Fall River, MA
Population 93,764 · Massachusetts
About Fall River, MA
Fall River is a mid-sized city located in Massachusetts with a population of 93,764 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $53,933 per year, which is 28% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Fall River features a median home value of $357,800, which is 46% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Fall River in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,086, 7% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 44,359 total housing units, 36% are owner-occupied (15,170 units) and 64% are renter-occupied (26,617 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Fall River shows an unemployment rate of 8.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 20.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Fall River have an average one-way commute time of 25.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
16.8% of Fall River residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.6% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 7.6% Black or African American, and 4.8% Asian residents, with 21.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Fall River Ranks in Massachusetts
Cost of Living in Fall River, MA
Compared to national averages, Fall River has a median household income of $53,933 (28% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $357,800, which is 46% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,086 is 7% below the US average of $1,163. Within Massachusetts, Fall River's income is 49% below the state average of $105,630, and home values are 36% below the state median of $561,296.
Why Live in Fall River, MA?
Fall River offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,086/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($53,933) that falls below the national average. However, as a mid-sized city, Fall River provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Fall River has a population of 93,764 with a median age of 39 years. Compare Fall River with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Massachusetts.
Similar Cities Near Fall River
Cities in Massachusetts with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newton | 88,504 | $184,989 | $1,202,500 | Compare |
| Lawrence | 88,297 | $57,903 | $393,500 | Compare |
| New Bedford | 100,731 | $56,025 | $324,400 | Compare |
| Lynn | 100,905 | $74,715 | $472,600 | Compare |
| Quincy | 101,361 | $95,711 | $598,100 | Compare |
| Brockton | 105,080 | $77,089 | $405,500 | Compare |
| Somerville | 80,549 | $127,056 | $899,400 | Compare |
| Lowell | 114,799 | $76,205 | $395,100 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Massachusetts
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Fall River With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Fall River
What is the population of Fall River, MA?
The population of Fall River, MA is 93,764 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Massachusetts.
What is the median household income in Fall River?
The median household income in Fall River, MA is $53,933 per year, which is 28% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Fall River?
The median home value in Fall River, MA is $357,800, which is 46% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Fall River?
The median monthly rent in Fall River, MA is $1,086, which is 7% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Fall River?
The unemployment rate in Fall River, MA is 8.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Fall River, MA a good place to live?
Fall River offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 93,764 and a median age of 39, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Fall River, MA?
16.8% of residents in Fall River aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Fall River?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Fall River, MA: median home value is $357,800 (46% above national), median rent is $1,086/month, and median household income is $53,933. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.6x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Fall River?
The poverty rate in Fall River, MA is 20.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Fall River, MA?
Fall River's population is 0.6% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 7.6% Black or African American, 4.8% Asian, and 5.5% two or more races. 21.8% of residents are foreign-born.