Bedford County, Pennsylvania Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Bedford County is located in Pennsylvania with a total population of 47,503. It is the 45th most populous county out of 67 in Pennsylvania. The county encompasses 11 Census-designated places.

Age Demographics

The median age in Bedford County is 47.5 years. This is 16% higher than the state median of 40.9 years. 10.3% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Bedford County is $60,302. This is 21% lower than the state median of $76,081. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 23% lower. The poverty rate stands at 11.0%. This is 7% lower than the state poverty rate of 11.8%. The unemployment rate is 4.2%. This is 21% lower than the state rate of 5.3%. The median home value is $172,900. Housing costs are 28% lower than the state median of $240,500. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.9x, Bedford County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 78.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 13% higher than the state average of 69.3%.

Race & Ethnicity

Bedford County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 95.9% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 1.2%. The Black or African American population (0.8%) is well below the state average of 10.3%. The Hispanic or Latino population (1.2%) is well below the state average of 8.4%. The Asian population (0.4%) is well below the state average of 3.7%.

Education

16.4% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is among the lowest rates in the state, which may correlate with employment and income patterns. This is 53% lower than the state rate of 34.5%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 90.0%.