Bedford County

As of the 2020 Census, Bedford County, PA, had a population of approximately 47,577. The racial composition was 97.1% White, 0.8% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, 0.1% Native American, and 1.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino individuals of any race made up about 0.9% of the population. The median age was 45.9 years. The county had over 18,000 households, with an average household size of 2.52. The median household income was around $50,000, and approximately 12.4% of the population lived below the poverty line.

As of the latest data, Bedford County, PA has a median home value of approximately $150,000. The median rent is around $700 per month. The county has a homeownership rate of about 76%, with an average household size of 2.4 persons. Housing growth has remained steady, and the vacancy rate is close to 13%. The real estate market in Bedford County is relatively affordable compared to state and national averages, offering a mix of historic homes and new constructions.

Bedford County, PA, participates in elections for federal, state, and local offices. As of the latest elections, the major offices include U.S. President, U.S. Senator, U.S. Representative for Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, Pennsylvania Governor, State Senate District 30, and State House District 78.

For local elections, positions such as County Commissioners, District Attorney, Sheriff, and various judgeships are contested.

In the 2022 U.S. Senate race, Republican Mehmet Oz garnered local support, though he lost statewide. In the U.S. House, Republican John Joyce won re-election with significant support in Bedford County. State Senator Judy Ward and State Representative Jesse Topper, both Republicans, enjoyed strong local backing.

Voter turnout typically hovers around 63.5% for presidential elections and varies for other elections. Specific numerical results for each candidate can be found on the Bedford County or Pennsylvania Department of State websites following each election.

As of recent data, Bedford County, PA has educational attainment levels that are somewhat below national and state averages. About 87.3% of Bedford County residents aged 25 and over have a high school diploma or higher, compared to the national average of 88% and Pennsylvania's state average of around 90%. Additionally, approximately 14.9% of Bedford County's residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, whereas the national average stands at about 33.1%, and Pennsylvania's average is roughly 31.4%. The county invests in vocational and technical education through regional institutions like the Bedford County Technical Center, aiming to enhance educational opportunities and workforce development. Overall, while Bedford County lags behind, ongoing efforts aim to bridge this educational gap.

As of the latest available data, Bedford County, PA, has a labor force of approximately 23,000 people with an unemployment rate around 5%, which is slightly above the national average of 3.8% and similar to Pennsylvania's state average of about 4.6%. Key industries in Bedford County include manufacturing, healthcare, retail, and construction. Manufacturing is particularly significant, employing nearly 20% of the workforce, which is higher than the national average of approximately 8.5%. Healthcare and social assistance also represent a substantial portion of employment, aligning closely with national and state trends. Retail trade forms around 13% of local employment, matching national figures. Overall, Bedford County's employment landscape is heavily influenced by manufacturing more so than state and national averages.

As of the latest available data, the average household income in Bedford County, PA, is approximately $57,000 annually. This figure is lower compared to both the national average and the state average.

The national average household income is about $68,700, while Pennsylvania's average household income is approximately $63,500. This indicates that Bedford County falls below both the state and national income levels.

These disparities highlight socio-economic differences between Bedford County and wider regions, potentially affecting community resources and living standards.

As of the latest data, Bedford County, PA, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. In 2022, the overall crime rate was approximately 1,300 incidents per 100,000 residents. Property crimes, such as theft and burglary, make up the majority of reported cases, while violent crimes are comparatively rare.

Please note that these figures are estimates and can fluctuate with new yearly data.