Bedford, IN
Population 13,824 · Indiana
About Bedford, IN
Bedford is a mid-sized city located in Indiana with a population of 13,824 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $50,253 per year, which is 33% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.6 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Bedford features a median home value of $136,900, which is 44% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Bedford one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $819, 30% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,831 total housing units, 66% are owner-occupied (4,230 units) and 34% are renter-occupied (2,175 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Bedford shows an unemployment rate of 2.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 15.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Bedford have an average one-way commute time of 24.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
17.6% of Bedford residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 2.6% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 0.2% Asian residents, with 1.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Bedford, IN
Compared to national averages, Bedford has a median household income of $50,253 (33% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $136,900, which is 44% below the national median. Monthly rent at $819 is 30% below the US average of $1,163. Within Indiana, Bedford's income is 28% below the state average of $69,330, and home values are 16% below the state median of $163,409.
Why Live in Bedford, IN?
Bedford offers affordable housing with a median home value of $136,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $819/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.2%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 24.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($50,253) that falls below the national average. However, Bedford’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Bedford has a population of 13,824 with a median age of 41.6 years. Compare Bedford with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Indiana.
Similar Cities Near Bedford
Cities in Indiana with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speedway | 13,622 | $57,158 | $209,400 | Compare |
| Auburn | 13,464 | $62,339 | $172,800 | Compare |
| Chesterton | 14,326 | $88,536 | $280,400 | Compare |
| Connersville | 13,241 | $45,679 | $96,300 | Compare |
| Lake Station | 13,109 | $56,306 | $124,800 | Compare |
| Cedar Lake | 14,686 | $79,177 | $259,900 | Compare |
| Beech Grove | 15,082 | $49,452 | $169,500 | Compare |
| New Haven | 15,339 | $67,121 | $151,200 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Indiana
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Bedford With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Bedford
What is the population of Bedford, IN?
The population of Bedford, IN is 13,824 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Indiana.
What is the median household income in Bedford?
The median household income in Bedford, IN is $50,253 per year, which is 33% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Bedford?
The median home value in Bedford, IN is $136,900, which is 44% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Bedford?
The median monthly rent in Bedford, IN is $819, which is 30% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Bedford?
The unemployment rate in Bedford, IN is 2.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Bedford, IN a good place to live?
Bedford offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 13,824 and a median age of 41.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Bedford, IN?
17.6% of residents in Bedford aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Bedford?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Bedford, IN: median home value is $136,900 (44% below national), median rent is $819/month, and median household income is $50,253. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Bedford?
The poverty rate in Bedford, IN is 15.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Bedford, IN?
Bedford's population is 2.6% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 0.2% Asian, and 0.4% two or more races. 1.4% of residents are foreign-born.