Bedford, IN demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
13,837
0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$49,553/yr
-1.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
6,828
-0.0% year-over-year change

Bedford population

How many people live in Bedford

Bedford is home to 13,837 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.1% of Bedford locals are male, and 53.9% are female.

Total population
13,837
0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.1%
6,384
Female
53.9%
7,453
Value Percent YoY change
Male 6,384 46.1% -2.3%
Female 7,453 53.9% 2.3%
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 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.5% are children under 15, then 11.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.4% of the population, while another 24.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 22% are 65 or older.

Median age
41.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.5%
15 to 24
11.3%
25 to 44
25.4%
45 to 64
24.8%
Over 65
22%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,281 16.5% -5.3%
15 to 24 1,566 11.3% 0.5%
25 to 44 3,522 25.4% 1.4%
45 to 64 3,426 24.8% 5.0%
Over 65 3,042 22% -2.4%
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% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 93.9% of locals are Caucasian, 0.6% are African American and 0.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 4.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.4%
Non-citizens
0.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 13,700 99% 0.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 59 0.4% -30.6%
Non-citizens 78 0.6% -28.4%
Racial breakdown
White
93.9%
Black or African American
0.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4.8%
Other
0.6%
Value Percent
White 12,992 93.9%
Black or African American 83 0.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1 0%
Asian 22 0.2%
Two or more races 662 4.8%
Other 77 0.6%

Households in Bedford

A peek inside Bedford households

Bedford has 6,353 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 52.5% are families, while the remaining 47.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
6,353
-0.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
3,018
Family households
3,335
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 3,018 47.5% -7.0%
Family households 3,335 52.5% 5.5%
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 6,828 units, with 73.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.8% 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 1.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
6,828
-0.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 5,026 73.6%
1 unit, attached 120 1.8%
2 units 395 5.8%
3 or 4 units 366 5.4%
5 to 9 units 250 3.7%
10 to 19 units 102 1.5%
20 to 49 units 235 3.4%
50 or more units 236 3.5%
Mobile home 92 1.4%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 6 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
94
67.9% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Bedford

In Bedford, the median construction year is 1955. About 35.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 4.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 2,423 35.5% 7.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 581 8.5% 16.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 907 13.3% -0.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,032 15.1% 3.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 493 7.2% -10.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 458 6.7% -14.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 349 5.1% 1.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 323 4.7% -22.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 168 2.5% -37.3%
Built in 2020 or later 94 1.4% 67.9%
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 6,353 occupied housing units in Bedford, 67.2% are owner-occupied, while 32.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
6,353
-0.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,086
Owner occupied
4,267
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,086 32.8% -4.1%
Owner occupied 4,267 67.2% 0.9%
Unoccupied housing units
7.0%
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 $840 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $828.

Median housing costs per month
$840/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
$828/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 49.5% of the population in Bedford went to high school, while 19.6% pursued college studies. Another 10.2% earned an associate degree and 11.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 506 4.6% 14.5%
High school diploma 5,487 49.5% 7.7%
College diploma 2,173 19.6% -12.3%
Associate degree 1,135 10.2% 0.2%
Bachelor's degree 1,229 11.1% 9.8%
Graduate degree 553 5% -14.0%
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 $67,773 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $49,553, reflecting a -1.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Bedford
$67,773/year
2.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Bedford
$49,553/year
-1.4% 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 $58,222. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $61,845 overall. Overall, 83.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $58,222 -1.6%
45 - 64 $61,845 -7.5%
Over 65 $37,204 0.9%
Above poverty level
11,039
Below poverty level
2,150
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 11,039 83.7% -0.9%
Below poverty level 2,150 16.3% 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 $22,733 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 43.7%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$22,733
Rent-to-income ratio
43.7%
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 6,663 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 67.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 32.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.5% run their own businesses, 70.7% are employed by private companies, and 14.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
6,663
4.9% year-over-year change
White collar
4,472
Blue collar
2,191
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 4,472 67.1% 7.4%
Blue collar 2,191 32.9% 0.1%
Employer type
Self employees
6.5%
Private companies
70.7%
Governmental workers
14.7%
Not for profit companies
8.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 433 6.5% 19.0%
Private companies 4,711 70.7% 3.1%
Governmental workers 978 14.7% 4.4%
Not for profit companies 541 8.1% 11.8%
Unemployment rate
2.3%
9.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Bedford stands at 2.3%, 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: 90.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.8% 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 5,921 90.6% 4.9%
Bicycle 7 0.1% 0.0%
Walk 180 2.8% 1.1%
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
47421 27,599 12,273 $68,108 $84,551

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FAQs about Bedford demographics 

What is the total population of Bedford?

Bedford has a total population of 13,837 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 +0.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Bedford?

The gender ratio in Bedford is as follows:
  • 46.1% males (6,384 residents)
  • 53.9% females (7,453 residents)

What is the median age in Bedford?

The median age in Bedford is 41.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Bedford?

The age distribution in Bedford is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.5% (2,281 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.3% (1,566 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.4% (3,522 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.8% (3,426 residents)
  • Over 65: 22% (3,042 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Bedford?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Bedford is as follows:
  • White: 93.9% (12,992 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.6% (83 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (1 residents)
  • Asian: 0.2% (22 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.8% (662 residents)
  • Other: 0.6% (77 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 99% of the population in Bedford.

How many housing units are there in Bedford?

There are 6,828 housing units in Bedford, reflecting a -0.0% 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 6,353 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Bedford?

Bedford has a median household income of $49,553, representing a -1.4% 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 97.7% in Bedford, with a workforce of 6,663 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 67.1% (4,472 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 32.9% (2,191 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.5% (433 residents)
  • Private companies: 70.7% (4,711 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.7% (978 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.1% (541 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