Bedford Charter Township is a charter township located in the northwest corner of Calhoun County in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2000 census, the township had a total population of 9,517. Most of the township lies north of the Kalamazoo River and the city of Battle Creek. Three small noncontiguous areas of the township lie south of the Kalamazoo River.

Communities

• Much of the township is considered to be part of the Battle Creek urban area, and the township's economy is closely linked to the city. The township became a charter township in part to protect against further annexation by the city.
• Level Park-Oak Park is a census-designated place, covering an area along M-89, just north of the Kalamazoo River and just northwest of Battle Creek. It includes the unincorporated communities of Level Park and Oak Park which are adjacent areas along M-89.
• Bedford is an unincorporated community and downtown development area located on M-37 at 42° 23' 43" north latitude and 85° 13' 56" west longitude, near the center of the township.
• Morgan Corners and Orchard Park are both settlements located along the eastern boundary with Pennfield Charter Township. Most of Orchard Park has been incorporated into Battle Creek.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 77.2 km² (29.8 mi²). 76.1 km² (29.4 mi²) of it is land and 1.1 km² (0.4 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 1.41% water.

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there are 9,517 people, 3,667 households, and 2,651 families residing in the township. The population density is 125.1/km² (324.0/mi²). There are 3,841 housing units at an average density of 50.5/km² (130.8/mi²). The racial makeup of the township is 84.05% White, 12.09% African American, 0.34% Native American, 0.43% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 0.85% from other races, and 2.18% from two or more races. 1.49% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 3,667 households out of which 30.1% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.9% are married couples living together, 12.4% have a female householder with no husband present, and 27.7% are non-families. 22.5% of all households are made up of individuals and 8.9% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.52 and the average family size is 2.94.

In the township the population is spread out with 24.1% under the age of 18, 7.0% from 18 to 24, 26.9% from 25 to 44, 27.4% from 45 to 64, and 14.5% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 40 years. For every 100 females there are 101.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 98.7 males.

The median income for a household in the township is $44,462, and the median income for a family is $51,230. Males have a median income of $37,331 versus $26,435 for females. The per capita income for the township is $20,303. 5.8% of the population and 4.3% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 4.5% of those under the age of 18 and 6.2% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.