Bedford, VA
Population 6,703 · Virginia
About Bedford, VA
Bedford is a small town located in Virginia with a population of 6,703 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $47,697 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.6 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 $192,600, which is 21% 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 $876, 25% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,246 total housing units, 55% are owner-occupied (1,625 units) and 45% are renter-occupied (1,305 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 3.7%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 20.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Bedford have an average one-way commute time of 20.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
19.5% 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 0.9% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.8% Asian residents, with 3.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Bedford, VA
Compared to national averages, Bedford has a median household income of $47,697 (37% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $192,600, which is 21% below the national median. Monthly rent at $876 is 25% below the US average of $1,163. Within Virginia, Bedford's income is 46% below the state average of $87,957, and home values are 41% below the state median of $327,514.
Why Live in Bedford, VA?
Bedford offers affordable housing with a median home value of $192,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $876/month, and short commute times averaging just 20.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($47,697) 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 6,703 with a median age of 43.6 years. Compare Bedford with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Bedford
Cities in Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galax | 6,698 | $41,438 | $126,800 | Compare |
| South Run | 6,714 | $250,001 | $940,900 | Compare |
| Bridgewater | 6,650 | $81,012 | $372,400 | Compare |
| Spotsylvania Courthouse | 6,793 | $85,321 | $366,900 | Compare |
| Buena Vista | 6,612 | $54,458 | $153,500 | Compare |
| Belle Haven | 6,590 | $137,878 | $572,200 | Compare |
| Aquia Harbour | 6,917 | $152,776 | $444,700 | Compare |
| Hutchison | 6,936 | $105,125 | $476,400 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Virginia
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, VA?
The population of Bedford, VA is 6,703 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Virginia.
What is the median household income in Bedford?
The median household income in Bedford, VA is $47,697 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Bedford?
The median home value in Bedford, VA is $192,600, which is 21% 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, VA is $876, which is 25% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Bedford?
The unemployment rate in Bedford, VA is 3.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Bedford, VA a good place to live?
Bedford offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 6,703 and a median age of 43.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Bedford, VA?
19.5% 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, VA: median home value is $192,600 (21% below national), median rent is $876/month, and median household income is $47,697. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.0x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Bedford?
The poverty rate in Bedford, VA is 20.4%, 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, VA?
Bedford's population is 0.9% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.8% Asian, and 15.6% two or more races. 3.1% of residents are foreign-born.