CountyScore

Bedford County

Pennsylvania · PA

#9 in Pennsylvania
70
County Score

County Report Card

About Bedford County, Pennsylvania

Bedford County Stands Out Nationally

Bedford County's composite score of 74.3 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top third of U.S. counties. This 49% advantage reflects exceptional strength in tax and housing affordability.

Highest Ranked Among These Eight Counties

Bedford County scores 74.3, a notable 8.3 points above Pennsylvania's state average of 66.0, ranking it in the state's top tier. This leadership position reflects particular excellence in fiscal and housing policy.

Unmatched Tax and Cost Advantages

Bedford County combines the region's lowest effective tax rate of 0.811% with a tax score of 79.4 and a cost score of 83.3, featuring a median home value of $172,900 and rent at $771 per month. These numbers represent extraordinary value in both taxation and housing affordability.

Income Levels Among the Lowest

The income score of 22.8 and median household income of $60,302 represent significant constraints, being among the lowest in this county group. Safety, health, schools, and environmental data gaps prevent a comprehensive assessment of quality of life beyond financial metrics.

Premier Choice for Affordability Focused

Bedford County is the top choice for retirees, remote workers, and families maximizing savings through minimal tax and housing burdens. The trade-off is lower local earning potential, making it less suitable for those dependent on local employment.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax79.4Cost83.3SafetyComing SoonHealth71.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome22.8Risk31.8WaterComing Soon
🏛79.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠83.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼22.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤71.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡31.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Bedford County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

St. Clair County
Alabama
70
Median income: $78,993
Sumter County
Alabama
70
Median income: $37,981
Sitka City and Borough
Alaska
70
Median income: $101,207
Lee County
Arkansas
70
Median income: $36,860
Pike County
Georgia
70
Median income: $84,184

Deep Dives

Bedford County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Bedford County

via TaxByCounty

Bedford County offers remarkably low tax rate

Bedford County's effective rate of 0.811% stands far below the national median of 1.300%, placing it in the bottom 15% of all U.S. counties and making it one of America's lowest-tax areas. The median annual property tax of $1,403 is roughly half the national median of $2,690, a substantial advantage for homeowners.

Pennsylvania's lowest effective tax rate

Bedford County ranks as Pennsylvania's most tax-friendly county with an effective rate of 0.811%, well below the state average of 1.317%. Median annual taxes of $1,403 represent less than 53% of Pennsylvania's median tax bill of $2,657.

Dramatically lower than surrounding counties

Bedford's 0.811% rate is roughly half that of neighboring Blair County (1.092%) and Bradford County (1.157%), making it a clear tax haven in the region. This exceptional rate reflects lower municipal and school district spending relative to other South-Central Pennsylvania counties.

What the median homeowner pays yearly

A homeowner with a median-valued property ($172,900) in Bedford County pays only $1,403 annually in property taxes—the lowest burden among the eight counties. With a mortgage, that rises to $1,471; without, it drops to $1,339.

Even low-tax counties benefit from appeals

Bedford's exceptional tax rate is an asset, but overassessment still happens here too. If you believe your home's assessed value doesn't reflect its true market value, an appeal can confirm accuracy and protect your savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Bedford County

via CostByCounty

Bedford offers genuine rural savings

Bedford County renters spend 15.3% of income on housing, below both the national average and Pennsylvania's state average of 16.5%. At just $771 monthly, median rent reflects rural Pennsylvania's cost advantage, though the median household income of $60,302 trails national averages.

Pennsylvania's rural affordability gem

Bedford ranks in Pennsylvania's affordable tier with a rent-to-income ratio of 15.3% compared to the state average of 16.5%. The county's $771 median rent undercuts the state average by $189, offering genuine savings for budget-conscious households.

Bedford undercuts region averages

Bedford's $771 rent is the lowest in this region—cheaper than Armstrong ($802), Beaver ($867), and significantly below Berks ($1,143). Home values at $172,900 similarly position Bedford as one of the region's most affordable markets.

Bedford's minimal housing burden

Renters allocate just $771 monthly (15.3% of income), while homeowners pay $741 (14.7%)—among the lowest housing costs in Pennsylvania. This leaves Bedford households with exceptional discretionary income relative to their modest earnings.

