Bedford County

As of the 2020 census, Bedford County, TN has a population of approximately 50,237. The racial makeup is 74.9% White, 11.9% Black or African American, 1.0% Asian, 0.5% Native American, and 9.3% from other races. Hispanic or Latino of any race constitute 18.5% of the population. The median household income is $50,329, with 15.1% of the population below the poverty line. The county spans 475 square miles and includes the city of Shelbyville, which serves as the county seat.

As of 2023, Bedford County, TN has a median home value around $230,000. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is approximately $800 per month. Homeownership rate stands at about 72%, while the vacancy rate is around 8%. Housing units total close to 21,000, with an annual appreciation rate of 5%. Median household income in the area is roughly $45,000.

As of the latest elections in Bedford County, Tennessee (2022), voters elected officials for various positions. The key races included:

• County Mayor: Chad Graham ran as the incumbent.
• Sheriff: Austin Swing and the incumbent, Mark Thomas.
• County Clerk: Donna Thomas was a prominent candidate.
• Road Superintendent: Dwight Sweeney and his challenger John Emmons.

In the 2022 elections, Bedford County reported a 48.5% voter turnout from its 29,000+ registered voters. The mayoral race saw Chad Graham reelected with 60% of the vote. In the sheriff’s race, Austin Swing garnered 54% against Mark Thomas. Separate county commission seats, school board members, and various other local officials were also on the ballot.

For specific results and further details, residents should check official Bedford County election resources or their local government website.

As of the latest data, Bedford County, TN shows educational attainment levels as follows: approximately 82% of residents aged 25 and older have a high school diploma or higher, while around 15% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. In comparison, the national average for high school graduates is approximately 88%, and about 33% of Americans have a bachelor's degree or higher.

Within Tennessee, the averages are somewhat similar to the national trends, with about 87% having completed high school and around 29% holding a bachelor's degree or more. Thus, Bedford County falls below both the state and national averages in educational attainment.

Bedford County, TN, has a diverse employment landscape, with key industries being manufacturing, retail trade, and healthcare. As of the latest data, the unemployment rate in Bedford stands at around 3.8%, which is close to the national average of 3.7% and marginally better than the Tennessee state average of 4.1%.

Top Industries:

1. Manufacturing: Employs approximately 20% of the workforce, higher than the national average of around 10% and state average of 12%.
2. Retail Trade: Accounts for about 15% of total employment, slightly above the national average of 12% but consistent with the Tennessee state average.
3. Healthcare and Social Assistance: Makes up about 13% of the workforce, aligning closely with the national average of 14% and the state average of 13%.

These industries underline Bedford County’s strong manufacturing base and growing retail and healthcare sectors.

As of the most recent data, the average household income in Bedford County, TN, stands at approximately $54,000. This is notably lower than the national average household income, which is about $68,700, and the Tennessee state average, which is $56,400. This income disparity highlights the economic challenges faced by residents in Bedford County compared to broader benchmarks.

This comparison demonstrates that Bedford County lags behind both the state and national averages, potentially impacting local quality of life and economic opportunities.

As of the latest available data, Bedford County, TN has a crime rate that highlights various types of criminal activity. For a clearer understanding, the statistics are summarized in the table below:

In comparison to national averages, Bedford County's crime rates are moderately high, particularly in property crimes and theft-related incidents. Efforts to reduce crime involve community policing and preventive measures.