The original county seat was in Palestine, four miles to the south, but was moved, at the urging of the legislature, to a new location as the original location near the White River was deemed unhealthy because of malaria spread by mosquitoes.

[8] According to the 2010 census, Bedford has a total area of 12.16 square miles (31.49 km2), all land.

[10] The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally cool to cold winters.

36.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

35.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

The Bedford North Lawrence High School is known for its basketball and golf programs.

The boys' golf ranks third in Indiana in sectional championships with 20, and second in regionals with 7, having produced dozens of college players including PGA Tour Pro Craig Bowden.

They have appeared in state finals many times and have numerous top five finishes.

The BNL Boys Golf team holds the IHSAA record in all sports for most Finals trips without a championship with 27.

Much of the limestone used in the construction of various Washington, D.C., monuments was quarried in the Bedford area.

Bedford area limestone was also used in the construction of the Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox Church located in Merrillville, Indiana.

Bedford received $500,000 in grants from the federal government to build a ten-story replica of the Great Pyramid of Giza out of local limestone;[16] however, the work was never completed,[17] despite a further $125,000 being allocated to finish it.

Bedford was recognized by the State of Indiana in 2013 by being named a Stellar Community.

The award brings $19 million in state, local and private funds to Bedford for planned improvements.

Bedford was also named the Indiana Chamber of Commerce's 2013 Community of the Year.