent crime is 14% above the statewide rate. Homes are 33% below the typical Massachusetts home.
What cities are similar in size to New Bedford?
The tracked cities in other states closest to New Bedford's population of 100,998 are Highlands Ranch, CO (#109 overall), St. George, UT (#547 overall), Carmel, IN (#18 overall), Davenport, IA (#1020 overall), and Hesperia, CA (#1235 overall). New Bedford is #849.