Bedford, KY

Kentucky

Bedford is a small town in Kentucky with a population of 289. Residents earn $33,750 per year, which is 55% below the national average.

2.9 /5.0
C+ Fair
289 Population 876/sq mi density
$33,750 Median Income $21,665 per capita
$81,100 Home Value $235,208 Zillow
$865 Median Rent 33.1% income on rent
56°F Avg Temperature
C+
Overall
2.9 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
C+
Economy
2.5 / 5.0
$33,750 median income, 2.1% unemployment
A+
Affordability
5.0 / 5.0
$81,100 home value, $865/mo rent
F
Education
1.3 / 5.0
4.3% bachelor's degree or higher
Median Income $33,750
55% lower than US avg
Home Value $81,100
71% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+ 4.3%
87% lower than US avg
Median Rent $865
26% lower 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
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$235,208
Rent Burden33.1%

Crime

ViolentN/A
PropertyN/A

Health

ObesityN/A
UninsuredN/A

Climate

Avg Temp56°F
AQI41 (Good)
Rain51.0 in/yr
Elevation916 ft

Education

F
Bachelor's+4.3%
High School+76.2%
School Score5.50

Community

2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute35 min
Broadband85.8%
Libraries1

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 low unemployment, affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. 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.

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 5.5/10.

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. 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. The median age is 48.2 years, 24% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (96.2%), with 1.4% Hispanic.

Population

289
Total Population
876
People / sq mi
48.2yrs
Median Age
24% above US avg
0.3mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 50.9%
Female 49.1%

Race & Ethnicity

Bedford vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only99.3%
26% above US avg
Spanish0.7%
95% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Bedford vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Bedford is $33,750, which is 55% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 2.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 35.6% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 35 minutes.

Income: Bedford vs U.S.

Commute Mode

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

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment2.1%
42% below US avg
Poverty Rate35.6%
187% above US avg
Establishments (County)162
County GDP$736M

Business (County)

Restaurants4
Healthcare4
Retail14
Manufacturing3

Tax & Cost of Living

Property Tax (IRS)$2,570
27% below US avg
Effective Tax Rate3.17%

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time34.6 min
Drive Alone78.2%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home12.6%

Walkability

The median home value in Bedford is $81,100, 71% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $865 (26% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $235,208.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

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 Burden33.1%

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio$719
1 Bedroom$794
2 Bedrooms$984
3 Bedrooms$1,277
4 Bedrooms$1,442

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied44.0%

Property Tax

Avg Tax (IRS)$2,570
27% below US avg
Effective Rate3.17%

Health Metrics: Bedford vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Behaviors & Mental Health

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate94.1%
Premature Death12,330/100K

Food & Exercise

Exercise Access44.4%
Healthcare Facilities4

Crime Rates: Bedford vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Property Crime

Traffic Safety

Fatal Crashes (County/yr)5

Safety Score

Bedford has an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. Annual precipitation is 51.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.

Temperature

33°F Jan (1°C) 77°F Jul (25°C)
Annual Average56.0°F
4% above US avg
January Average33°F (1°C)
July Average77°F (25°C)

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall51.0 inches
34% above US avg
Snowfall12.3 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median41.0
RatingGood

Geography

Elevation916 ft (279 m)
Area0.3 sq mi (0.9 km²)
Population Density876/sq mi
Coordinates38.5962°N, 85.3171°W
County FIPS21223
It is classified as Nonmetro — Rural, adjacent. 4.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher (87% below US avg). In the 2024 election, the county voted Republican by a 55.6-point margin. 85.8% of households have broadband internet.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 77.3%
D 21.7%

Winner: Republican by 55.6 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+4.3%
87% below US avg
High School+76.2%
School Test Score5.50
F Education Grade (1.3/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

RUCC Code 8Nonmetro — Rural, adjacent
Population Density876/sq mi
Total Area0.3 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access85.8%
Public Libraries1
Healthcare Facilities4
Restaurants4
Retail Stores14

Safety & Disasters

Fatal Crashes (County/yr)5

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute34.6 min
Drive Alone78.2%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home12.6%

Nearby Cities

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