Bedford County Public RecordsPennsylvania

As of the 2020 Census, Bedford County, PA, had a population of approximately 47,577. The median age was 46.8 years, highlighting an older demographic. Females comprised 50.6% and males 49.4%. The racial composition was predominantly White at 95.2%, with Black or African American residents at 1%, two or more races at 2%, and Hispanic or Latino of any race at 1.2%. Asian and other racial groups together made up less than 1% of the population.

Bedford County, PA, had approximately 34,500 registered voters in 2023, with about 70% Republican, 22% Democrat, and 8% Other/Independent. The county administers primary, general, and special elections, with Republicans typically dominating recent results—Donald Trump won 83% of the presidential vote in 2020. There are over 40 polling locations managed by the county’s Board of Elections. Key election issues include taxes, gun rights, and agriculture. Voter turnout generally averages around 65% in general elections. Election administration emphasizes secure voting and transparency, with results and polling site info published on the county’s official website.

Bedford County, PA has 6 public high schools and several elementary and middle schools, serving around 6,000 K-12 students. The high school graduation rate is about 90%, while 15.8% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average SAT scores hover near 1020. School safety is a priority, with most districts implementing security measures and SROs. Adult education programs, such as those by Bedford County Technical Center, support workforce development. Educational offerings include AP courses and career-technical programs, though advanced STEM opportunities are limited compared to state averages.

As of 2022, Bedford County, PA, has an employment rate of 56.3%. The largest industries are Health Care & Social Assistance (19.7%), Manufacturing (15.2%), and Retail Trade (11.7%). Major occupation types include Production (13.5%), Office & Administrative Support (12.6%), and Sales (10.3%). About 81.6% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 24.7 minutes. Most residents work within Bedford County, though approximately 27% commute to neighboring counties, primarily Blair and Cambria.

Bedford County, PA, features a homeownership rate around 77%, with median home values near $155,000 and average rent at approximately $700 monthly. The market trend shows modest growth, with property values rising about 4% year-over-year. Housing primarily consists of single-family homes, some historic properties, and rural farmhouses. Popular neighborhoods include Bedford Borough and Everett. Property taxes average 1.1% of assessed value, equating to roughly $1,700 annually on a median-priced home. The area offers affordable living and a mix of rural and small-town community options.

Bedford County, PA, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. According to recent FBI data, the county reported approximately 8.5 violent crimes and 37.2 property crimes per 10,000 residents in 2022. Law enforcement actively encourages community reporting, contributing to high clearance rates. Most incidents involve theft and minor assaults, with serious crimes being rare. The Sheriff's Office collaborates with local departments to ensure public safety through regular patrols and community outreach, supporting Bedford County's reputation as a safe and secure place to live.