The health in 02744 New Bedford, MA is a multifaceted issue. This area has a diverse population, with many different ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds. In looking at the health of this community, it is important to take into account both local hospitals and medical facilities as well as the lifestyle choices of those who inhabit the area. New Bedford has access to high-quality healthcare thanks to its three hospital systems, each offering comprehensive services for residents. Additionally, there are more than 30 local medical facilities spread throughout the city, including primary care clinics, specialty centers, and pharmacies that offer additional support to individuals in need of healthcare services. In addition to having access to quality medical services, those living in 02744 New Bedford are able to enjoy healthy lifestyles thanks to an abundance of physical activity opportunities ranging from walking trails and parks to gyms and recreational centers. Wellness initiatives such as healthy cooking classes and free fitness programs sponsored by public organizations further encourage residents of this community to live healthier lives.
The health of a city has many different factors. It can refer to air quality, water quality, risk of getting respiratory disease or cancer. The people you live around can also affect your health as some places have lower or higher rates of physical activity, increased alcohol intake, smoking, obesity, and cancer rates.
Physicians per Capita
There are 142 physicians per 100,000 population in New Bedford (zip 02744). The US average is 210 per 100,000 people.
Health Cost Index
The annual BestPlaces Health Cost Index for the New Bedford (zip 02744) area is 83.8 (lower=better). The US average is 100.
83.8 / 100
Example: 110 = 10% more expensive than national average.
Water Qualtiy Index
The annual BestPlaces Water Quality Index for the New Bedford (zip 02744) area is 47 (100=best). The US average is 55.
47 / 100
Note that this is a measure of Watershed quality, not the water that comes from your faucet. The EPA has stated that a healthy watershed is closely related to drinking water quality. The EPA has a complex method of measuring watershed quality using 15 indicators such as pH, chemicals, metals, and bacteria.
Superfund Index
The annual BestPlaces Superfund Index for the New Bedford (zip 02744) area is 77 (100=best). The US average is 87.
77 / 100
The EPA's Superfund program is responsible for cleaning up some of our nation's most contaminated land. Our index is based on the number of active Superfund sites (over 15,000 in the United States), with particular attention paid to those on the National Priorities List which pose the greatest health danger.
Quick Facts
Commuting can effect your health. The average person in New Bedford (zip 02744) commutes 26.6 minutes one-way, which is longer than the US average of 26.4 minutes.
Air Quality Index
The annual BestPlaces Air Quality Index for the New Bedford (zip 02744) area is 75 (100=best). The US average is 58.
75 / 100
This is based on new measures of hazardous air pollutants from the EPA, called the National Air Toxics Assessment. This analysis models respiratory illness and cancer risk down to the zip code level, providing better detail and insight than the previous analysis based solely on results from air monitoring stations.