Greater New Bedford, Southeast Massachusetts, MA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
32,286
0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$113,295/yr
-3.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
13,544
-0.5% year-over-year change

Greater New Bedford population

How many people live in Greater New Bedford

Greater New Bedford is home to 32,286 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.7% of Greater New Bedford locals are male, and 52.3% are female.

Total population
32,286
0.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.7%
15,392
Female
52.3%
16,894
Value Percent YoY change
Male 15,392 47.7% 0.5%
Female 16,894 52.3% 0.3%
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 Greater New Bedford is 43, with the population distributed as follows: about 16% are children under 15, then 10.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.3% of the population, while another 28.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 22.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
43
Age breakdown
Under 15
16%
15 to 24
10.1%
25 to 44
23.3%
45 to 64
28.2%
Over 65
22.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 5,154 16% 5.9%
15 to 24 3,260 10.1% -4.2%
25 to 44 7,513 23.3% 0.5%
45 to 64 9,119 28.2% -1.7%
Over 65 7,240 22.4% 1.3%
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 Greater New Bedford, 92.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 6.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 94.3% of locals are Caucasian, 0.4% are African American and 1.1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 2.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
92.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
6.6%
Non-citizens
0.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 29,882 92.6% 0.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 2,144 6.6% 1.4%
Non-citizens 260 0.8% -20.2%
Racial breakdown
White
94.3%
Black or African American
0.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
1.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
2.6%
Other
1.4%
Value Percent
White 30,440 94.3%
Black or African American 145 0.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 57 0.2%
Asian 347 1.1%
Two or more races 835 2.6%
Other 464 1.4%

Households in Greater New Bedford

A peek inside Greater New Bedford households

Greater New Bedford has 13,000 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 66.6% are families, while the remaining 33.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
13,000
0.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
4,347
Family households
8,653
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 4,347 33.4% 3.0%
Family households 8,653 66.6% -0.6%
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 Greater New Bedford

The housing landscape of Greater New Bedford

Greater New Bedford's housing consists of 13,544 units, with 78.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2% 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 1.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
13,544
-0.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 10,671 78.8%
1 unit, attached 268 2%
2 units 1,077 8%
3 or 4 units 351 2.6%
5 to 9 units 341 2.5%
10 to 19 units 242 1.8%
20 to 49 units 63 0.5%
50 or more units 343 2.5%
Mobile home 187 1.4%
Homes built since 2020
42
10.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Greater New Bedford

In Greater New Bedford, the median construction year is 1970. About 26% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 7.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.5% 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 3,519 26% -2.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 791 5.8% -0.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,597 11.8% -9.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,926 14.2% 8.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,003 14.8% -6.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,258 9.3% 3.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 772 5.7% 6.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,029 7.6% -1.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 607 4.5% 17.9%
Built in 2020 or later 42 0.3% 10.5%
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.

Greater New Bedford occupancy rates

Out of the 13,000 occupied housing units in Greater New Bedford, 80.7% are owner-occupied, while 19.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
13,000
0.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,512
Owner occupied
10,487
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,512 19.3% 7.5%
Owner occupied 10,487 80.7% -1.0%
Unoccupied housing units
4.0%
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.

Greater New Bedford housing costs

Housing costs in Greater New Bedford come to a median of $1,828 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,420.

Median housing costs per month
$1,828/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 Greater New Bedford
$1,420/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 Greater New Bedford

Greater New Bedford education at a glance

About 36.4% of the population in Greater New Bedford went to high school, while 17.9% pursued college studies. Another 10.1% earned an associate degree and 21.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 10.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,033 4% -6.1%
High school diploma 9,498 36.4% -1.6%
College diploma 4,661 17.9% -0.2%
Associate degree 2,627 10.1% -2.5%
Bachelor's degree 5,551 21.3% -3.6%
Graduate degree 2,693 10.3% 13.9%
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 Greater New Bedford

How much people earn in Greater New Bedford

The average annual household income in Greater New Bedford was $136,450 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -0.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $113,295, reflecting a -3.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Greater New Bedford
$136,450/year
-0.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Greater New Bedford
$113,295/year
-3.9% year-over-year change

Greater New Bedford income by age

In Greater 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 $123,552. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $149,184 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $73,000, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $56,216 in earnings. Overall, 93.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $73,000 N/A
25 - 44 $123,552 -3.4%
45 - 64 $149,184 3.8%
Over 65 $56,216 -6.9%
Above poverty level
29,657
Below poverty level
1,927
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 29,657 93.9% -0.2%
Below poverty level 1,927 6.1% 8.8%

Employment in Greater New Bedford

Workforce and job types in Greater New Bedford

76.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 23.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.5% run their own businesses, 64.8% are employed by private companies, and 16.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
12,549
Blue collar
3,863
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 12,549 76.5% -3.2%
Blue collar 3,863 23.5% 6.9%
Employer type
Self employees
9.5%
Private companies
64.8%
Governmental workers
16.6%
Not for profit companies
9.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,554 9.5% -11.4%
Private companies 10,634 64.8% 1.3%
Governmental workers 2,724 16.6% 0.6%
Not for profit companies 1,499 9.1% -7.0%

Transportation in Greater New Bedford

How people get around in Greater New Bedford

Commuting methods vary: 97.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 14,142 97.4% -4.1%
Taxicab 9 0.1% N/A
Bus or trolleybus 45 0.3% 80.0%
Railroad 81 0.6% 30.6%
Ferryboat 10 0.1% 0.0%
Motorcycle 13 0.1% N/A
Bicycle 39 0.3% 25.8%
Walk 182 1.2% 26.4%
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 Greater New Bedford by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
02743 10,519 4,127 $89,593 $120,720
02702 4,488 1,576 $153,038 $150,950
02717 4,797 1,687 $130,625 $143,648
02719 15,903 7,134 $95,965 $131,002

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Greater New Bedford demographics 

What is the total population of Greater New Bedford?

Greater New Bedford has a total population of 32,286 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 +0.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Greater New Bedford?

The gender ratio in Greater New Bedford is as follows:
  • 47.7% males (15,392 residents)
  • 52.3% females (16,894 residents)

What is the median age in Greater New Bedford?

The median age in Greater New Bedford is 43.

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

The age distribution in Greater New Bedford is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16% (5,154 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.1% (3,260 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.3% (7,513 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 28.2% (9,119 residents)
  • Over 65: 22.4% (7,240 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Greater New Bedford?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Greater New Bedford is as follows:
  • White: 94.3% (30,440 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.4% (145 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (57 residents)
  • Asian: 1.1% (347 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 2.6% (835 residents)
  • Other: 1.4% (464 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 92.6% of the population in Greater New Bedford.

How many housing units are there in Greater New Bedford?

There are 13,544 housing units in Greater New Bedford, reflecting a -0.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Greater New Bedford has a total of 13,000 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Greater New Bedford?

Greater New Bedford has a median household income of $113,295, representing a -3.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Greater New Bedford?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 76.5% (12,549 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 23.5% (3,863 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.5% (1,554 residents)
  • Private companies: 64.8% (10,634 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 16.6% (2,724 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.1% (1,499 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