Small city in Tarrant County, part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metro
Living in Bedford, TX
51st of 192Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people
Overall score 74 of 100
63rd of 181 in the Dallas-Fort Worth area
Bedford gets an overall grade of B+ and ranks 51st of 192 Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. It does best on errands and things to do and schools, and trails on getting around and home ownership. It is a strong pick for young professionals.
- Good for young professionals
- Getting around scores low (18 of 100)
- Hail risk is very high
- Population
- 47,958-4.0% since 2020
- Median rent
- $1,5027% higher than Texas
- Median home value
- $350,70024% higher than Texas
- Household income
- $83,971Median
- Average commute
- 24 minOne way
- Violent crime
- 180Per 100k, 2025
What it's like to live in Bedford
Bedford sits about 22 miles from downtown Dallas, in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro. 47,958 people lived here in 2025, down 4.0% from 2020. It is densely built.
Places locals use include Boys Ranch Pavilion, Bedford Boys Ranch and Meadow Park Athletic Complex.
The median age is 39.5, 26% of households have children, 51% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $83,971 a year (7% higher than the Texas median).
Pros of living in Bedford
- Strong public schools. 88% of the 8 rated campuses here earn an A or B from the Texas Education Agency.
- Low violent crime. 180 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, 54% lower than the Texas rate.
- Plenty close to home. 8 grocery stores, 189 restaurants and 19 parks are mapped in town.
Cons of living in Bedford
- Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of hail as very high here.
Who Bedford suits
- FamiliesA reasonable fit: 88% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is 54% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 71% for families.
- Young professionalsA strong fit: household income is 7% higher than the Texas median, with 189 restaurants and 9 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 84% for young professionals.
- RetireesA reasonable fit: 12% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 54% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 69% for retirees.
- Remote workersA strong fit: 95% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $1,502 is 7% higher than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 78% for remote workers.
- People on a budgetNot the best fit: the median rent of $1,502 is 7% higher than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 19% for people on a budget.
Bedford report card
Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Bedford with other US cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. Schools, safety and errands compare it with other Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people.
Cost of living: grade C-
Median rent $1,502, homes cost 4.2x income.
32 of 100 vs US citiesJobs and income: grade C+
Median household income $83,971, 4.8% unemployed.
56 of 100 vs US citiesSchools: grade A-
8 rated campuses, 88% rated A or B.
81 of 100 vs TX citiesSafety: grade C
180 violent crimes per 100k, 1,700 property crimes per 100k.
47 of 100 vs TX citiesErrands and things to do: grade A
8 grocery stores, 189 restaurants, 19 parks mapped in town.
92 of 100 vs TX citiesGetting around: grade D
Average commute 24 min, 18% work from home.
19 of 100 vs US citiesEducation levels: grade B
43% have a bachelor’s degree.
70 of 100 vs US citiesHealth: grade C
12% of adults uninsured.
44 of 100 vs US citiesHome ownership: grade D+
51% of homes owner-occupied.
28 of 100 vs US citiesInternet access: grade B
95% of homes have broadband.
72 of 100 vs US cities
Where Bedford stands out compared with Texas
Better than Texas
- Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 43%10 points higher than Texas (34%)
- Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance: 12%8 points lower than Texas (20%)
- People below the poverty line: 7.3%6 points lower than Texas (14%)
Worse than Texas
- Homes owned by the people living in them: 51%12 points lower than Texas (63%)
- Home value to income: 4.2x15% higher than Texas (3.6x)
- Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent: 56%4 points higher than Texas (52%)
Cost of living in Bedford
Rent is the cost most newcomers feel first. The median rent in Bedford is $1,502 a month, 7% higher than the Texas median of $1,403. To keep that rent at 30% of income, a household needs to earn about $60,000 a year. Right now 56% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.
HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $1,481 for a one-bedroom, $1,745 for a two-bedroom and $2,284 for a three-bedroom (fiscal year 2027). These figures include utilities and describe a modest unit, so newer apartments often ask for more.
