Median Income
$33,750
55% lower than US avg
Home Value
$81,100
71% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
175/100K
54% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
4.3%
87% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$865
26% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.5%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.1%
42% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
35.6%
187% higher than US avg
How Bedford Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population289
Median Age48.2 yrs
Density876/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans10.5%
Economy
C+
Median Income$33,750
Per Capita$21,665
Unemployment2.1%
Poverty35.6%
County GDP$736M
Commute35 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$81,100
Rent$865
Ownership44.0%
Zillow$235,208
Housing Units211
Rent Burden33.1%
Crime
F
Violent175/100K
Property1,696/100K
Health
Obesity34.5%
Smoking23.3%
Heart Disease7.0%
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (13°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain51.0 in/yr
Sunny Days290/yr
Elevation916 ft (279 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+4.3%
High School+76.2%
Graduate+5.0%
School Score4.77
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute35 min
Broadband85.8%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Bedford a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bedford receives an overall livability score of 2.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Bedford has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bedford is $33,750, 55% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.1%. The poverty rate of 35.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 35 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bedford is $81,100, 71% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $865 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Bedford is below the national average at 175 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,696 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
4.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 76.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Bedford enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 290 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 51.0 inches, including 12.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Bedford has a population of 289 with a density of 876 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 48.2 years, 24% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.1% female and 50.9% male. The city is predominantly White (96.2%), with 1.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.3% of residents. 10.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 42.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
48.2yrs
Median Age
24% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.3%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.7%
95% below US avg
The median household income in Bedford is $33,750, which is 55% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $21,665 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,162, 19% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 35.6% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 162 business establishments, including 4 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 35 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 12.6% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $33,750 |
| 55% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $21,665 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,162 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,424 |
| Gini Index | 0.428 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.1% |
| 42% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 35.6% |
| 187% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 162 |
| County GDP | $736M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 4 |
| Healthcare | 4 |
| Retail | 14 |
| Manufacturing | 3 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,570 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.17% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 34.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 12.6% |
The median home value in Bedford is $81,100, 71% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $235,208, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $865 (26% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $794 for a one-bedroom to $984 for a two-bedroom apartment. 44.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 211 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1952. The average annual property tax is $2,570 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 33.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $81,100 |
| 71% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $235,208 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $865 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 33.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $719 |
| 1 Bedroom | $794 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $984 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,277 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,442 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 44.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 44.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 56.0% |
| Housing Units | 211 |
| Median Year Built | 1952 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,570 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.17% |
In Bedford, 34.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 7.0% of residents, above the national average. 38.0% have high blood pressure. 23.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.6% report binge drinking. 33.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 14.9% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,265. The dentist ratio is 1:8,539. 44.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
Health Metrics: Bedford vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.5% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.5% |
| Heart Disease | 7.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 38.0% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 9.3% |
| Cancer | 6.4% |
| Kidney Disease | 3.2% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 23.3% |
| 66% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.1% |
| Mental Distress | 14.9% |
| Physical Distress | 15.1% |
| Short Sleep | 38.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.1% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:4,265 |
| Dentists | 1:8,539 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,869 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.3% |
| Dental Visits | 62.7% |
| Premature Death | 12,330/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Exercise Access | 44.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 4 |
Bedford has a violent crime rate of 175 per 100,000 residents, 54% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,696 per 100,000, 13% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Bedford receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Bedford vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 174.6/100K |
| 54% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,696.2/100K |
| 13% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Bedford enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. The area gets 290 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 51.0 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 12.3 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 916 feet.
Temperature
33°F Jan (1°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 56.0°F |
| 4% above US avg |
| January Average | 33°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 290 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 916 ft (279 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 876/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.5962°N, 85.3171°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Trimble County County |
| Nearest Airport | Louisville Muhammad Ali International (SDF)
37 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
51.0"
34% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.88"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 11.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 70.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 15.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
17 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.8 on May 11, 2025.
