Cost of Living in Bedford County, Pennsylvania
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Bedford County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Bedford County ranks #741 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 24%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Bedford County, Pennsylvania
Bedford offers genuine rural savings
Bedford County renters spend 15.3% of income on housing, below both the national average and Pennsylvania's state average of 16.5%. At just $771 monthly, median rent reflects rural Pennsylvania's cost advantage, though the median household income of $60,302 trails national averages.
Pennsylvania's rural affordability gem
Bedford ranks in Pennsylvania's affordable tier with a rent-to-income ratio of 15.3% compared to the state average of 16.5%. The county's $771 median rent undercuts the state average by $189, offering genuine savings for budget-conscious households.
Bedford undercuts region averages
Bedford's $771 rent is the lowest in this region—cheaper than Armstrong ($802), Beaver ($867), and significantly below Berks ($1,143). Home values at $172,900 similarly position Bedford as one of the region's most affordable markets.
Bedford's minimal housing burden
Renters allocate just $771 monthly (15.3% of income), while homeowners pay $741 (14.7%)—among the lowest housing costs in Pennsylvania. This leaves Bedford households with exceptional discretionary income relative to their modest earnings.
Bedford for rural Pennsylvania living
Bedford County is ideal for those seeking maximum affordability in a small-town setting, though job opportunities and amenities are more limited than urban alternatives. Compare rent and home values here to nearby counties to find Pennsylvania's best match for your budget.
Cost of Living Advisory: Bedford County
Affordability Verdict
Bedford County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $771/month — about 15.3% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Bedford County is $771/month, while owner costs run $741/month. Owning saves approximately $30/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,840/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $31,757/year. With a median household income of $60,302, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Bedford County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Elk County where rent averages $720/month, Bedford County is approximately 7% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Bedford County
Rent Burden
15.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,407
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.7%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Bedford County
Median home value is $172,900. Estimated monthly cost: $1,380 vs. your max of $1,407.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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