The median home is worth $350,700, 24% higher than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $1,920 before tax, or $2,369 with property tax. That is $867 a month more than the median rent, so renting is the cheaper monthly choice unless you plan to stay for years.
Texas has no state income tax, but property taxes are among the highest in the country. The median homeowner in Bedford pays $5,390 a year, 27% higher than the Texas median of $4,232. Budget for it, along with homeowners insurance, which our numbers do not include.
See the full cost of living breakdown for Bedford
Typical rent by apartment size
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent7% higher than Texas | $1,502 | $1,403 | $1,413 |
| Median home value24% higher than Texas | $350,700 | $283,800 | $332,700 |
| Home value to income15% higher than Texas | 4.2x | 3.6x | 4.1x |
| Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent4 points higher than Texas | 56% | 52% | 51% |
| Median property tax per year27% higher than Texas | $5,390 | $4,232 | $3,119 |
| Homes owned by the people living in them12 points lower than Texas | 51% | 63% | 65% |
| Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas | 1983 | 1992 | 1980 |
Monthly cost to buy a median home
- Mortgage payment
- $1,920
- Property tax
- $449
- Median rent, for comparison
- $1,502
Based on a $350,700 home in Bedford, 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28% (Freddie Mac average, week of 2026-10-01). Property tax is the median paid locally, or the county median where the local figure is not published. Insurance and fees are not included.
Is Bedford safe?
In 2025, Bedford Police Department reported 87 violent crimes and 824 property crimes. That works out to 180 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 54% lower than the Texas rate of 387, and 1,700 property crimes per 100,000, 18% lower than the state rate.
Violent crime is down about 39% since 2021, based on the yearly rates below.
Crime rates describe the whole area a police department covers. Some streets are much quieter than the average and some are busier, so look at the neighborhood grades and visit at different times of day.
Violent crimes per 100,000 people by year. The dashed line is the Texas rate for 2025.
Property crimes per 100,000 people by year.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer, Bedford Police Department, 2025. Rates count reported crimes only and cover the area this police department serves.
Schools in Bedford
Bedford has 8 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 88% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD.
Top-rated campuses include Bedford Heights Elementary, Bedford Junior High and Harwood Junior High. The average rating score across all campuses is 88 out of 100, against a Texas median of 81.
Texas districts usually assign students by attendance zone rather than the closest campus, so check the zone for a specific address with the district before you sign a lease or buy.
Ratings are the 2025 Texas Education Agency A to F accountability ratings. Always check which school serves a specific address with the district.
Top-rated schools
- ABedford Heights ElementaryElementary, Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD94 of 100
- ABedford Junior HighMiddle, Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD92 of 100
- AHarwood Junior HighMiddle, Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD92 of 100
- AStonegate ElementaryElementary, Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD91 of 100
- ASpring Garden ElementaryElementary, Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD90 of 100
Daily life in Bedford
Everyday places mapped inside Bedford, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Boys Ranch Pavilion, Bedford Boys Ranch, Meadow Park Athletic Complex.
The average one-way commute is 24 minutes, 8% shorter than the Texas average. 18% of workers work from home. Fewer than 3% walk, bike or take transit to work, so plan on driving for almost everything.
Downtown Dallas is about 22 miles away in a straight line. Many people who live in Bedford work elsewhere in the metro, so test the drive at rush hour before you commit.
The median household income is $83,971, income per person is $44,439, unemployment is 4.8% and 43% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.
Jobs, income and education
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household income7% higher than Texas | $83,971 | $78,476 | $80,734 |
| Income per person9% higher than Texas | $44,439 | $40,752 | $44,673 |
| Unemployment rateAbout the same as Texas | 4.8% | 5.3% | 5.2% |
| People below the poverty line6 points lower than Texas | 7.3% | 14% | 12% |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher10 points higher than Texas | 43% | 34% | 36% |
| Adults with a high school diploma or higher9 points higher than Texas | 95% | 86% | 90% |
| Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance8 points lower than Texas | 12% | 20% | 11% |
| Homes with broadband internet4 points higher than Texas | 95% | 91% | 91% |
Getting to work
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average commute8% lower than Texas | 24 min | 27 min | 26 min |
| Workers who work from home3 points higher than Texas | 18% | 14% | 15% |
Who lives in Bedford
Median age 39.5 years. 26% of households have children.
