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Fall River, Massachusetts

USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence

51
Overall Score

Fall River, Massachusetts, situated along the Taunton River and Mount Hope Bay, is a historic mill city renowned for its rich industrial heritage and deep Portuguese-American roots. Founded in the early 19th century, it quickly grew into a major global textile manufacturing center before transitioning into a diverse modern community. Today, the city offers residents a distinct blend of historic architecture, maritime culture, and revitalized urban spaces that celebrate its storied past while looking toward the future. People are increasingly drawn to Fall River for its relative housing affordability compared to greater Boston, its strategic coastal location, and its vibrant local community.

About Massachusetts

Massachusetts is a New England state known for its rich history, world-class educational institutions, and diverse communities. Its economy is robust, driven by major industries such as technology, healthcare, biotechnology, finance, and education. Living in Massachusetts generally comes with a high cost of living, particularly for housing, which is significantly above the national average. The state experiences a humid continental climate with distinct four seasons, including cold, snowy winters and warm, rainy summers. The lifestyle is often characterized by a fast-paced, well-educated populace that values hard work, civic responsibility, and a vibrant cultural scene.

94,000
Population
$58K
Avg Salary
98
Cost Index
50.6
Quality Score
How this 51/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
Component Readings used Points Weight Contributes
Safety Safety score: 58 / 100 58.0 30% 17.4
Affordability Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 98.0 46.3 25% 11.6
Economy & jobs Median household income: $53,400 Income needed to live here: $52,000 Unemployment rate: 5.8% 40.4 20% 8.1
Growth Population growth rate: 0.5% Job growth rate: 1.8% 46.8 15% 7.0
Business climate assessment Business climate assessment: 65 / 100 65.0 10% 6.5
Overall score 50.6

Provenance. These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as Tier 1 (fast) (q=52, partial — below threshold), last refreshed 17 October 2026. They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.

Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.

Businesses in Fall River

Featured local businesses in Fall River.

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Quality Scores

Business
65
Livability
71
Affordability
74
Growth
69

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Fall River is generally below both the Massachusetts state average and regional metropolitan benchmarks, making it an attractive destination for families and budget-conscious professionals. Housing costs, while rising in recent years due to regional demand, remain significantly more accessible than in Boston or Providence, Rhode Island. Everyday expenses such as groceries, utilities, and transportation hover closer to national norms, though Massachusetts' state tax structures and utility rates still apply. Overall, residents find that their money stretches further here than in many surrounding New England municipalities.

Average Rent
$1,550/mo
Groceries
$420/mo
Transport
$110/mo
Utilities
$210/mo
Healthcare
$240/mo
Gym membership (monthly)
$40.00
Cinema ticket
$13.00
Restaurant meal (mid-range)
$25.00
Monthly groceries
$380.00
Doctor visit (without insurance)
$140.00

Salary Insights

Fall River's economy is anchored by sectors such as healthcare, education, retail trade, and light manufacturing, with ongoing efforts to foster entrepreneurship and tech-adjacent businesses. Major local employers include healthcare providers, school districts, and regional manufacturing and distribution firms that leverage the city's strategic highway access. Because of its proximity to Providence and the broader South Coast rail expansions, an increasing number of residents commute to regional job centers or work remotely. The local job market continues to diversify as municipal investments improve infrastructure and downtown commercial corridors.

The average salary in Fall River is $58,000 per year. You would need approximately $52,000 to live comfortably.

Top Industries

Retail Trade +1.10% Manufacturing +1.50% Healthcare +2.40% Accommodation and Food Services +2.00% Educational Services +1.90%

Climate

🌡️
51°F
Avg Temp
☀️
79°F
Summer High
❄️
23°F
Winter Low
🌧️
43.10"
Annual Rain
💧
68.00%
Humidity
🌤️
264
Sunny Days

Transport

Getting around Fall River relies heavily on automobiles, with Interstate 195 and Route 24 providing direct connections to Providence, Boston, and Cape Cod. Public transportation is served by local bus networks operated by the Southeastern Regional Transit Authority (SRTA), connecting key residential and commercial hubs. The recent expansion of the MBTA Commuter Rail South Coast Rail project further enhances regional connectivity, linking Fall River directly to Boston. Walkability varies, with the downtown core offering pedestrian-friendly streets while outer residential neighborhoods lean more car-dependent.

27 min
Avg Commute
45.00/10
Transit Score
55.00/10
Walkability
High
Car Dependency

Pros & Cons

Advantages
Median home prices are significantly more affordable than the greater Boston and Providence averages per Zillow 2024 data.
Direct MBTA commuter rail access to Boston improves regional transit connectivity.
Rich cultural heritage featuring renowned Portuguese cuisine, bakeries, and annual festivals.
Strategic coastal location along Mount Hope Bay with proximity to Newport and Cape Cod.
Active downtown revitalization and infrastructure investments fostering local business growth.
Drawbacks
Higher-than-average state utility rates impact monthly household electricity and heating budgets.
Certain urban core neighborhoods experience higher property crime rates than surrounding suburbs.
Public school performance metrics lag behind state averages according to Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Ongoing traffic congestion along major highway arteries during peak commuting hours.
Aging housing stock in older districts may require significant renovation and maintenance investments.

Questions about Fall River

What people ask about living in and moving to Fall River, Massachusetts.

