Bedford, IA
Population 1,389 · Iowa
About Bedford, IA
Bedford is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 1,389 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $57,031 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.1 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 $88,900, which is 64% 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 $663, 43% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 704 total housing units, 80% are owner-occupied (462 units) and 20% are renter-occupied (114 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Bedford shows an unemployment rate of 6.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 10.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Bedford have an average one-way commute time of 21.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
12.4% 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 0.1% White, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 2.7% Asian residents, with 0.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Bedford, IA
Compared to national averages, Bedford has a median household income of $57,031 (24% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $88,900, which is 64% below the national median. Monthly rent at $663 is 43% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Bedford's income is 16% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 33% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Bedford, IA?
Bedford offers affordable housing with a median home value of $88,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $663/month, and a low poverty rate of 10.1%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 21.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($57,031) 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 1,389 with a median age of 41.1 years. Compare Bedford with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Bedford
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greene | 1,390 | $54,298 | $125,200 | Compare |
| Nora Springs | 1,394 | $72,083 | $126,300 | Compare |
| Coon Rapids | 1,403 | $64,338 | $129,300 | Compare |
| Earlham | 1,406 | $104,464 | $248,400 | Compare |
| Avoca | 1,369 | $70,552 | $165,700 | Compare |
| Malvern | 1,415 | $82,027 | $173,900 | Compare |
| Strawberry Point | 1,415 | $58,352 | $115,200 | Compare |
| Logan | 1,362 | $79,167 | $144,400 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Iowa
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, IA?
The population of Bedford, IA is 1,389 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Bedford?
The median household income in Bedford, IA is $57,031 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Bedford?
The median home value in Bedford, IA is $88,900, which is 64% 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, IA is $663, which is 43% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Bedford?
The unemployment rate in Bedford, IA is 6.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Bedford, IA a good place to live?
Bedford offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,389 and a median age of 41.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Bedford, IA?
12.4% 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, IA: median home value is $88,900 (64% below national), median rent is $663/month, and median household income is $57,031. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Bedford?
The poverty rate in Bedford, IA is 10.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Bedford, IA?
Bedford's population is 0.1% White, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 2.7% Asian, and 0.5% two or more races. 0.8% of residents are foreign-born.