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New Bedford, Massachusetts

city · Bristol County

At a glance

100,998
Population
$357,300
Median home value (all homes)
18% above U.S. median
$446,955
Typical market value
Zillow, 2026-07
$1,137/mo
Median rent
16% below U.S. median
$56,981
Median household income
27% below U.S. median
24.7 min
Average commute
86.6%
Homes with broadband
0.01%
Locations with fiber available
8.3%
Unemployment

Cost of living (Clay Affordability Index)

CAI 110 — 10% above the national average. how it's computed

Housing35% above
Goods & services0% below
Utilities9% above
Taxes7% below
Insurance5% above
Commute cost8% below
For business: Massachusetts is CBII band 3/5 · time to build band 3/5. See state page for the breakdown.

Living here

Colleges in town:
Nearest 4-year college4 mi
Nearest community college12 mi
Nearest technical college3 mi
High school graduates76.7%
College graduates17%

Doing business here

Economic development contacts, most local first:

city New Bedford Economic Development Council
The NBEDC is a nonprofit organization that works with local, state, and federal partners to support creativity, sustainable job growth, and private sector investment benefiting the citizens of New Bedford. It is comprised of over 400 leaders in business, education, and government and collaborates with the Mayor’s Office to set the city’s key economic development agenda.
state MassDevelopment
MassDevelopment provides financing, real estate, and community development solutions to grow businesses, create opportunity, and energize cities and towns across Massachusetts. It aims to revitalize communities, expand housing, and create jobs.
state Massachusetts Alliance for Economic Development
MassEcon is a private, non-profit partnership of business, industry leaders, and government dedicated to the economic growth of Massachusetts. MassEcon's mission is to promote and champion Massachusetts as the best place to start, grow and locate a business.
State sales taxYes
State income taxYes
Right-to-work stateNo

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