Race and ethnicity
Shown for information only. It is never part of any grade.
Weather in Bedford
Bedford has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 94°F and January lows about 34°F. There are about 93 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 40 inches of rain a year.
Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Arlington Six Flags, 7 mi away. Orange months average 90°F or more.
Natural hazard risk
FEMA's National Risk Index says river flooding risk is low, hurricane risk is low, tornado risk is high and hail risk is very high. Even in lower-risk areas, check the FEMA flood map for the exact address before you buy.
- River floodingLow
- HurricanesLow
- TornadoesHigh
- HailVery high
- Heat wavesHigh
- WildfiresLow
- Winter stormsModerate
- Strong windVery low
Source: FEMA National Risk Index, December 2025, Census tract level averaged for the city. Check the FEMA flood map for any address before you buy.
Places near Bedford
Nearby, Hurst gets a B, Colleyville gets an A+ and Euless gets a B+. Each is graded against Texas places of its own size, so a small town and a big city can both earn an A.
- BHurstSmall city, 39,861 people3 mi
- A+ColleyvilleSmall city, 26,012 people3 mi
- B+EulessCity, 60,421 people4 mi
- A-North Richland HillsCity, 70,780 people5 mi
- CRichland HillsTown, 8,493 people6 mi
- A-GrapevineCity, 51,139 people7 mi
Bedford in the Dallas-Fort Worth area
How it ranks among 181 places in the metro.
- 1A+Flower Mound78,389 people26 mito downtown
- 2A+Trophy Club13,733 people29 mito downtown
- 3A+University Park25,155 people4 mito downtown
- 60B+Benbrook24,557 people41 mito downtown
- 61B+Lowry Crossing1,433 people29 mito downtown
- 62B+Nevada1,319 people28 mito downtown
- 63B+Bedford49,085 people22 mito downtown
- 64B+Rhome1,699 people44 mito downtown
- 65B+Watauga23,233 people29 mito downtown
- 66B+Edgecliff Village3,766 people35 mito downtown
Living in Bedford: common questions
Is Bedford, TX a good place to live?
Bedford gets an overall grade of B+ and ranks 51st of 192 Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. It does best on errands and things to do and schools, and trails on getting around and home ownership. It is a strong pick for young professionals.
How much does it cost to live in Bedford?
Median rent in Bedford is $1,502 a month, 7% higher than the Texas median. The median home is worth $350,700, 24% higher than the Texas median. A median home costs 4.2x the median household income, compared with 3.6x across Texas. With 20% down at a 7.28% rate, the monthly payment on a median home is about $2,369, including property tax.
Is Bedford safe?
In 2025, Bedford Police Department reported 180 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 54% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 1,700 per 100,000, 18% lower than the Texas rate.
Are the schools good in Bedford?
We found 8 rated public school campuses inside Bedford. 88% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 81 of 100 compared with other Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people.
Does Bedford flood?
FEMA rates river flooding risk in Bedford as low, and coastal flooding as not rated. Hazards rated high or very high here: tornadoes, heat waves and hail. Always check the flood map for a specific address before you buy.
What is the weather like in Bedford?
Summers in Bedford peak at about 94°F in July, and January nights fall to about 34°F. Expect around 93 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 40 inches of rain.
How long is the commute in Bedford?
The average one-way commute is 24 min, 8% lower than the Texas average. About 18% of workers work from home. It is about 22 miles from downtown Dallas.
Sources: US Census Bureau 2020-2024 ACS 5-year and 2025 population estimates, CDC PLACES 2025, Texas Education Agency 2025 ratings, FBI Crime Data Explorer, FEMA National Risk Index, NOAA climate normals, HUD fair market rents, Overture Maps. Updated 2026-10-04. How we grade.