New Bedford city, Massachusetts Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, New Bedford city, Massachusetts has a total population of 100,731, the 9th largest city in Massachusetts, with a median household income of $56,025, which is 45% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 19.9%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 45% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
New Bedford city Quick Facts
How New Bedford city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A diverse community with significant representation from multiple racial and ethnic groups.
State average: 51 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
New Bedford city Rankings in Massachusetts
Explore Massachusetts Rankings
Other Cities in Bristol County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall River city | 93,764 | $53,933 | 20.9% | $357,800 |
| Taunton city | 59,719 | $79,715 | 13.7% | $388,200 |
| Attleboro city | 46,499 | $93,266 | 9.2% | $409,100 |
| North Attleborough Town city | 30,842 | $109,426 | 5.4% | $462,700 |
Cities Similar to New Bedford city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall River city | 93,764 | $53,933 | $357,800 | 16.8% | 20.9% |
| Lynn city | 100,905 | $74,715 | $472,600 | 23.3% | 13.7% |
| Lawrence city | 88,297 | $57,903 | $393,500 | 16.4% | 18.2% |
| Brockton city | 105,080 | $77,089 | $405,500 | 21.3% | 13.9% |
| Quincy city | 101,361 | $95,711 | $598,100 | 48.6% | 11.4% |
Population Overview
New Bedford city is a major urban center located in Massachusetts, within Bristol County. The total population is 100,731. It ranks as the 9th most populous out of 248 cities and towns in Massachusetts.
Age Demographics
The median age in New Bedford city is 37.0 years. This is 8% lower than the state median of 40.0 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in New Bedford city is $56,025. This is 45% lower than the state median of $101,341. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 29% lower. The poverty rate stands at 19.9%. This is 99% higher than the state poverty rate of 10.0%. The unemployment rate is 7.6%. This is 48% higher than the state rate of 5.1%. The median home value is $324,400. Housing costs are 38% lower than the state median of $525,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.8x. 40.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 36% lower than the state average of 62.6%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in New Bedford city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 55.6% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 24.5%. The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (24.5% vs 12.9%). The Asian population (1.5%) is well below the state average of 7.0%.
Education
16.8% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is among the lowest rates in the state, which may correlate with employment and income patterns. This is 64% lower than the state rate of 46.6%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 76.1%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for New Bedford city, Massachusetts is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Massachusetts state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 248 Census-designated places in Massachusetts. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of New Bedford city, Massachusetts?
New Bedford city, Massachusetts has a population of 100,731 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in New Bedford city, MA?
The median household income in New Bedford city is $56,025, which is 29% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in New Bedford city, MA?
The poverty rate in New Bedford city is 19.9%. This means approximately 19,743 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of New Bedford city, Massachusetts?
New Bedford city's population is 55.6% White, 5.3% Black, 24.5% Hispanic/Latino, and 1.5% Asian.
What is the median home value in New Bedford city, MA?
The median home value in New Bedford city is $324,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.8x.
How educated is New Bedford city, Massachusetts?
16.8% of adults (25+) in New Bedford city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 5.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.