Deep Dive: Fall River, MA Relocation Report (2026)

Fall River: The Data Profile (2026)

Fall River presents a complex economic picture for the 2026 relocator. With a population of 93,864, it operates as a smaller city with a distinct industrial heritage. The primary economic friction point is the disparity between local earning potential and national averages; the median household income is $52,978, which is -29.0% lower than the US median of $74,580. This wage suppression correlates with educational attainment, where only 19.7% of the population holds a bachelor's degree or higher, significantly below the US average of 33.1%.

The statistical target demographic for Fall River in the post-remote era is the "geographic arbitrageur." This profile includes hybrid workers earning $85,000+ annually (likely via Boston-based contracts) who can leverage the 128.0 Housing Cost Index to build equity, or retirees seeking coastal proximity without the premium of neighboring Bristol County towns.

Cost of Living Analysis

The cost of living in Fall River is bifurcated. While general goods are near the national average, utilities and housing exert significant pressure on the lower local wages.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis:
The critical data point here is the 29.0% income deficit against the cost of living baseline. A single earner making the median $52,978 takes home roughly $3,350 monthly after taxes. With a required budget of $2,845, the disposable income is only $505. This creates a high-risk scenario for non-hybrid workers. However, for a dual-income household earning $110,000 combined, the margin improves significantly, allowing for aggressive savings despite the $0.2935/kWh electricity rate (vs $0.160 US average).

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market is the city's primary value proposition. The gap between the local median income and housing costs suggests that buying is currently out of reach for the average local worker, but highly attractive for incoming capital.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting Analysis)

Buying vs. Renting Verdict:
The data indicates a strained buying market relative to local wages. A $425,000 home requires an income of roughly $115,000 to qualify comfortably, far exceeding the local median. However, renting offers a -23.1% discount compared to the national average. For 2026, Fall River is a "Renter's Value Market" for those with remote salaries, but a "Buyer's Challenge" for local capital accumulation.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

The Return-to-Office (RTO) mandates of 2025/2026 have impacted Fall River differently than major metros. With a 4.7% unemployment rate (slightly above the 4.0% US average), the local economy remains tight. The city's proximity to Providence, RI (approx. 20 miles) and Boston, MA (approx. 50 miles) acts as a stabilizing force.

Commute Dynamics:
For the hybrid worker, the commute is the variable. A commute to Boston averages 60-75 minutes via I-93/South Coast Rail, while Providence is a manageable 35-45 minutes. The +4.0% transportation cost index reflects this reliance on personal vehicles, as public transit infrastructure within the city limits is limited compared to larger metros.

Quality of Life Audit

While the economy is challenging, the Quality of Life (QoL) metrics show a "Green" paradox: good environmental conditions contrast with concerning health outcomes.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety & Environment:

• Violent Crime: 567/100k (US avg: 380). The violent crime rate is 49% higher than the national average, a significant risk factor.
• Property Crime: 2,234/100k (US avg: 2,000). Roughly on par with national norms.
• Air Quality: Exceptional. With an AQI of 38 and PM2.5 levels at 6.0 µg/m³, Fall River ranks in the top tier of clean air cities, driven by coastal winds.
• Weather: Current conditions show 43.0°F with highs of 45°F and lows of 37°F. The region experiences four distinct seasons, with humid summers and snowy winters.

Schools & Education:
With only 19.7% of residents college-educated, the public school system faces resource challenges compared to affluent suburbs. Families prioritizing elite education may find the local offerings insufficient compared to the 33.1% national average attainment.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Housing Value: Renting is -23.1% cheaper than the US average.
• Air Quality: AQI of 38 is significantly cleaner than the US average of 54.
• Hybrid Potential: Ideal for workers earning $80,000+ who can access Boston/Providence markets while banking savings.

Cons:

• Income Ceiling: Median income of $52,978 is -29.0% below the US average, limiting local upward mobility.
• Health Risks: Obesity (35.3%) and Smoking (21.3%) rates are alarmingly high, suggesting a culture with health risk factors.
• Safety: Violent crime is 49% higher than the national average.

Final Recommendation:
Fall River is a strategic entry point for the 2026 remote worker, not a destination for the local wage earner. The data supports a move if you can maintain a salary 1.5x the national average while renting. The combination of cheap coastal housing and clean air is a rare data intersection, but it is offset by high crime and health statistics.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Fall River?
To live comfortably (saving 20% of income) while renting a median 1-bedroom, a single earner needs approximately $65,000 annually. A family of four needs $110,000 to offset the high utility ($0.2935/kWh) and housing costs.

2. Is it better to rent or buy in 2026?
Rent. The Housing Index is 128.0, indicating overvaluation relative to local wages. With a median home price of $425,000 and a median income of $52,978, the price-to-income ratio is unsustainable for most buyers without significant external capital.

3. How dangerous is the crime rate?
Violent crime is a legitimate concern at 567/100k, which is 49% higher than the US average. Property crime is average. Due diligence regarding specific neighborhoods is required.

4. When is the best time to move?
The current weather (43°F, cloudy) suggests autumn/winter is moving season. However, inventory is best in late spring. Given the high electricity costs, moving in spring to avoid heating costs is financially prudent.