Bedford, TX has roughly 49,145 residents and sits squarely between Dallas and Fort Worth in Tarrant County - which is exactly why it keeps showing up on buyers' shortlists. The central location is a real advantage for anyone weighing the pros and cons of living in Bedford, TX, and the housing market reflects it: the median sale price runs about $399,700, with homes moving in around 30 days.
If you're seriously considering a purchase here, you'll want a clear picture of the crime numbers, how fast help arrives when you need it, and what the environment looks like beyond the property lines. That's what this article gives you.
Crime Rates and Trends in Bedford, TX
The numbers vary depending on which source you use, and that gap matters. CrimeGrade.org gives Bedford an overall grade of C+, with a total crime rate of about 35.25 incidents per 1,000 residents in a typical year. It breaks that down into a C for violent crime, a D for property crime, and a C- for other crimes. NeighborhoodScout lands in a different place entirely, reporting a combined rate of about 17 crimes per 1,000 residents. Both sources are drawing on real data - they just measure things differently. You need to look at both.
Violent and Property Crime Breakdown
According to NeighborhoodScout, Bedford's violent crime rate is about 1 per 1,000 residents - a 1-in-706 chance of victimization, which sits close to national averages.
Property crime is the more relevant concern. The rate there runs about 15 per 1,000 residents, or a 1-in-65 chance of victimization. Burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft make up the bulk of those incidents.
Historical Crime Trends
FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) data via CrimeExplorer shows that between 2019 and 2024, Bedford recorded 2,791 violent crimes and 5,218 property crimes, with an average violent crime rate of 103.8 per 100,000 residents over that period.
The longer view is more encouraging. A 21-year historical analysis by CityRating shows an overall downward trend in both violent and property crime in Bedford - a pattern that lines up with what's been happening across Texas more broadly.
Comparing Bedford to Texas and National Averages
Based on 2024 FBI data released in October 2025, NeighborhoodScout reports the Texas statewide crime rate at 24.30 per 1,000 residents - 3.89 violent crimes and 20.40 property crimes per 1,000. Texas Department of Public Safety UCR data shows that statewide rate has fallen for three consecutive years: a 13% drop in 2025, following declines of 8.2% in 2024 and 3.3% in 2023. The direction is clear.
Bedford vs the Texas Average
Bedford's violent crime rate of 1 per 1,000 is well below the Texas state average of 3.89 per 1,000. On property crime, Bedford's rate of roughly 15 per 1,000 also tracks lower than the state average of 20.40 per 1,000.
CrimeGrade's estimate of 35.25 total crimes per 1,000 puts Bedford higher than some state aggregates, while NeighborhoodScout's 17 per 1,000 falls well below the Texas baseline. That's a meaningful spread, and buyers should weigh both figures rather than anchoring on whichever one is more convenient.
Bedford vs the National Average
Bedford's violent crime rate averages 2.3% below the national average, according to FBI UCR data spanning 2019 to 2024 - so on that front, you're looking at roughly average odds compared to the rest of the country.
Property crime is where the national comparison gets less favorable. That same 2019-2024 data puts Bedford's property crime rate at 203.3 per 100,000 residents, which is 24.3% above the national average. That's worth factoring into your thinking about home security and insurance.
Public Safety and Emergency Services
A 2021 staffing study by the Texas Police Chiefs Association found the Bedford Police Department's average response time to priority calls was 4.0 minutes - well inside the under-six-minute benchmark most agencies aim for. The association labeled it excellent.
That response time is supported by a patrol staffing level of 38 officers, including supervisors. The study found this sufficient to maintain those times while keeping at least 30% uncommitted patrol time, which is the buffer that allows officers to respond rather than just transit between calls.
Police Patrol and Shift Structure
The Bedford Police Department's Patrol Division runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week, under the direction of one lieutenant. Coverage is split across four distinct shifts, each led by a sergeant and a corporal, with six assigned beat officers actively patrolling.
Environmental Safety and Natural Hazards
If you're looking at properties near Boys Ranch Park, the lake there is worth a mention. Water quality and swim advisories can change with conditions, so residents should check current reports directly with Tarrant County Public Health or the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality rather than relying on anything static.
Bedford gets the full North Texas weather package - heavy spring storms, high winds, and hail that can do real damage. Before you close, it's worth pulling the flood zone maps for your specific property to find out whether additional insurance coverage is part of your cost picture.
What Living in Bedford is Like
The location is the headline. Bedford's position in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex means straightforward access to major highways and employment centers in both directions. The city has multiple public parks, recreation facilities, and community events spread through the year.
The housing market is active without being frantic. Recent inventory sat at about 100 available homes, properties are selling for about 99.2% of list price, and roughly a quarter of recent sales closed above asking.
Real Estate and Local Amenities
You'll find a range of housing types here - single-family homes, townhouses, and apartment complexes - and a median price of approximately $399,700 that keeps Bedford competitive within Tarrant County. Boys Ranch Park serves as a central spot for outdoor recreation. For property tax details and school district information, the city maintains separate resources worth reviewing before you finalize anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bedford, TX safe?
Bedford's violent crime rate aligns closely with national averages. Property crime runs somewhat higher. NeighborhoodScout reports a combined rate of about 17 crimes per 1,000 residents.
What is the crime rate in Bedford, TX?
Estimates vary by source. CrimeGrade puts total crime at about 35.25 per 1,000 residents; NeighborhoodScout reports 17 per 1,000. Either way, property crime makes up the majority of incidents.
How does Bedford's crime rate compare to the TX and national average?
Bedford's violent crime rate sits below the Texas state average of 3.89 per 1,000 and averages 2.3% below the national baseline. Property crime is a different story - Bedford's rate runs about 24.3% above the national average.
What are the average police and EMS response times in Bedford, TX?
The Bedford Police Department averages a 4.0-minute response time for priority calls. The Texas Police Chiefs Association rated this excellent, noting most agencies target under six minutes.
Is it safe to swim in Boys Ranch Park lake?
It depends on current conditions. Check with Tarrant County Public Health for active swim advisories or water quality alerts before getting in the water.
What natural hazards should Bedford residents plan for?
Heavy rain, high winds, and hail are the main concerns. Buyers should also check local flood maps to determine whether their specific property falls within a designated flood zone.
What is Bedford, TX like to live in?
Bedford is a suburban city with parks, community facilities, and direct highway access to both Dallas and Fort Worth. Homes sell in about 30 days at a median price near $399,700.
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