New Bedford, MA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
100,998
0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$56,981/yr
1.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
44,346
-0.3% year-over-year change

New Bedford population

How many people live in New Bedford

New Bedford is home to 100,998 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.8% of New Bedford locals are male, and 49.2% are female.

Total population
100,998
0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.8%
51,268
Female
49.2%
49,730
Value Percent YoY change
Male 51,268 50.8% 1.0%
Female 49,730 49.2% -0.5%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in New Bedford is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.3% are children under 15, then 13.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 28% of the population, while another 23.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
37
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.3%
15 to 24
13.7%
25 to 44
28%
45 to 64
23.7%
Over 65
15.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 19,485 19.3% 0.4%
15 to 24 13,856 13.7% 3.2%
25 to 44 28,251 28% 1.0%
45 to 64 23,894 23.7% -0.4%
Over 65 15,512 15.4% -2.8%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In New Bedford, 73.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 15.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 11.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 56% of locals are Caucasian, 5.3% are African American and 1.3% have Asian roots. Another 0.7% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 17.6% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 19% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
73.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
15.8%
Non-citizens
11.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 73,794 73.1% -0.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 15,943 15.8% 1.1%
Non-citizens 11,261 11.2% 2.5%
Racial breakdown
White
56%
Black or African American
5.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.7%
Asian
1.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
19%
Other
17.6%
Value Percent
White 56,610 56%
Black or African American 5,357 5.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 694 0.7%
Asian 1,271 1.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 86 0.1%
Two or more races 19,161 19%
Other 17,819 17.6%

Households in New Bedford

A peek inside New Bedford households

New Bedford has 42,271 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 57% are families, while the remaining 43% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
42,271
0.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
18,191
Family households
24,080
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 18,191 43% 1.1%
Family households 24,080 57% -0.7%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in New Bedford

The housing landscape of New Bedford

New Bedford's housing consists of 44,346 units, with 30.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.6% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
44,346
-0.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 13,536 30.5%
1 unit, attached 725 1.6%
2 units 8,110 18.3%
3 or 4 units 12,589 28.4%
5 to 9 units 3,849 8.7%
10 to 19 units 1,691 3.8%
20 to 49 units 913 2.1%
50 or more units 2,898 6.5%
Mobile home 25 0.1%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 10 0%
Homes built since 2020
120
7.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in New Bedford

In New Bedford, the median construction year is 1938. About 52.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 3.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 1.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 23,105 52.1% 0.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 2,380 5.4% -7.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 4,615 10.4% 2.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 3,393 7.6% -2.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 3,809 8.6% 8.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 3,106 7% -7.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,744 3.9% -15.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,403 3.2% 11.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 671 1.5% 6.3%
Built in 2020 or later 120 0.3% 7.1%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

New Bedford occupancy rates

Out of the 42,271 occupied housing units in New Bedford, 40.3% are owner-occupied, while 59.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
42,271
0.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
25,231
Owner occupied
17,040
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 25,231 59.7% -0.5%
Owner occupied 17,040 40.3% 0.9%
Unoccupied housing units
4.7%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

New Bedford housing costs

Housing costs in New Bedford come to a median of $1,244 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,137.

Median housing costs per month
$1,244/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in New Bedford
$1,137/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in New Bedford

New Bedford education at a glance

About 47.3% of the population in New Bedford went to high school, while 16% pursued college studies. Another 8.5% earned an associate degree and 11.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 9,088 11.8% -4.8%
High school diploma 36,376 47.3% 1.5%
College diploma 12,318 16% -2.6%
Associate degree 6,568 8.5% 5.8%
Bachelor's degree 8,889 11.6% -2.3%
Graduate degree 3,666 4.8% 2.2%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in New Bedford

How much people earn in New Bedford

The average annual household income in New Bedford was $73,329 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $56,981, reflecting a +1.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in New Bedford
$73,329/year
0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in New Bedford
$56,981/year
1.7% year-over-year change

New Bedford income by age

In New Bedford, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $64,014. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $66,001 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $52,212, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $39,345 in earnings. Overall, 79.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $52,212 20.5%
25 - 44 $64,014 2.4%
45 - 64 $66,001 1.6%
Over 65 $39,345 2.4%
Above poverty level
77,865
Below poverty level
20,046
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 77,865 79.5% -0.7%
Below poverty level 20,046 20.5% 3.5%

Average renter income in New Bedford

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in New Bedford, their median household income was $40,916 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 33.3%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$40,916
Rent-to-income ratio
33.3%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in New Bedford

Workforce and job types in New Bedford

The job market in New Bedford is powered by 45,599 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 70.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 29.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.9% run their own businesses, 71.5% are employed by private companies, and 11.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
45,599
0.5% year-over-year change
White collar
32,198
Blue collar
13,401
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 32,198 70.6% 2.3%
Blue collar 13,401 29.4% -3.8%
Employer type
Self employees
6.9%
Private companies
71.5%
Governmental workers
11.3%
Not for profit companies
10.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 3,157 6.9% 18.7%
Private companies 32,623 71.5% -1.3%
Governmental workers 5,156 11.3% 0.9%
Not for profit companies 4,663 10.2% 1.9%
Unemployment rate
8.3%
10.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in New Bedford stands at 8.3%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in New Bedford

How people get around in New Bedford

In New Bedford, the average commute time is 25 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 87.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.3% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
25 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 38,829 87.2% -1.1%
Taxicab 263 0.6% -8.0%
Bus or trolleybus 1,021 2.3% 9.0%
Railroad 89 0.2% 14.1%
Ferryboat 109 0.2% 6.9%
Motorcycle 38 0.1% -28.3%
Bicycle 111 0.2% 98.2%
Walk 1,033 2.3% -5.5%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in New Bedford by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
02744 12,716 5,274 $58,675 $68,581
02745 24,519 10,264 $74,034 $88,816
02746 17,531 7,054 $41,917 $57,072
02740 46,281 19,696 $55,237 $72,366

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FAQs about New Bedford demographics 

What is the total population of New Bedford?

New Bedford has a total population of 100,998 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in New Bedford?

The gender ratio in New Bedford is as follows:
  • 50.8% males (51,268 residents)
  • 49.2% females (49,730 residents)

What is the median age in New Bedford?

The median age in New Bedford is 37.

What is the age distribution of the population in New Bedford?

The age distribution in New Bedford is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.3% (19,485 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.7% (13,856 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 28% (28,251 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.7% (23,894 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.4% (15,512 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of New Bedford?

The racial and ethnic makeup of New Bedford is as follows:
  • White: 56% (56,610 residents)
  • Black or African American: 5.3% (5,357 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.7% (694 residents)
  • Asian: 1.3% (1,271 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (86 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 19% (19,161 residents)
  • Other: 17.6% (17,819 residents)

What percentage of the population in New Bedford are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 73.1% of the population in New Bedford.

How many housing units are there in New Bedford?

There are 44,346 housing units in New Bedford, reflecting a -0.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in New Bedford and what is the average household size?

New Bedford has a total of 42,271 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in New Bedford?

New Bedford has a median household income of $56,981, representing a +1.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for New Bedford?

The employment rate is 91.7% in New Bedford, with a workforce of 45,599 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 70.6% (32,198 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 29.4% (13,401 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.9% (3,157 residents)
  • Private companies: 71.5% (32,623 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.3% (5,156 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.2% (4,663 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025