Bedford for rural Pennsylvania living

Bedford County is ideal for those seeking maximum affordability in a small-town setting, though job opportunities and amenities are more limited than urban alternatives. Compare rent and home values here to nearby counties to find Pennsylvania's best match for your budget.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Bedford County

via IncomeByCounty

Bedford significantly lags national income averages

Bedford County's median household income of $60,302 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by nearly 19.3%, placing it well below national standards. This substantial gap reflects structural economic challenges in rural south-central Pennsylvania.

Among Pennsylvania's lowest-earning counties

Bedford's $60,302 median household income falls 13.4% below Pennsylvania's state average of $69,614, ranking it among the state's struggling counties. Per capita income of $32,550 significantly trails the state average of $37,407, indicating limited wage opportunities.

Faces toughest income challenges in area

Bedford households earn just $60,302, the lowest among neighboring Adams County ($81,071), Beaver County ($70,156), and Blair County ($60,594). The county confronts particularly acute rural income challenges in the state.

Affordable housing but limited wages

Bedford's 15.3% rent-to-income ratio indicates manageable housing costs, though limited household income constrains overall financial stability. Median home value of $172,900 is accessible for current residents but represents substantial commitment for modest earnings.

Seek additional income and skill-building opportunities

Bedford County residents earning $60,302 should prioritize skill development and job training to increase earning potential over time. Even small savings through side income, federal tax credits, and low-cost investment options can build meaningful long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Bedford County

via HealthByCounty

Bedford County slightly below national norm

At 76.2 years, Bedford County's life expectancy sits just 0.2 years below the U.S. average, a minimal gap that masks underlying health challenges. The 18.9% poor/fair health rate significantly exceeds the national average, suggesting residents experience more chronic illness despite roughly average lifespans.

Below Pennsylvania's average health

Bedford County's 76.2-year life expectancy falls 0.2 years short of Pennsylvania's 76.4-year average, a near-tie that disguises higher rates of poor health. The 18.9% poor/fair health rate ranks among the worst in the state, indicating concentrated chronic disease burden.

Middle performer in south-central PA

Bedford County's 76.2-year life expectancy trails Adams County (78.8 years) by 2.6 years but exceeds Armstrong County (75.3 years) by 0.9 years. Its 18.9% poor/fair health rate sits between these neighbors, reflecting its position as a mid-tier health performer in rural south-central Pennsylvania.

Sparse providers, rising uninsured rates

Bedford County has only 34 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the lowest in this county group—and 7.4% uninsured, above state average. This combination of limited access and uninsured population creates dual barriers to the preventive and chronic-disease care residents need.

Prioritize coverage in Bedford

At 7.4% uninsured, Bedford County exceeds the state average, and sparse providers make insurance even more critical for accessing distant specialists. Visit healthcare.gov or contact the Bedford County Department of Human Services to explore subsidized plans available now.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Bedford County

via RiskByCounty

Bedford County Sits Just Above National Average Risk

Bedford County's composite risk score of 68.23 sits marginally above the national average, maintaining a relatively low risk rating. The county experiences modest natural disaster exposure comparable to many American communities, with particular vulnerability to hurricanes and flooding.

Barely Above Pennsylvania's Statewide Average

Bedford County's score of 68.23 sits just 0.78 points above Pennsylvania's 67.45 statewide average, placing it squarely in the middle tier of state risk. The county ranks well below higher-risk neighbors and benefits from relatively low tornado exposure.

Lower Risk Than Regional Peer Counties

Bedford County faces lower hazard exposure than neighboring Blair County (77.67) and Fulton County, maintaining one of the safer profiles in south-central Pennsylvania. The county benefits from rural character and modest population density compared to urban neighbors.

Hurricanes and Flooding Pose Primary Threats

Hurricane risk ranks highest in Bedford County at 77.81, reflecting Atlantic storm system vulnerability despite inland location. Flood risk follows at 83.97, while tornado (26.02) and wildfire (29.23) risks remain well below state averages.

Flood and Wind Coverage Recommended

Bedford County residents should secure flood insurance given the county's 83.97 flood risk, particularly in areas near streams and run-off zones. Ensure your homeowners policy covers wind and hurricane damage (77.81 risk), and consider an umbrella policy for additional protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.