Median Income
$57,031
24% lower than US avg
Home Value
$88,900
68% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
345/100K
9% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.4%
63% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$663
43% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.9%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.4%
22% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.4%
65% lower than US avg
How Bedford Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,389
Median Age41.1 yrs
Density863/mi²
Male / Female50% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans7.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$57,031
Per Capita$31,129
Unemployment4.4%
Poverty4.4%
County GDP$376M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$88,900
Rent$663
Ownership80.2%
Zillow$100,107
Housing Units714
Rent Burden19.4%
Crime
F
Violent345/100K
Property2,852/100K
Health
Obesity39.9%
Uninsured7.5%
Smoking17.6%
Depression23.4%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain38.4 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,160 ft (354 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+12.4%
High School+90.4%
Graduate+3.4%
School Score6.10
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute22 min
Broadband89.6%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Bedford a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bedford receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Bedford has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bedford is $57,031, 24% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.4%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 4.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bedford is $88,900, 68% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $663 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Bedford is below the national average at 345 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,852 per 100,000, 46% above the national average.
Education
12.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.4% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Bedford experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Bedford has a population of 1,389 with a density of 863 people per square mile, spread across 1.6 square miles. The median age is 41.1 years, 6% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.5% female and 49.5% male. The city is predominantly White (95.5%), with 3.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.8% of residents. 7.0% of the population are veterans. 11.1% of residents have a disability. 91.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.1yrs
Median Age
6% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.8%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.2%
99% below US avg
The median household income in Bedford is $57,031, which is 24% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,129 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $992, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 4.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 192 business establishments, including 8 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 1.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $57,031 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,129 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $992 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $65,359 |
| Gini Index | 0.410 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.4% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.4% |
| 65% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 192 |
| County GDP | $376M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 8 |
| Healthcare | 8 |
| Retail | 20 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,560 |
| 2% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.00% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 70.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.7% |
The median home value in Bedford is $88,900, 68% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $100,107, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $663 (43% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 80.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 714 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $3,560. 19.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $88,900 |
| 68% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $100,107 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $663 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 80.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 80.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 19.8% |
| Housing Units | 714 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,560 |
| 2% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.00% |
In Bedford, 39.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 32.2% have high blood pressure. 17.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 22.0% report binge drinking. 25.9% are physically inactive. 23.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.8% experience frequent mental distress. 7.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,956. The dentist ratio is 1:2,929. 60.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Bedford vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.9% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.2% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 6.8% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.6% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.9% |
| Depression | 23.4% |
| Mental Distress | 18.8% |
| Physical Distress | 13.2% |
| Short Sleep | 35.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.6% |
| Uninsured | 7.5% |
| 13% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,956 |
| Dentists | 1:2,929 |
| Mental Health | 1:5,924 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.9% |
| Dental Visits | 63.9% |
| Premature Death | 8,565/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 60.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 8 |
Bedford has a violent crime rate of 345 per 100,000 residents, 9% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,852 per 100,000, 46% above the U.S. average. Overall, Bedford receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Bedford vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 345.1/100K |
| 9% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,852.0/100K |
| 46% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Bedford experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 275 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 38.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,160 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-5°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 50.3°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,160 ft (354 m) |
| Area | 1.6 sq mi (4.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 863/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.6712°N, 94.7243°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Taylor County County |
| Nearest Airport | Eppley Airfield (OMA)
75 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.4"
1% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.49"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 38.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 65.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 40.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M3.6 on Dec 17, 2009.
| Dec 17, 2009 |
2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
101 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
70 km |
| Mar 23, 2007 |
5 km N of Nortonville, Kansas |
M3.1 |
144 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
27 km |
| Mar 31, 1993 |
2 km SE of Nemaha, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
88 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
561 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 26 fatalities, 279 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 27, 1953 |
EF5 |
87 km |
1 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF4 |
31 km |
5 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF4 |
76 km |
6 |
| May 29, 2004 |
EF4 |
97 km |
3 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
52 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
25 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
34 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF4 |
65 km |
3 |
| Jun 2, 1980 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1964 |
EF4 |
61 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1964 |
EF4 |
43 km |
1 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 5, 1954 |
EF4 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 2001 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 1994 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
7 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,195 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
4,195 |
82 km |
| 2020 |
MOSQR-FY20-RX-WUI |
964 |
77 km |
| 2016 |
SQR BM SL DESOTO 2016 WUI RX |
866 |
77 km |
| 1988 |
NORTH POOL |
698 |
78 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
645 |
78 km |
| 2009 |
UNIT 6 |
625 |
79 km |
| 2002 |
SCRDGRS 6 |
536 |
79 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-5°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
28°F (-3°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
38°F (4°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.2 in |
|
Bedford has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 22°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.3 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Bedford. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $666 |
| Toddler | $574 |
| Preschool | $574 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $438 |
| Toddler | $431 |
| Preschool | $431 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Bedford
What is the population of Bedford?
Bedford has a population of 1,389 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 863 people per square mile, spread across 1.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.5% female and 49.5% male.
Is Bedford expensive to live in?
Bedford is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $57,031, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $88,900 (68% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $663 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Bedford safe?
Bedford is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 345 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,852 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Bedford receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Bedford?
Bedford has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 22°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Bedford?
Bedford has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.4%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $992. There are 192 business establishments in the area, including 8 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 1.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bedford?
The median home value in Bedford is $88,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $100,107. For renters, the median monthly rent is $663. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 80.2%. The average annual property tax is $3,560.
How are the schools in Bedford?
Schools in Bedford score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 12.4% of adults in Bedford hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.4% have completed high school. 3.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bedford?
The obesity rate in Bedford is 39.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.6% of adults are smokers. 25.9% are physically inactive. 23.4% of residents report depression. 7.5% lack health insurance. 60.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,956.
What is transportation like in Bedford?
The average commute in Bedford is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 70.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bedford?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bedford is 95.5% White, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino. 99.8% of residents speak only English at home. 7.0% of the population are military veterans. 11.1% of residents have a disability. 91.6% have health insurance coverage.
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