New Bedford

New Bedford, Massachusetts Overview

New Bedford faces challenges across several categories, earning a C grade (45.4/100) and ranking #18 of 20 cities in Massachusetts. Even so, the city scores 74/100 in Education — a relative bright spot compared to its Fiscal Health score of 27/100.

Income & Employment in New Bedford

New Bedford’s median income of $53,583 is 47% below the state median, but positive population growth of 0.3% signals that affordability or other factors are still attracting residents. The local unemployment rate is 6%.

Safety in New Bedford

With a violent crime rate of 505.6 per 100,000, New Bedford exceeds the Massachusetts average of 345. Safety is a factor prospective residents should weigh carefully. The property crime rate is 1558.4 per 100,000.

Cost of Living in New Bedford

The median home value is $324,400. Median monthly rent is $1,085. Renters spend 24.3% of income on rent, well within the 30% affordability guideline. The price-to-income ratio of 6.1x suggests home buyers face a stretched market.

Health & Wellness in New Bedford

The adult obesity rate in New Bedford is 36.3%, above the national average and a factor in the city’s health profile. The diabetes prevalence rate is 13.2%. Residents report an average of 22 poor mental health days per month, above the typical range. Massachusetts ranks #2 nationally for overall health.

Education & Schools in New Bedford

New Bedford has a high school graduation rate of 81.7%. The student-teacher ratio of 12.3:1 indicates smaller class sizes. Local districts invest $22,812 per student, well above the national median. The city has 26 public schools serving 14,031 students. School data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data and EDFacts.

Climate in New Bedford

The annual average temperature in New Bedford is 53.6°F. Summers average 69.4°F. Winters average 39°F. Annual precipitation is 52.9 inches.

Frequently Asked Questions