| Jan 24, 1990 |
6 km WNW of Alton, Indiana |
M3.9 |
114 km |
| Jan 27, 1990 |
6 km N of Alton, Indiana |
M3.8 |
107 km |
| Sep 12, 2004 |
4 km NW of Manilla, Indiana |
M3.8 |
116 km |
| Sep 8, 1990 |
5 km N of Owingsville, Kentucky |
M3.3 |
142 km |
| Aug 20, 2015 |
6 km SE of Lawrenceburg, Kentucky |
M2.8 |
79 km |
| Mar 17, 1999 |
2 km NNE of Ripley, Ohio |
M2.8 |
130 km |
| May 11, 2025 |
11 km SE of High Bridge, Kentucky |
M2.8 |
112 km |
| Mar 9, 1990 |
8 km ENE of New Amsterdam, Indiana |
M2.7 |
92 km |
| Mar 21, 1990 |
1 km W of Spring Mill, Kentucky |
M2.7 |
58 km |
| Jan 12, 2023 |
4 km E of Burgin, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
107 km |
| Aug 4, 2023 |
11 km ENE of Lancaster, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
127 km |
| May 11, 2015 |
5 km ESE of Maysville, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
142 km |
| Jan 29, 1990 |
11 km S of Paoli, Indiana |
M2.6 |
101 km |
| Jul 23, 2013 |
6 km NNE of Germantown, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
120 km |
| Jan 21, 2018 |
8 km SSE of High Bridge, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
109 km |
| Jan 28, 2024 |
3 km SW of Old Washington, Kentucky |
M2.5 |
129 km |
| Jan 4, 1999 |
9 km WNW of Mount Sterling, Kentucky |
M2.5 |
125 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
477 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 70 fatalities, 2,088 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF5 |
56 km |
3 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF4 |
78 km |
11 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF4 |
63 km |
4 |
| May 28, 1996 |
EF4 |
62 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 1992 |
EF4 |
22 km |
1 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
97 km |
2 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
65 km |
4 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
38 km |
11 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
69 km |
4 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
20 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
58 km |
3 |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF4 |
83 km |
6 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF3 |
88 km |
3 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF3 |
53 km |
3 |
| May 25, 2011 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2011 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 2005 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: JPG 09 1 (6,113 ac, 1998).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1998 |
JPG 09 1 |
6,113 |
33 km |
| 2005 |
RX BURNPLAN AREA 2-06 |
5,054 |
32 km |
| 2007 |
UNITS 8-9 2008 |
4,316 |
31 km |
| 2006 |
UNIT 19 06 WUI |
3,412 |
30 km |
| 2003 |
WUI 3 03 |
3,372 |
43 km |
| 2010 |
WUI UNIT 28K |
3,230 |
45 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
3,122 |
43 km |
| 2002 |
UNIT 8 |
2,753 |
31 km |
| 2005 |
UNIT 3 05 |
2,511 |
43 km |
| 2001 |
01 UNIT 16 |
2,361 |
31 km |
| 2011 |
WUI UNITS 0 AND 1 2011 |
2,215 |
31 km |
| 2004 |
UNIT 19 |
2,004 |
30 km |
| 2003 |
UNIT 8 03 |
1,971 |
34 km |
| 2008 |
FY 09 UNIT 42 RX FALL 2008 |
1,942 |
38 km |
| 2000 |
JPG 14 |
1,908 |
31 km |
| 2003 |
UNIT 16 03 |
1,809 |
31 km |
| 2002 |
UNIT 9 |
1,485 |
31 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,462 |
37 km |
| 2010 |
TRACER |
1,408 |
45 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
1,334 |
33 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
33°F (1°C) |
3.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
34°F (1°C) |
3.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
44°F (7°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.9 in |
Wettest |
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
67°F (20°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| December |
35°F (2°C) |
3.8 in |
|
Bedford has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 33°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 46.3 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.9") and February the driest (3.1").
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) |
$226 ($135–$361) |
| Specialist Visit |
$316 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$316) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,984 ($722–$4,510) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$226 ($135–$361) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$271 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($361–$902) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$316) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$361 ($135–$722) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,314 ($3,608–$10,824) |
| Roof Repair |
$902 ($361–$1,804) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,118 ($4,961–$13,530) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,353 ($451–$3,157) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,530 ($4,510–$27,060) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,510 ($1,804–$9,020) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,353 ($722–$2,706) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$902) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,255 ($902–$4,510) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$226) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.70 ($2.71–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.16 ($2.26–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.43 ($2.26–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.06 ($2.71–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.61–$6.77) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$226) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,804 ($1,082–$3,157) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.22–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$226) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,082 ($541–$2,255) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$902 ($451–$1,804) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$361 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$902 ($361–$2,255) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,275 ($4,510–$27,060) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$271 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$361) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $689 |
| Toddler | $601 |
| Preschool | $601 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $535 |
| Toddler | $533 |
| Preschool | $533 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Bedford
What is the population of Bedford?
Bedford has a population of 289 residents and is located in Kentucky. The population density is 876 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 48.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.1% female and 50.9% male.
Is Bedford expensive to live in?
Bedford is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.2 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $33,750, 55% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $81,100 (71% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $865 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, 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 175 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,696 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Bedford receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Bedford?
Bedford enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 33°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 290 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 51.0 inches, with 12.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Bedford?
The job market in Bedford is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,162. There are 162 business establishments in the area, including 4 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 35 minutes, and 12.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bedford?
The median home value in Bedford is $81,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $235,208. For renters, the median monthly rent is $865. Fair market rent is $794 for a 1-bedroom and $984 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 44.0%. The average annual property tax is $2,570.
How are the schools in Bedford?
Schools in Bedford have an average test score of 4.8 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 4.3% of adults in Bedford hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 76.2% have completed high school. 5.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bedford?
The obesity rate in Bedford is 34.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 23.3% of adults are smokers. 33.1% are physically inactive. 44.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,265.
What is transportation like in Bedford?
The average commute in Bedford is 35 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 12.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bedford?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bedford is 96.2% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino. 99.3% of residents speak only English at home. 10.5% of the population are military veterans. 42.2% of residents have a disability. 94.1% have health insurance coverage.
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