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Population Review

New Bedford, Massachusetts Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates

The population of New Bedford, Massachusetts is 100,731 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 9th-largest city in Massachusetts. The median household income is $56,025, the median home value is $324,400, and the median age is 37.0.

The population has grown 6.6% since 2010 (95,059 → 101,318).

100,731

Population

5036

People / sq mi

$56,025

Median Income

$324,400

Median Home Value

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New Bedford covers 20.0 sq mi of land at 5036 people per square mile.

About New Bedford, MA

Homeownership is the standout figure in New Bedford: 40.0% of homes are owner-occupied, lower than the national rate. New Bedford is a city in Massachusetts with a population of 100,731. It is the #9-largest of all cities in Massachusetts nationally.

The typical household earns $56,025, below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 16.7% of residents fall below the poverty line, above the national 12.4%. Median home value is $324,400, with typical rent around $1,085.

Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 16.8%, below the national 35.0%. Almost everyone commutes — only 4.7% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 25 minutes each way.

New Bedford city Population History (2010-2024)

The city of New Bedford city had a population of 95,059 in 2010 and 101,318 in 2024, a 6.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 101,318 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.47%.

2024 · 101K20102024
New Bedford city population, 2010–2024 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau — decennial census & Population Estimates

101,318

Population (2024)

95,059

Population (2010)

101,318

Peak (2024)

0.47%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
201095,059
201194,896
201294,998
201395,065
201495,121
201595,128
201695,135
201795,083
201895,371
201995,363
2020100,946
2021100,885
2022100,804
2023101,007
2024101,318

Race & Ethnicity

White57.5%
Black or African American6.0%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)2.3%
Two or More Races0.0%

Economy & Income

$56,025

Median Household Income

$30,475

Per Capita Income

16.7%

Poverty Rate

4.7%

Unemployment Rate

Housing

$324,400

Median Home Value

$1,085

Median Rent

40.0%

Owner-Occupied

Education

76.1%

High School+

16.8%

Bachelor's+

Commute

2.6%

Drive Alone

72.8%

Public Transit

4.7%

Work From Home

25.2 min

Avg Commute

Community Profile

10.4%

Foreign Born

62.4%

Non-English at Home

4.6%

Veterans

16.1%

With Disability

95.1%

Health Insurance

90.6%

Internet Access

Employment by Industry

Professional, Scientific & Management26.5%
Manufacturing11.4%
Education, Health Care & Social Services9.1%
Construction9.1%
Finance, Insurance & Real Estate7.7%
Retail Trade5.9%
Arts, Entertainment & Food Services4.3%
Public Administration3.6%
Information3.4%
Agriculture & Mining1.5%
Transportation & Warehousing1.4%

Largest cities in Massachusetts

Largest counties in Massachusetts

Part of Massachusetts

Metro areas in Massachusetts

City rankings

Frequently Asked Questions

New Bedford, Massachusetts has a population of 100,731 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 9th-largest city in Massachusetts.

The median household income in New Bedford, Massachusetts is $56,025, with 16.7% of residents living below the federal poverty level.

The median home value in New Bedford, Massachusetts is $324,400, with median monthly rent at $1,085 and a homeownership rate of 40.0%.

The median age in New Bedford, Massachusetts is 37.0 years. The population is 50.4% male and 49.6% female.

The population has grown 6.6% since 2010 (95,059 → 101,318).


New Bedford city, MA Climate

New Bedford city, MA has an average annual temperature of 10.3°C (51°F) and receives about 1244 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.

10.3°C

Avg Temp

1244

Precip (mm/yr)

Jul

Hottest Month

Jan

Coldest Month

-10°0°10°20°30°118mmJFMAMJJASOND
Avg temp (°C) Precipitation (mm)
New Bedford city, MA — monthly temperature & precipitation (1970–2000 normals) · Source: WorldClim 2.1
MonthAvg (°C/°F)Precip
January-2° / 28°111 mm
February-1° / 30°100 mm
March4° / 38°115 mm
April8° / 47°109 mm
May14° / 57°93 mm
June19° / 67°93 mm
July23° / 73°85 mm
August22° / 71°108 mm
September18° / 64°98 mm
October12° / 53°99 mm
November7° / 44°118 mm
December1° / 34°115 mm

1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.

Best time to visit New Bedford city, MA

The most comfortable months to visit New Bedford city, MA are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 28°C high). The coldest is January (near -7°C low). November is usually the wettest month.

JulyAugustJune

Where to stay near New Bedford

Visiting or relocating to New Bedford, MA? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.

Top-rated places to stay near New Bedford

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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.