Living in Fall River, MA
Fall River is the 367th-largest city in the US, home to about 95,000 people in 2025. Its population has been roughly flat since 2020. Prices across the metro area run close to the national average (101.8 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population, 2025
- 95,298+1.4% since 2020
- Median home value
- $395,5007.0 years of median income
- Median rent
- $1,155/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $56,673median, per year
- Price level
- 101.8US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 38° / 84°lows 22° / 65°
- Average commute
- 26 min7% work from home
- State income tax
- 9%top rate, graduated
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County: Bristol County
Time zone: Eastern Time (UTC-5, UTC-4 in summer)
Elevation: about 108 ft
Metro area: Providence-Warwick, RI-MA
Cost of living in Fall River
The median home in Fall River is worth $395,500 and the median household earns $56,673 a year, so a typical home costs about 7.0 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $1,155 a month, about 24% of the median household's income. BEA puts overall prices in the Providence-Warwick, RI-MA metro area at 101.8, with housing at 103.9 and goods at 97.1 (US = 100). In practice, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced place stretches about as far as $76,300 here. Massachusetts taxes wages at a top rate of 9%. The average combined state and local sales tax in Massachusetts is 6.25%.
What would my salary be worth in Fall River?
Fall River weather
Average highs run from 38°F in January to 84°F in July, and January nights average 22°F. It gets 48 inches of rain and melted snow a year and 37 inches of snow. Nights drop below freezing about 109 times a year. The most comfortable months are May to October.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Fall River
People and work
The median resident is 39.3 years old, and 16% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 35% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 26 minutes; 7% of workers work from home.
- Median age
- 39.3430th youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 16%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 35%of households
- People per sq mile
- 2,87733.1 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 2%4% walk, 0% bike
- Unemployment
- 6.5%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 19.6%of residents
- Typical home built
- 1945median year
Who moves to Fall River, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from Cape Coral (Lee County), West Palm Beach (Palm Beach County) and Kings County, NY. People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to West Palm Beach (Palm Beach County), Cape Coral (Lee County) and Tampa (Hillsborough County). See the map and full lists
IRS county-to-county migration, 2022 to 2023 tax years. Where Americans are moving.
Natural hazards, home prices and air quality
Natural hazard risk
Relatively Moderate
FEMA rating for Bristol County, scored against every US county. Biggest risks: inland flooding, strong wind, ice storm.
Home prices
+4.7% in a year
Up 52% over five years. FHFA house price index for the Providence-Warwick, RI-MA area, 2026 Q2.
Air quality, 2025
70% good days
5 days unhealthy at least for sensitive groups. EPA daily air quality index for the Providence-Warwick, RI-MA area (365 days measured).
FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025) combines expected losses from 18 natural hazards with how vulnerable and resilient the community is. It describes the county, not your street; check flood maps for a specific address at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
Pros and cons of living in Fall River
Data points come from the official sources on this page. Points marked Local come from people who live here, are read by a person before they appear, and are ranked by readers.
Pros
- Nothing stands out in the data. Locals, what do you love about Fall River?
Cons
- Data Homes are expensive for local pay: the median home costs 7.0 years of median household income.
- Data Massachusetts's top income tax rate is 9%, among the highest in the country.
Fall River report card from locals
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Cities near Fall River
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Bedford, MA | 12 mi | 101,834 | $357,300 | 101.8 | Compare |
| Warwick, RI | 13 mi | 84,187 | $354,600 | 101.8 | Compare |
| Providence, RI | 16 mi | 195,310 | $362,200 | 101.8 | Compare |
| Pawtucket, RI | 17 mi | 77,065 | $325,500 | 101.8 | Compare |
| Cranston, RI | 17 mi | 84,647 | $378,300 | 101.8 | Compare |
| Brockton, MA | 28 mi | 106,134 | $437,500 | 108.3 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
Fall River ranks 16th of 16 in our best suburbs of Providence ranking.
Cities with a similar profile
Closest match on climate, price level, size, income and median age, outside the immediate area.
Compare Fall River with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is Fall River a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show 6 comfortable months a year; the trade-offs are expensive homes relative to local incomes. Compare Fall River side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Fall River?
The Census Bureau estimates Fall River had 95,298 residents on July 1, 2025, compared with 93,982 in April 2020 (+1.4%).
How much do you need to earn to live in Fall River?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $76,300 in the Fall River area. The median household here earns $56,673.
When is the best time to visit Fall River?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, May to October are the most comfortable months. July averages 84°F and January 38°F for daytime highs.
What county is Fall River in?
Fall River is in Bristol County, Massachusetts. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Fall River in?
Fall River is on Eastern Time (UTC-5, or UTC-4 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Fall River?
About 108 feet above sea level at the city center. Elevation varies across the city.
Does Massachusetts have a state income tax?
Yes. Massachusetts has a graduated income tax with a top rate of 9% for 2026. Some cities add a local income tax, which is not included here.
Sources
Population: Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025). Income, housing, education and commuting: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates for the city of Fall River. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the Providence-Warwick, RI-MA metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Providence T F Green Airport, RI station. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.