Bedford County, Pennsylvania Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 45th-largest in Pennsylvania
The population of Bedford County, Pennsylvania is 47,503 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 45th-largest county in Pennsylvania. The median household income is $60,302, the median home value is $172,900, and the median age is 47.5.
The population of Bedford County has declined 4.1% since 2010 (49,697 → 47,643), a -0.30% annualized rate.
47,503
Population
-0.30%
Annual growth
47
People / sq mi
$60,302
Median Income
$172,900
Median Home Value
Bedford County covers 1,012 sq mi of land at 46.9 people per square mile.
About Bedford County, PA
Age is the most distinctive thing about Bedford County: a median age of 47.5, older than the national median. With 47,503 residents, Bedford County is a county in Pennsylvania. It ranks #45 among counties in Pennsylvania by population.
Median household income is $60,302, below the US median of $78,538. About 7.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $172,900, with typical rent around $771.
Degree attainment is on the lower side for US counties: 16.3% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 6.9%, and the average commute runs about 26 minutes each way.
The age structure shapes everything downstream in Bedford County — from housing demand to the mix of working-age earners reflected in the income figures above.
Bedford County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Bedford County had a population of 49,697 in 2010 and 47,643 in 2024, a -4.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 49,697 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.30%.
47,643
Population (2024)
49,697
Population (2010)
49,697
Peak (2010)
-0.30%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 49,697 |
| 2011 | 49,626 |
| 2012 | 49,592 |
| 2013 | 49,317 |
| 2014 | 49,131 |
| 2015 | 48,748 |
| 2016 | 48,592 |
| 2017 | 48,359 |
| 2018 | 48,090 |
| 2019 | 47,913 |
| 2020 | 47,580 |
| 2021 | 47,505 |
| 2022 | 47,395 |
| 2023 | 47,442 |
| 2024 | 47,643 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 96.0% |
| Black or African American | 0.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
47.5
Median Age
50.1%
Female
49.9%
Male
23.5%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 15.9% · Seniors (65+): 23.5%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $60,302$-15,779 vs state |
| Mean household income | $76,732 |
| Per-capita income | $32,550 |
| Poverty rate | 7.4%-0.7% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.5% |
| Employment-to-population | 56.3% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Bedford County is professional & business services, accounting for 20.4% of workers.
How residents commute
0.6%
Drive alone
2.1%
Carpool
79.8%
Public transit
6.9%
Work from home
26.3 min
Avg commute
Housing
$172,900$-67,600 vs state
Median home value
$771
Median rent
78.1%
Homeownership rate
23,568
Total housing units
83.9%
Occupied
16.1%
Vacant
21.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
92.4%
With health insurance
85.9%
With broadband internet
18.7%
Foreign-born
8.1%
Veterans (18+)
16.2%
With a disability
97.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
90.0%
High School+
16.3%
Bachelor's+
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Part of Pennsylvania
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Bedford County, Pennsylvania has a population of 47,503 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 45th-largest county in Pennsylvania. Population density is 47 people per square mile.
The population of Bedford County has declined 4.1% since 2010 (49,697 → 47,643), a -0.30% annualized rate.
The median household income in Bedford County, Pennsylvania is $60,302, with mean (average) household income of $76,732 and per-capita income of $32,550. 7.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Bedford County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (96.0%), Black or African American (0.8%), Hispanic or Latino (0.5%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Bedford County, Pennsylvania is 47.5 years. Residents are 50.1% female and 49.9% male.
The median home value in Bedford County is $172,900 and median monthly rent is $771. 78.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 23,568 total housing units, 16.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Bedford County, Pennsylvania is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 20.4% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.5%.
Philadelphia is among the largest cities associated with Bedford County, Pennsylvania, with a population of 1,582,432.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.