Bradford, PA
Population 7,738 · Pennsylvania
About Bradford, PA
Bradford is a small town located in Pennsylvania with a population of 7,738 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $56,330 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Bradford features a median home value of $76,400, which is 69% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Bradford one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $745, 36% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,574 total housing units, 62% are owner-occupied (1,979 units) and 38% are renter-occupied (1,207 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Bradford shows an unemployment rate of 4.7%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 24.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Bradford have an average one-way commute time of 13.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
18.4% of Bradford 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 0.7% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 0.1% Asian residents, with 2.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Bradford, PA
Compared to national averages, Bradford has a median household income of $56,330 (25% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $76,400, which is 69% below the national median. Monthly rent at $745 is 36% below the US average of $1,163. Within Pennsylvania, Bradford's income is 23% below the state average of $73,376, and home values are 60% below the state median of $190,903.
Why Live in Bradford, PA?
Bradford offers affordable housing with a median home value of $76,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $745/month, and short commute times averaging just 13.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($56,330) that falls below the national average. However, Bradford’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Bradford has a population of 7,738 with a median age of 39.5 years. Compare Bradford with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Pennsylvania.
Similar Cities Near Bradford
Cities in Pennsylvania with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ancient Oaks | 7,731 | $119,419 | $404,700 | Compare |
| Palmyra | 7,769 | $71,018 | $211,900 | Compare |
| Middletown | 7,620 | $97,040 | $294,800 | Compare |
| Pittston | 7,618 | $47,525 | $114,900 | Compare |
| Grove City | 7,861 | $56,420 | $165,900 | Compare |
| Lower Allen | 7,582 | $85,537 | $246,100 | Compare |
| Ellwood City | 7,575 | $62,266 | $120,400 | Compare |
| Gettysburg | 7,929 | $52,656 | $237,000 | 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 Bradford With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Bradford
What is the population of Bradford, PA?
The population of Bradford, PA is 7,738 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 Bradford?
The median household income in Bradford, PA is $56,330 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Bradford?
The median home value in Bradford, PA is $76,400, which is 69% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Bradford?
The median monthly rent in Bradford, PA is $745, which is 36% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Bradford?
The unemployment rate in Bradford, PA is 4.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Bradford, PA a good place to live?
Bradford offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 7,738 and a median age of 39.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Bradford, PA?
18.4% of residents in Bradford 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 Bradford?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Bradford, PA: median home value is $76,400 (69% below national), median rent is $745/month, and median household income is $56,330. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Bradford?
The poverty rate in Bradford, PA is 24.4%, 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 Bradford, PA?
Bradford's population is 0.7% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 0.1% Asian, and 1.2% two or more races. 2.4% of residents are foreign-born.