Bedford, MA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
14,961
2.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$138,544/yr
6.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
6,032
0.7% year-over-year change

Bedford population

How many people live in Bedford

Bedford is home to 14,961 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.8% of Bedford locals are male, and 50.2% are female.

Total population
14,961
2.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.8%
7,456
Female
50.2%
7,505
Value Percent YoY change
Male 7,456 49.8% 6.5%
Female 7,505 50.2% -1.9%
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 35, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.7% are children under 15, then 10.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.6% of the population, while another 28.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
35
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.7%
15 to 24
10.3%
25 to 44
25.6%
45 to 64
28.9%
Over 65
18.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,492 16.7% -6.5%
15 to 24 1,546 10.3% 10.2%
25 to 44 3,828 25.6% 6.1%
45 to 64 4,324 28.9% -2.1%
Over 65 2,771 18.5% 8.3%
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, 76.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 16.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 7.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 70.1% of locals are Caucasian, 2.6% are African American and 18% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 6.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
76.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
16.7%
Non-citizens
7.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 11,387 76.1% 3.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 2,497 16.7% -0.3%
Non-citizens 1,077 7.2% -4.3%
Racial breakdown
White
70.1%
Black or African American
2.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
18%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.2%
Other
3.1%
Value Percent
White 10,488 70.1%
Black or African American 388 2.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 5 0%
Asian 2,686 18%
Two or more races 928 6.2%
Other 466 3.1%

Households in Bedford

A peek inside Bedford households

Bedford has 5,933 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 71.1% are families, while the remaining 28.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
5,933
0.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,715
Family households
4,217
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,715 28.9% -4.7%
Family households 4,217 71.1% 3.3%
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 6,032 units, with 62.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 11.6% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
6,032
0.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,772 62.5%
1 unit, attached 698 11.6%
2 units 234 3.9%
3 or 4 units 331 5.5%
5 to 9 units 213 3.5%
10 to 19 units 305 5.1%
20 to 49 units 317 5.3%
50 or more units 161 2.7%
Homes built since 2020
50
56.2% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Bedford

In Bedford, the median construction year is 1975. About 9.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 12.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 12.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 550 9.1% 1.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 160 2.6% -15.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,191 19.7% -1.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 791 13.1% 7.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 590 9.8% 21.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 427 7.1% 14.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 754 12.5% 0.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 775 12.8% -7.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 744 12.3% -9.9%
Built in 2020 or later 50 0.8% 56.2%
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 5,933 occupied housing units in Bedford, 67% are owner-occupied, while 33% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 1.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
5,933
0.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,959
Owner occupied
3,974
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,959 33% 8.7%
Owner occupied 3,974 67% -2.6%
Unoccupied housing units
1.6%
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 $3,027 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $3,015.

Median housing costs per month
$3,027/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
$3,015/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 14.6% of the population in Bedford went to high school, while 12% pursued college studies. Another 5.1% earned an associate degree and 30.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 35.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 241 2% -5.1%
High school diploma 1,715 14.6% 3.6%
College diploma 1,408 12% 13.5%
Associate degree 605 5.1% 4.0%
Bachelor's degree 3,627 30.8% 0.9%
Graduate degree 4,182 35.5% 5.4%
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 $230,274 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $138,544, reflecting a +6.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Bedford
$230,274/year
5.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Bedford
$138,544/year
6.8% 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 $167,292. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $210,040 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $250,001, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $122,933 in earnings. Overall, 94.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $250,001 238.7%
25 - 44 $167,292 6.5%
45 - 64 $210,040 1.9%
Over 65 $122,933 32.5%
Above poverty level
13,667
Below poverty level
732
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 13,667 94.9% 1.0%
Below poverty level 732 5.1% 30.2%

Employment in Bedford

Workforce and job types in Bedford

93.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 6.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.9% run their own businesses, 67.3% are employed by private companies, and 10.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
7,107
Blue collar
483
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 7,107 93.6% 5.8%
Blue collar 483 6.4% 12.8%
Employer type
Self employees
7.9%
Private companies
67.3%
Governmental workers
10.4%
Not for profit companies
14.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 598 7.9% -7.3%
Private companies 5,108 67.3% 5.8%
Governmental workers 788 10.4% 19.0%
Not for profit companies 1,096 14.4% 8.2%

Transportation in Bedford

How people get around in Bedford

Commuting methods vary: 97.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.8% 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 4,723 97.2% 8.0%
Bus or trolleybus 20 0.4% 0.0%
Railroad 22 0.4% 37.5%
Motorcycle 13 0.3% 8.3%
Bicycle 43 0.9% -14.0%
Walk 40 0.8% -55.1%
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
01730 14,707 5,869 $172,400 $231,895
01731 2,110 680 $104,688 $110,147

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FAQs about Bedford demographics 

What is the total population of Bedford?

Bedford has a total population of 14,961 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 +2.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Bedford?

The gender ratio in Bedford is as follows:
  • 49.8% males (7,456 residents)
  • 50.2% females (7,505 residents)

What is the median age in Bedford?

The median age in Bedford is 35.

What is the age distribution of the population in Bedford?

The age distribution in Bedford is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.7% (2,492 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.3% (1,546 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.6% (3,828 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 28.9% (4,324 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.5% (2,771 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Bedford?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Bedford is as follows:
  • White: 70.1% (10,488 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2.6% (388 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (5 residents)
  • Asian: 18% (2,686 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.2% (928 residents)
  • Other: 3.1% (466 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 76.1% of the population in Bedford.

How many housing units are there in Bedford?

There are 6,032 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 5,933 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Bedford?

Bedford has a median household income of $138,544, representing a +6.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Bedford?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 93.6% (7,107 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 6.4% (483 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.9% (598 residents)
  • Private companies: 67.3% (5,108 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 10.4% (788 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 14.4% (1,096 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