Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Fall River, MA
Thinking of moving to Fall River, MA? With a population of 93,000, this historic city offers affordable housing with a median home price of $351,000 and average two-bedroom rents around $1,250. Commutes are manageable at just under 25 minutes, and residents enjoy a mild New England climate with over half of days being sunny. While the city has higher crime rates and lower household incomes than the state average, Fall River features strong healthcare access, a vibrant mix of cultures, and educational opportunities through local schools and colleges—making it a practical and diverse place to call home.
Demographics - Fall River, MA
Demographics - Fall River, MA
Fall River is home to about 93,000 residents, offering a relatively dense urban environment with a median age of 39.2 years. The city features a diverse population, with over 15% non-English speakers and a majority identifying as White, while also including significant Black, Asian, and other ethnic communities. This diversity adds to the city's cultural vibrancy and community life.
Population:
93,000
Density:
2,700 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.2
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
15.3%
Ethnic Composition
White:
78.2%
Black:
6.1%
Asian:
3.0%
Others:
12.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Fall River, MA?
The cost of living in Fall River is slightly above the national average, with a median home value of $351,000 and average rents around $1,250 for a two-bedroom apartment. Residents benefit from comparatively affordable housing costs, although utilities and healthcare expenses run higher than average. State taxes range from 5% to 9%, contributing to moderate overall expenses.
Median House Value:
$351,000
Gross Rent:
$1,250
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,320
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,970
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$630
State Taxes:
Low:
5.0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
107.5
Grocery:
105.0
Housing:
97.0
Utilities:
110.2
Transportation:
104.3
Health Care:
109.1
Miscellaneous:
106.7
Crime
Is Fall River, MA a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Fall River are higher than national averages, with about 467 violent crimes and 1,663 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. The chance of experiencing a violent crime is roughly 1 in 214, so newcomers should consider safety when choosing neighborhoods. Despite these statistics, many residents find safe and welcoming communities throughout the city.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
467
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,663
Crime Index:
2,130
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 214
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 60
Weather
What is the weather like in Fall River, MA year-round?
Fall River experiences classic New England weather, with cold winters (lows in the 20s), warm summers reaching the low 80s, and moderate spring and fall seasons. The area receives around 50 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunny conditions on about 54% of days. This climate supports a variety of outdoor activities year-round.
Winter
Min:
22°F
Max:
38°F
Spring
Min:
43°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
82°F
Fall
Min:
47°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
50.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Residents of Fall River generally have a median household income of around $48,800, which is below the state average, and about 18% of the population lives below the poverty line. The community is well-educated at the high school level, with over 75% holding diplomas, and average commute times are just under 25 minutes. Public transportation is available but used by a small portion of the population.
Median Income:
$30,500
Household Income:
$48,800
Family Income:
$61,700
Per Capita Income:
$26,300
Income Male:
$36,700
Income Female:
$30,300
Poverty Rate:
18.0%
Non English Speakers:
15.3%
Rent:
$1,250
Unemployment Rate:
5.9%
Public Transport Usage:
5.1%
Commute Time:
24.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
75.3%
Bachelors or More:
18.7%
Education
How are the schools in Fall River, MA?
Fall River is served by a range of public and private schools, including B.M.C. Durfee High School with nearly 2,900 students and a favorable student-teacher ratio. Higher education is accessible through nearby Bristol Community College and University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, making the city a practical choice for families and students. Educational attainment in the area is solid at the high school level, with opportunities for further study locally.
Public Schools
Name:
B.M.C. Durfee High School
Street:
460 Elsbree St
Phone:
508-675-8100
Students:
2,900
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5
Name:
Spencer Borden Elementary School
Street:
1400 President Ave
Phone:
508-675-8240
Students:
500
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.9
Private Schools
Name:
Espirito Santo School
Street:
143 Everett St
Phone:
508-672-2229
Students:
280
Colleges
Name:
Bristol Community College
City:
Fall River
State:
MA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
6,500
Name:
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
City:
Dartmouth
State:
MA
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
8,500
Healthcare
Fall River offers strong healthcare access with major facilities like Saint Anne's and Charlton Memorial Hospitals providing comprehensive emergency and surgical services. The city has a high rate of health insurance coverage at 93.6% and about 2.5 physicians per 1,000 residents. These resources make quality medical care readily accessible for most locals.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Saint Anne's Hospital
Address:
795 Middle St, Fall River, MA 02721
Phone:
(508) 674-5600
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Charlton Memorial Hospital
Address:
363 Highland Ave, Fall River, MA 02720
Phone:
(508) 679-3131
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.6%
Health Care Index:
79.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Fall River, MA?
The Fall River housing market is relatively affordable compared to many Massachusetts cities, with a median home price of $351,000 and a one-year appreciation rate of 6.3%. About 38% of residents own their homes, and rental options are widely available with a vacancy rate of 7.2%. The market favors both buyers and renters seeking value and choice.
Median Home Price:
$351,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,250
Owner Occupied Rate:
38.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.3%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Residents can access driver and vehicle services at the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles office located at 1794 N Main St. This convenient local branch offers standard DMV services, and additional information is available on the state's official website. The office provides support for licensing, registration, and related needs.
State:
Massachusetts
Department:
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1794 N Main St, Fall River, MA 02720
Phone:
1-857-368-8000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.