Bedford, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,336
-3.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$60,781/yr
6.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
699
-0.7% year-over-year change

Bedford population

How many people live in Bedford

Bedford is home to 1,336 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51% of Bedford locals are male, and 49% are female.

Total population
1,336
-3.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51%
682
Female
49%
654
Value Percent YoY change
Male 682 51% -0.9%
Female 654 49% -6.7%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Bedford is 41, with the population distributed as follows: about 22.3% are children under 15, then 8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26% of the population, while another 22.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 21.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
41.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
22.3%
15 to 24
8%
25 to 44
26%
45 to 64
22.3%
Over 65
21.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 298 22.3% -2.6%
15 to 24 107 8% -28.2%
25 to 44 348 26% 5.5%
45 to 64 298 22.3% -4.8%
Over 65 285 21.3% -2.1%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Bedford, 99.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 94.3% of locals are Caucasian, 0.8% are African American and 0.7% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 3.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.2%
Non-citizens
0.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,328 99.4% -3.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 3 0.2% -62.5%
Non-citizens 5 0.4% 66.7%
Racial breakdown
White
94.3%
Black or African American
0.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3.6%
Other
0.7%
Value Percent
White 1,260 94.3%
Black or African American 10 0.8%
Asian 9 0.7%
Two or more races 48 3.6%
Other 9 0.7%

Households in Bedford

A peek inside Bedford households

Bedford has 575 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 57.9% are families, while the remaining 42.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
575
-0.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
242
Family households
333
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 242 42.1% -5.5%
Family households 333 57.9% 4.1%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Bedford

The housing landscape of Bedford

Bedford's housing consists of 699 units, with 83.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.4% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
699
-0.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 586 83.8%
1 unit, attached 24 3.4%
2 units 15 2.2%
3 or 4 units 40 5.7%
5 to 9 units 6 0.9%
Mobile home 28 4%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Bedford

In Bedford, the median construction year is 1949. About 47.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 330 47.2% 3.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 21 3% 16.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 59 8.4% -31.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 35 5% 6.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 154 22% 6.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 48 6.9% 23.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 38 5.4% -22.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 14 2% 27.3%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Bedford occupancy rates

Out of the 575 occupied housing units in Bedford, 78.3% are owner-occupied, while 21.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 17.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
575
-0.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
125
Owner occupied
450
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 125 21.7% 9.7%
Owner occupied 450 78.3% -2.6%
Unoccupied housing units
17.7%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Bedford housing costs

Housing costs in Bedford come to a median of $728 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $764.

Median housing costs per month
$728/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Bedford
$764/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Bedford

Bedford education at a glance

About 46.3% of the population in Bedford went to high school, while 27.9% pursued college studies. Another 9.8% earned an associate degree and 11.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 2.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 15 1.5% -6.2%
High school diploma 461 46.3% -2.3%
College diploma 278 27.9% -15.5%
Associate degree 98 9.8% 0.0%
Bachelor's degree 114 11.5% 8.6%
Graduate degree 29 2.9% 52.6%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Bedford

How much people earn in Bedford

The average annual household income in Bedford was $71,026 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -2.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $60,781, reflecting a +6.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Bedford
$71,026/year
-2.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Bedford
$60,781/year
6.6% year-over-year change

Bedford income by age

In Bedford, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $69,656. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $78,125 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $41,667, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $44,286 in earnings. Overall, 90% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $41,667 -2.0%
25 - 44 $69,656 -11.8%
45 - 64 $78,125 -12.0%
Over 65 $44,286 7.4%
Above poverty level
1,154
Below poverty level
128
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,154 90% -3.4%
Below poverty level 128 10% -5.2%

Average renter income in Bedford

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Bedford, their median household income was $33,333 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 27.5%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$33,333
Rent-to-income ratio
27.5%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Bedford

Workforce and job types in Bedford

The job market in Bedford is powered by 621 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 66.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 33.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 17.4% run their own businesses, 58.9% are employed by private companies, and 19% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
621
-6.6% year-over-year change
White collar
413
Blue collar
208
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 413 66.5% -6.3%
Blue collar 208 33.5% -7.1%
Employer type
Self employees
17.4%
Private companies
58.9%
Governmental workers
19%
Not for profit companies
4.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 108 17.4% 14.9%
Private companies 366 58.9% -9.0%
Governmental workers 118 19% -13.9%
Not for profit companies 29 4.7% -9.4%
Unemployment rate
7.0%
-2.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Bedford stands at 7%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Bedford

How people get around in Bedford

Commuting methods vary: 91% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 8.3% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 557 91% -6.9%
Walk 51 8.3% 13.3%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Bedford by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
50833 2,077 907 $61,042 $72,645

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FAQs about Bedford demographics 

What is the total population of Bedford?

Bedford has a total population of 1,336 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -3.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Bedford?

The gender ratio in Bedford is as follows:
  • 51% males (682 residents)
  • 49% females (654 residents)

What is the median age in Bedford?

The median age in Bedford is 41.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Bedford?

The age distribution in Bedford is as follows:
  • Under 15: 22.3% (298 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 8% (107 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26% (348 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.3% (298 residents)
  • Over 65: 21.3% (285 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Bedford?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Bedford is as follows:
  • White: 94.3% (1,260 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.8% (10 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0.7% (9 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3.6% (48 residents)
  • Other: 0.7% (9 residents)

What percentage of the population in Bedford are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.4% of the population in Bedford.

How many housing units are there in Bedford?

There are 699 housing units in Bedford, reflecting a -0.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Bedford and what is the average household size?

Bedford has a total of 575 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Bedford?

Bedford has a median household income of $60,781, representing a +6.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Bedford?

The employment rate is 93% in Bedford, with a workforce of 621 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 66.5% (413 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 33.5% (208 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 17.4% (108 residents)
  • Private companies: 58.9% (366 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 19% (118 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.7% (29 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025