New Bedford, MA
Population 100,731 · Massachusetts
About New Bedford, MA
New Bedford is a major city located in Massachusetts with a population of 100,731 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $56,025 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in New Bedford features a median home value of $324,400, which is 32% above the national median of $244,900. This positions New Bedford in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,085, 7% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 44,468 total housing units, 40% are owner-occupied (16,880 units) and 60% are renter-occupied (25,353 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 New Bedford shows an unemployment rate of 7.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 19.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in New Bedford have an average one-way commute time of 25.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
16.8% of New Bedford 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 1.0% White, 2.3% Hispanic or Latino, 12.8% Black or African American, and 10.6% Asian residents, with 20.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How New Bedford Ranks in Massachusetts
Cost of Living in New Bedford, MA
Compared to national averages, New Bedford has a median household income of $56,025 (25% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $324,400, which is 32% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,085 is 7% below the US average of $1,163. Within Massachusetts, New Bedford's income is 47% below the state average of $105,630, and home values are 42% below the state median of $561,296.
Why Live in New Bedford, MA?
New Bedford offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,085/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($56,025) that falls below the national average. However, as a major city, New Bedford provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
New Bedford has a population of 100,731 with a median age of 37 years. Compare New Bedford with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Massachusetts.
Similar Cities Near New Bedford
Cities in Massachusetts with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lynn | 100,905 | $74,715 | $472,600 | Compare |
| Quincy | 101,361 | $95,711 | $598,100 | Compare |
| Brockton | 105,080 | $77,089 | $405,500 | Compare |
| Fall River | 93,764 | $53,933 | $357,800 | Compare |
| Newton | 88,504 | $184,989 | $1,202,500 | Compare |
| Lawrence | 88,297 | $57,903 | $393,500 | Compare |
| Lowell | 114,799 | $76,205 | $395,100 | Compare |
| Cambridge | 117,794 | $126,469 | $1,040,500 | 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 New Bedford With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about New Bedford
What is the population of New Bedford, MA?
The population of New Bedford, MA is 100,731 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in Massachusetts.
What is the median household income in New Bedford?
The median household income in New Bedford, MA is $56,025 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in New Bedford?
The median home value in New Bedford, MA is $324,400, which is 32% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in New Bedford?
The median monthly rent in New Bedford, MA is $1,085, which is 7% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in New Bedford?
The unemployment rate in New Bedford, MA is 7.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is New Bedford, MA a good place to live?
New Bedford offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 100,731 and a median age of 37, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is New Bedford, MA?
16.8% of residents in New Bedford 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 New Bedford?
Key cost-of-living indicators for New Bedford, MA: median home value is $324,400 (32% above national), median rent is $1,085/month, and median household income is $56,025. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in New Bedford?
The poverty rate in New Bedford, MA is 19.9%, 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 New Bedford, MA?
New Bedford's population is 1.0% White, 2.3% Hispanic or Latino, 12.8% Black or African American, 10.6% Asian, and 5.3% two or more races. 20.7% of residents are foreign-born.