Bedfordshire spans about 1,226 km² (473 sq mi) in England.
Outline from Office for National Statistics and Ordnance Survey data, Open Government Licence v3.0.
Living in Bedfordshire
Bedfordshire is a largely rural county in the East of England, known for its gentle countryside, market towns and central location. It sits between several larger counties, including Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire, and has long acted as a link between London and the Midlands. The landscape is characterised by rolling farmland, river valleys and small villages, giving much of the county a calm and understated feel.
The county includes towns such as Bedford, Luton, Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard, each with its own role within the wider area. Bedford itself has a long history as a riverside market town, while Luton developed more rapidly through industry and transport links. Across Bedfordshire, everyday life balances commuting, local employment and strong community ties, with many settlements retaining a clear sense of local identity.
Bedfordshire is shaped by natural features including the River Great Ouse and the chalk landscapes of the Chiltern Hills in the south of the county. These areas provide space for walking, wildlife and outdoor leisure, often just beyond built up areas. Overall, Bedfordshire offers a quiet mix of countryside, historic towns and practical modern living, making it a settled and accessible county within England.
Bedfordshire at a Glance
House Prices in Bedfordshire
The average sold price in Bedfordshire is £365,649 across 21,395 recorded sales, making it the 17th most expensive of 69 counties.
Source: HM Land Registry Price Paid Data. Figures are averages of recorded sales.
People & Demographics
Age structure
Housing tenure
Source: ONS Census 2021 and model-based income estimates.
Schools in Bedfordshire 273
Source: Department for Education and Ofsted.
Amenities & Getting Around
Source: NHS, National Rail and Open Charge Map.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are houses in Bedfordshire?
The average sold price in Bedfordshire is around £365,649. A detached home averages £506,303, a terraced home £274,664 and a flat £178,513.
What is the population of Bedfordshire?
Bedfordshire has a population of about 706,591 people, at a density of 576 per square kilometre.
What is the average income in Bedfordshire?
The average household income in Bedfordshire is around £61,112 a year.
How many schools are there in Bedfordshire?
There are 273 schools in Bedfordshire.
Largest Towns in Bedfordshire 12
Location
Elevation & Terrain
Bedfordshire stretches from 62 ft at Blunham up to 768 ft at Whipsnade, a span of 706 ft across 309 towns and villages. This reflects notably varied terrain, with clear contrasts between lower valleys and higher ground.
Deprivation Index (IMD)
Average deprivation scores across 24 postcode areas in Bedfordshire. Higher deciles (closer to 10) indicate less deprivation.
Main Towns in Bedfordshire 60
Bedfordshire has 309 towns, villages and localities in total. The main towns are shown below. You can also browse the full A to Z of every place in Bedfordshire.
Postcode Areas in Bedfordshire 5
Bedfordshire is served by 5 postcode areas. Each area contains multiple postcode districts covering different parts of the county.