Bedford, PA
Population 2,851 · Pennsylvania
About Bedford, PA
Bedford is a small town located in Pennsylvania with a population of 2,851 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $50,570 per year, which is 33% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 52.1 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Bedford features a median home value of $182,300, which is 26% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Bedford in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $674, 42% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,629 total housing units, 48% are owner-occupied (699 units) and 52% are renter-occupied (747 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Bedford shows an unemployment rate of 1.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 9.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Bedford have an average one-way commute time of 15.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
21.9% 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 0.3% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 3.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Bedford, PA
Compared to national averages, Bedford has a median household income of $50,570 (33% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $182,300, which is 26% below the national median. Monthly rent at $674 is 42% below the US average of $1,163. Within Pennsylvania, Bedford's income is 31% below the state average of $73,376, and home values are 5% below the state median of $190,903.
Why Live in Bedford, PA?
Bedford offers affordable housing with a median home value of $182,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $674/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.0%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 9.9%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 15.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($50,570) 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 2,851 with a median age of 52.1 years. Compare Bedford with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Pennsylvania.
Similar Cities Near Bedford
Cities in Pennsylvania with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quarryville | 2,846 | $76,628 | $244,900 | Compare |
| Emerald Lakes | 2,839 | $101,688 | $259,900 | Compare |
| Aspinwall | 2,866 | $119,875 | $377,300 | Compare |
| Lima | 2,834 | $76,953 | $372,300 | Compare |
| Ford City | 2,833 | $56,451 | $78,600 | Compare |
| Freemansburg | 2,871 | $96,696 | $205,200 | Compare |
| Bath | 2,829 | $73,681 | $228,500 | Compare |
| Marietta | 2,827 | $56,204 | $206,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
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, PA?
The population of Bedford, PA is 2,851 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Pennsylvania.
What is the median household income in Bedford?
The median household income in Bedford, PA is $50,570 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, PA is $182,300, which is 26% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Bedford?
The median monthly rent in Bedford, PA is $674, which is 42% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Bedford?
The unemployment rate in Bedford, PA is 1.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Bedford, PA a good place to live?
Bedford offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,851 and a median age of 52.1, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Bedford, PA?
21.9% 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, PA: median home value is $182,300 (26% below national), median rent is $674/month, and median household income is $50,570. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.6x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Bedford?
The poverty rate in Bedford, PA is 9.9%, 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, PA?
Bedford's population is 0.3% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 1.3% two or more races. 3.4% of residents are foreign-born.