Bedford, IN Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Bedford, IN Crime

What is Bedford's overall crime grade for 2026?

Bedford, Indiana earns an overall crime grade of A for 2026, placing it among the safer small cities in the Midwest. With a population of approximately 13,246 and a population density of just 418 residents per square mile, Bedford benefits from the lower crime pressures typically associated with less densely populated communities. This top-tier grade reflects both the city's relatively low incident rates and the sustained community policing efforts that keep Lawrence County's seat one of Indiana's more secure places to live.

How safe is Bedford, IN compared to other Indiana cities?

Bedford's A crime grade puts it well above average when stacked against Indiana cities of comparable size. Its unemployment rate of 4.6% and median household income of $42,893 are economic indicators that correlate with moderate community stability. While the poverty rate of 16.1% is a factor worth noting — as higher poverty rates can be associated with elevated property crime in some markets — Bedford's overall numbers suggest that local policing and community engagement are effectively offsetting those pressures. Neighborhoods near Otis Park and the historic Courthouse Square area consistently register as lower-activity zones on the crime map.

What types of crime are most common in Bedford?

Property crimes — including theft, burglary, and vehicle-related offenses — represent the most frequently reported incident category in Bedford, a pattern common to small Midwestern cities. Violent crimes such as assault are comparatively rare and tend to be concentrated in a narrow set of incidents rather than spread across the city. Drug-related offenses have been an ongoing concern in Lawrence County broadly, though Bedford's A-level grade indicates these incidents remain manageable relative to the city's population of 13,246. Reviewing the interactive crime map by incident type can help residents filter for specific categories and identify whether activity clusters near commercial corridors or residential streets.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Bedford, IN?

Based on crime map activity patterns, areas near Otis Park and the residential zones surrounding the Bedford North Lawrence School District campuses tend to show lower incident density. The historic district around Bedford Courthouse Square benefits from higher foot traffic and visibility, which generally deters opportunistic property crime. Suburban residential streets further from the main commercial corridors also tend to record fewer incidents. Because Bedford's population density is only 418 people per square mile, many neighborhoods enjoy the natural buffer of low-density living, which contributes to the city's strong A overall grade.

Is Bedford, IN a good place to live in 2026?

By the numbers, Bedford makes a compelling case for livability in 2026. The A crime grade is the headline figure, but it is supported by a median home value of $107,472 — well below the national median — and a median rent of just $704 per month, making housing genuinely accessible. The unemployment rate of 4.6% reflects a functioning local economy anchored by manufacturing and limestone industries. The poverty rate of 16.1% is above the national average and is worth factoring into your decision, but many residents find that Bedford's low cost of living offsets income constraints. For families, retirees, or remote workers seeking a safe, affordable small city with outdoor access to limestone country and nearby parks, Bedford's data profile is hard to argue with.

How do I read Bedford's crime map effectively?

Start by filtering the map by crime category — separating property crimes from violent incidents gives a clearer picture than looking at total counts alone. Given Bedford's A grade, the overall density of markers will be relatively sparse compared to larger Indiana cities, but clustering near commercial districts on the map is normal and expected. Use the time-based filters to spot seasonal trends; property crimes in many small cities tick upward in summer months. Cross-reference any hotspot areas against neighborhood names like Otis Park or the Courthouse Square district to ground the data in places you actually know. For the most current incident-level data, the Bedford Police Department publishes official reports alongside third-party tools like SpotCrime.