How does Fall River’s cost of living compare to the national average? Cost of Living 1 answer

Fall River’s cost of living index is 98, which is slightly below the national average of 100. This means everyday expenses—groceries, utilities, and transportation—tend to be a bit lower than in many other parts of the country. Rent is around $1,550 per month, which aligns with the city’s average housing costs, and the median salary is about $58,000 annually. Overall, you’ll find that your money stretches a little fu...

What’s the average rent for a one‑bedroom apartment in Fall River? Housing 1 answer

The average monthly rent for a one‑bedroom apartment in Fall River is approximately $1,550. This figure reflects the typical cost for a modest unit in the city. When searching for a place, consider looking at listings on local real‑estate websites or contacting residential property managers who handle rentals in the area. Be sure to compare the amenities and location of each unit, as prices can vary slightly dependin...

What are the main industries hiring in Fall River? Jobs & Economy 1 answer

Fall River’s employment landscape includes manufacturing, logistics, and service sectors. Many companies in the region focus on production, distribution, and supply‑chain operations. With your background, you could explore opportunities in factories, warehouses, and transportation hubs that are common in the city. Job seekers often find openings through local employment centers, online job boards, and community netwo...

How are the public schools in Fall River rated? Schools & Education 1 answer

Public schools in Fall River offer a range of educational programs for elementary through high school levels. Parents often review school performance through state education reports, which provide metrics such as graduation rates and standardized test scores. Additionally, local school district meetings and parent‑teacher associations offer insights into school quality and resources. Checking the district’s website a...

Is Fall River a safe place to live? Safety 1 answer

Fall River’s safety score is 58 out of 100, indicating a moderate level of safety compared to other U.S. cities. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so it’s helpful to look at local crime statistics provided by the city’s public safety department. Residents often use neighborhood‑specific resources, such as community watch groups and local police precinct reports, to gauge safety in particular areas. Visiting neighborh...

What public transportation options are available in Fall River? Getting Around 1 answer

Fall River is served by regional transit services that connect to Boston and surrounding towns. These services include commuter rail lines and bus routes that operate on a regular schedule. The city’s transit authority offers schedules, fare information, and route maps online, which can help you plan your commute. Additionally, many residents use ride‑share apps or car‑pooling options to supplement public transit, es...

Where can I find quality healthcare in Fall River? Healthcare 1 answer

Fall River hosts several medical facilities that provide primary care, urgent care, and specialty services. Patients often consult local health directories or the city’s health department website to locate clinics and hospitals. These resources list services such as cardiology, orthopedics, and pediatric care. For specialist appointments, patients typically schedule through their primary provider or use online appoin...

What are some popular local attractions in Fall River? Things to Do 1 answer

Fall River offers a mix of cultural, historical, and recreational attractions suitable for families. Visitors often explore museums that showcase local heritage, waterfront parks with scenic views, and community events held in downtown plazas. Seasonal festivals and farmers’ markets provide additional entertainment options. Checking the city’s tourism page or local event calendars can help you discover upcoming activ...

What should I know about moving into Fall River? Moving Here 1 answer

When moving to Fall River, start by researching the neighborhoods that fit your lifestyle and budget. Look into local utilities, waste collection schedules, and the availability of services such as internet and cable. It’s also useful to familiarize yourself with the city’s parking regulations and public transportation options. Many residents find it helpful to visit the city’s official website for moving checklists...

What’s the overall vibe of Fall River for new residents? General 1 answer

Fall River is known for its strong community spirit and historic charm. Residents often describe a welcoming atmosphere with a mix of cultural diversity and family‑friendly neighborhoods. Community events, local markets, and public spaces contribute to a sense of belonging. Newcomers typically find that engaging with neighborhood groups and attending city-sponsored events helps them integrate quickly into the local s...

Some answers here were drafted as a starting point and may be out of date. Live in Fall River? Add your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Urblytica benchmarks its Cost of Living Index against a United States national average baseline of 100. A score of 115 means a city is approximately 15% more expensive than the national average, while a score of 85 indicates it is 15% more affordable. This composite calculation is weighted across six primary expenditure categories: housing, utilities, grocery items, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods.

Urblytica aggregates housing data from multiple authoritative sources, including Multiple Listing Service (MLS) feeds, municipal property tax registries, the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS), and verified historical deed transactions. This multi-tier aggregation ensures precision in tracking median home values and rental rates.

A municipality must meet minimum data-density thresholds—including consistent reporting population samples from the U.S. Census and active residential or commercial real estate transaction feeds—to ensure statistical significance before a complete scoring profile is published.

When primary agencies (such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics or U.S. Census Bureau) issue historical data revisions or benchmark corrections, Urblytica's data pipeline automatically re-indexes affected historical archives to maintain longitudinal trend accuracy.

U.S. affordability calculations incorporate federal income tax brackets, state-specific income tax rates, and local municipal tax variations to evaluate the true net tax drag on median household earnings across different states and cities.

Local county and municipal property tax millage rates are factored directly into the housing component of the cost-of-living index to reflect recurring annual tax burdens for homeowners.

The platform aggregates state sales taxes alongside county and city surtaxes to measure consumer basket purchasing power parity accurately across different retail jurisdictions.

Utility calculations apply regional seasonal consumption weightings, incorporating high summer air conditioning loads in southern states and heavy winter heating demands in northern states.

The index tracks average out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, routine outpatient visit costs, and regional health insurance premium benchmarks published by federal health agencies.

Educational metrics aggregate state standardized testing benchmarks, student-to-teacher ratios, high school graduation rates, and per-pupil expenditure data published by state departments of education.

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