Fall River is a city located in southeastern Massachusetts along the eastern shore of Mount Hope Bay. As of the 2020 census, the population of Fall River was 89,420 making it the tenth largest city in Massachusetts.
Population and Demographics
According to the 2020 census, Fall River had a population of 89,420 people. The racial makeup of the city was 73.8% White, 6.5% Black or African American, 0.5% Native American, 2.8% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 11.5% from other races, and 4.8% from two or more races. 22.8% of the population was Hispanic or Latino of any race.
The median age in Fall River is 35.7 years old. 22.5% of the population is under the age of 18 while 15.1% is aged 65 or older. There are slightly more females than males with a gender ratio of 52.2% female to 47.8% male.
Fall River experienced its peak population in 1920 when over 120,000 people lived in the city. The population declined in the late 20th century as manufacturing jobs moved out of the region. However, the population has started to recover in recent years.
History and Economy
Fall River has a long history as a center for textile manufacturing. In the 19th century, the many fast-flowing rivers in the area were ideal for powering mills and factories. The development of steam power further accelerated industrialization in Fall River.
By the early 20th century, Fall River had become the largest textile producing center in the United States and was nicknamed “Spindle City.” Many major textile companies operated mills and factories in the city including Iron Works, American Printing Company, Globe Manufacturing Company, and Kerr Mills.
While the textile industry has declined across New England, manufacturing is still an important part of the Fall River economy today. Major employers include Blount Fine Foods, a food processing company, and Kennametal, a supplier of tooling and industrial materials.
In recent years, Fall River has worked to diversify its economy by attracting new industries. Life science and biotechnology companies have been targeted for growth. The city government has also invested in infrastructure and revitalization projects to spur economic development.
Tourism and Things to Do
In addition to its long industrial history, Fall River also has many cultural and recreational attractions for visitors.
Battleship Cove along the Taunton River is home to the world’s largest collection of World War II naval vessels. The star attraction is the USS Massachusetts, a decorated battleship that visitors can tour.
The Fall River Heritage State Park preserves some of the city’s original textile mills and factories. The park includes gift shops, museums, and guided tours that showcase the history of the mills.
Outdoor activities are popular in Fall River with many parks and hiking trails. The Quequechan River Rail Trail follows along the river for over 9 miles through the city.
For entertainment, there is the Narrows Center for the Arts which hosts concerts and performances. The city is also home to several minor league sports teams including the Fall River Dirty Birds soccer team.
Fall River’s Portuguese heritage can be experienced through food and culture. Many authentic Portuguese restaurants serve staples like chouriço sausage, fish stew, and malassadas desserts. The Feast of the Blessed Sacrament, the largest Portuguese cultural festival in the world, is held each summer in Fall River.
Major Employers
While no longer home to the massive textile mills of the past, some of the leading employers in Fall River today include:
- Blount Fine Foods – Food processing and manufacturing
- Kennametal – Industrial tooling and materials
- Southcoast Health System – Healthcare network
- Trillium Health – Opioid treatment centers
- Amazon – Warehousing and distribution
The city government, school district, local colleges, and utility companies also provide many jobs in Fall River.
Stay Connected and Learn More
To stay up to date on happenings in Fall River, check out the city’s Facebook page. The city website at fallriverma.org also provides info and services.
Fall River’s passion for high school sports can be followed by visiting the website for the Durfee High School Hilltoppers.
To plan a trip or learn more about Fall River, visit the Fall River Tourism office website.