Is New Bedford Safe, Pros and cons of living in New Bedford
Is it Safe to Live in New Bedford?
New Bedford has seen a significant decrease in crime rates over the past decade. Violent crime has fallen by 60% from 2015 to 2024, with property crime down by 52% in the same period (as reported by the New Bedford Police Department to the FBI). This positive trend is attributed to collaborative efforts between law enforcement, local organizations, and engaged citizens in creating a safer environment.
While the overall crime rate is considered higher than the national average by some analyses, it is important to note that New Bedford’s crime rate is lower than the average for similarly sized cities across America (according to NeighborhoodScout’s analysis of FBI crime data). The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in New Bedford is approximately 1 in 277, and the chance of property crime is about 1 in 73 (according to NeighborhoodScout). However, some reports indicate that New Bedford has one of the higher rates of motor vehicle theft nationally (according to NeighborhoodScout’s analysis of FBI crime data).
Housing Costs in New Bedford
The housing market in New Bedford is competitive, with the median home price experiencing an increase. In March 2026, New Bedford home prices were up 13.0% compared to the previous year, with a median sale price of $500,000 (as reported by Redfin). Homes typically sell within 35 days on the market (as reported by Redfin). The median sale price per square foot has also seen an increase, rising by 11.3% over the past year (as reported by Redfin).
Rental prices in New Bedford are also a significant consideration for potential residents. The average rent in New Bedford is approximately $1,800 per month (as reported by Zillow). This average reflects a range of rental options, with studio apartments averaging $1,225, one-bedroom apartments around $1,495, and two-bedroom apartments averaging $1,700 per month (as reported by Zillow).
The cost of living in New Bedford is higher than the national average, though it is lower than the average for Massachusetts. The overall cost of living is estimated to be 11% higher than the national average, but 19% lower than the state average (as reported by Numbeo via Zippia). Housing costs in New Bedford are noted as being more expensive than the U.S. average, with a reported cost of living index score of 4 out of 10 for housing (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute).
Job Market and Economy
New Bedford’s economy is diverse, with major employers spanning healthcare, manufacturing, and education. Southcoast Hospitals Group is a significant employer in the healthcare sector, recognized as one of the top employers in Massachusetts (as reported by Wikipedia). Other key employers include Titleist, known for golf equipment manufacturing, and Riverside Manufacturing, involved in apparel production (as reported by Wikipedia).
The average salary in New Bedford is approximately $71,725 per year, or about $34 per hour (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert). However, other sources indicate a median household income of $56,981 in 2024 (as reported by CUBIT, citing US Census Bureau data). The unemployment rate in New Bedford was reported at 5.20% in March 2026, which is lower than its long-term average (as reported by YCharts, citing Bureau of Labor Statistics data).
The employment landscape in New Bedford is evolving, with a notable portion of its workforce commuting outside the city for employment. In 2000, half of the city’s residents worked in another area, with 31% commuting outside the greater New Bedford region (as reported by Dunn & Bradstreet, NAICS.com via Wikipedia). The city is also exploring growth in sectors like renewable energy, marine science, and the creative economy (as reported by HR&A Advisors, Inc.).
Climate in New Bedford
New Bedford experiences a climate characterized by warm, humid summers and very cold, snowy, and windy winters. The temperature typically ranges from 22°F to 81°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 8°F or exceeding 88°F (as reported by Weather Spark). The warmest period generally occurs from June through September, with July being the hottest month, averaging highs of 80°F and lows of 64°F.
Conversely, the cold season extends from December to March, with average daily high temperatures below 46°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows around 23°F and highs of 38°F (as reported by Weather Spark). The city also experiences significant cloud cover, with May being the cloudiest month, where the sky is overcast or mostly cloudy 52% of the time (as reported by Weather Spark).
Precipitation is a notable feature of New Bedford’s weather. The chance of rain can be high, particularly in the shoulder seasons, with some forecasts indicating a 70% chance of precipitation on certain days (as reported by the National Weather Service). Snowfall is common during the winter months, contributing to the cold and windy conditions characteristic of this season.
Education in New Bedford
New Bedford Public Schools serves a large student population, with approximately 12,488 students in grades PK through 12. The district maintains a student-teacher ratio of 12 to 1 (as reported by Niche). State test scores indicate that 21% of students are proficient in math and 23% are proficient in reading (as reported by Niche).
Within the district, elementary schools like James B. Congdon Elementary School and Casimir Pulaski Elementary School have received positive ratings, with James B. Congdon Elementary School holding a 5 out of 5 rating based on reviews (as reported by Niche). New Bedford High School is a public high school serving grades 9-12, with a student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1 (as reported by Niche).
New Bedford High School is recognized for its diversity, ranking among the most diverse public high schools in Massachusetts (as reported by Niche). For higher education, students in the New Bedford area often consider the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, which is located nearby and enrolls a significant number of students from the district (as reported by Niche).
Demographics of New Bedford
New Bedford has a population of approximately 101,000 residents, making it the ninth most populated city in Massachusetts (as reported by CUBIT, citing US Census Bureau data). The city’s population has seen a slight increase since the 2020 census, with projections indicating continued growth (as reported by World Population Review). The median age of residents is around 37 years, with a slightly higher male population (as reported by World Population Review).
The racial and ethnic makeup of New Bedford is diverse. White residents constitute the largest group at approximately 54.1%, followed by Hispanic residents at 25.8%, and those identifying with two or more races at 9.8% (as reported by CUBIT, citing US Census Bureau data). This demographic profile is more diverse than that of Massachusetts as a whole (as reported by CUBIT, citing US Census Bureau data).
A significant portion of New Bedford’s population, about 21.6%, was born outside the United States, which is close to the national average (as reported by Data USA). While the median household income is around $56,981, a notable percentage of families, 17.2%, live below the poverty line (as reported by CUBIT, citing US Census Bureau data).