New Bedford, MA town hall & government
New Bedford spent $551.3 million in the year to June 30, 2024, about $5,475 per resident.
Where the money goes, where it comes from, property taxes, and how to reach New Bedford's government.
Where New Bedford's money goes
New Bedford runs its own schools, so school spending is part of its budget. Comparisons are with other Massachusetts cities.
Where the money comes from
- From the state 43%
- Property taxes 25%
- From the federal government 17%
- Fees & charges 10%
- Utility sales 3%
- Interest, fines & other 2%
- Other taxes & licenses <1%
- Sales taxes <1%
- From other local governments <1%
Who works for New Bedford
Staff on the town's payroll in March 2025. Pay is March payroll times twelve, so it's approximate.
What homeowners in New Bedford pay
The median yearly bill homeowners report, covering every local property tax on the home (town, schools, county). The effective rate is that bill divided by the median home value, so it's a rough guide, not the official tax rate.
Contact New Bedford's government
Who represents New Bedford
New Bedford is represented in Congress by Senators Elizabeth Warren and Edward J. Markey and Representative William R. Keating. Maura Healey is governor.
Budget: U.S. Census Bureau, 2022 Census of Governments: Finance (every city and town government's revenue, spending and debt, grouped into plain categories). Property tax: Census American Community Survey, 5-year estimates.