New Bedford, MA Census Data
The 9th largest city in Massachusetts by population · 25 cities ranked
New Bedford is the 9th largest city in Massachusetts by population and ranks 23rd of 25 for median household income. With 100,731 residents, its poverty rate of 19.9% ranks among the higher rates in Massachusetts. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
100,731
50.4% male · 49.6% female
Median Age
37.0
1.7 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$56,025
$22,513 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
16.8%
18.2% below the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 76.1%
Poverty Rate
19.9%
7.5% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 4.9%
Broadband Access
90.6%
0.9% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$324,400
Median rent: $1,085 · 40% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
7.6%
Labor force participation: 57.0%
Per Capita Income
$39,727
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
4.6%
Disability rate: 16.1%
How New Bedford Compares to Other Massachusetts Cities
Rankings among all 25 Massachusetts cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 9th of 25 | Top half |
| Highest Median Income | 23rd of 25 | Bottom 25% |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 23rd of 25 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 23rd of 25 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Home Value | 23rd of 25 | Bottom 25% |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
New Bedford, MA Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of New Bedford, MA?
The population of New Bedford, MA is 100,731 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 37.0 years.
What is the median household income in New Bedford?
The median household income in New Bedford, MA is $56,025, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $39,727.
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%. About 4.9% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of New Bedford residents have a college degree?
16.8% of adults (25+) in New Bedford hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 76.1% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in New Bedford?
The median home value in New Bedford, MA is $324,400. Median rent is $1,085 per month, with 40% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of New Bedford?
New Bedford's population is 57.5% White, 6.0% Black, 24.5% Hispanic or Latino, and 1.5% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does New Bedford rank among Massachusetts cities?
New Bedford is the 9th largest city in Massachusetts by population, the 23rd highest for median household income, the 23rd lowest for poverty rate, the 23rd highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 25 ranked Massachusetts cities.
What is the unemployment rate in New Bedford?
The unemployment rate in New Bedford, MA is 7.6%, with a labor force participation rate of 57.0%. Per capita income is $39,727.
Cities Similar to New Bedford
Other Massachusetts cities with comparable population and income levels.