countyscore
40.8
County Score
Property Tax 85.9Weather & Climate 65.7Soil Quality 45.9

County Report Card

About Bedford County, Tennessee

Bedford County Ranks Below National Standards

Bedford County earns a composite score of 40.8, which is nearly ten points lower than the national median of 50.0. This ranking reflects significant opportunities for development across multiple quality-of-life metrics.

Struggling Against Tennessee Peers

The county's overall score of 40.8 sits well below the Tennessee state average of 51.3. Local leaders face a gap in performance compared to many of their neighbors in the middle of the state.

Exceptional Tax Savings for Homeowners

Bedford excels in fiscal policy with a high tax score of 85.9. Residents enjoy a very low effective tax rate of 0.499%, providing a significant financial advantage for those owning property.

Gaps in Healthcare and Public Safety

Health and safety scores are low at 26.4 and 25.5, respectively, indicating a need for better community resources. School performance also trails behind with a score of 36.1.

Best for Tax-Conscious Rural Living

Bedford is ideal for those seeking a low-tax environment and a median rent of $917. Families may need to carefully evaluate the local health and education systems before settling here.

Score breakdown

Tax85.9Cost34.3Safety25.5Health26.4Schools36.1Income45.7Risk30.8Water37.5Weather65.7
🏛85.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠34.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼45.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡25.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤26.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓36.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡30.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧37.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤65.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨45.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱42.7
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Marshall County
Tennessee
49.5
Moore County
Tennessee
65.9
Coffee County
Tennessee
44
Rutherford County
Tennessee
43.4
Lincoln County
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Franklin County
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Cannon County
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Maury County
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Deep Dives

Bedford County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Bedford County

via TaxByCounty

Bedford's taxes far below national norms

At 0.499% effective rate, Bedford County sits comfortably below the national average effective rate of around 0.85%, protecting residents from steep property tax bills. The median tax of $1,274 represents less than half the national median of $2,690.

Below Tennessee's average rate

Bedford County's 0.499% effective rate falls slightly below Tennessee's state average of 0.511%, ranking it among the state's more affordable counties for property taxes. Yet the median tax of $1,274 exceeds the state median of $1,016 due to higher median home values.

Competitive with regional peers

Bedford County's rate of 0.499% sits between Blount County (0.503%) and Cannon County (0.479%), making it middle-ground for its region. The higher median home value of $255,300 means larger absolute tax bills despite a below-average rate.

Median home costs $1,274 yearly

A typical Bedford County home valued at $255,300 generates an annual tax bill of approximately $1,274. The rate stays consistent whether you have a mortgage or not, ranging from $1,259 to $1,305.

Assessment appeals can reduce your bill

Many Bedford County homeowners find their assessments exceed actual property values, creating strong grounds for appeals. If recent market conditions suggest your home is worth less than the assessed value, challenging the assessment could yield tax savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Bedford County

via CostByCounty

Bedford keeps housing costs near national norms

Bedford County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.7% sits just slightly above the national median, making it one of Tennessee's more balanced housing markets. Yet with a median household income of $62,197—16% below the national $74,755—residents still stretch further to afford similar rents.

Slightly better than state average

Bedford's 17.7% rent-to-income ratio edges below Tennessee's 17.6% average, offering modest relief compared to many other counties in the state. The $917 median rent is also competitive—just 7% above the state's $860 average.

Moderate rents, premium home prices

Bedford's $917 rent is comparable to nearby Anderson County ($960) and significantly lower than Blount County ($1,042), but its median home value of $255,300 is notably higher, suggesting a stronger ownership market. This makes Bedford attractive for buyers seeking moderate rental options with appreciating property values.

Homeownership cheaper than renting here

At $917 monthly, rent consumes 17.7% of income, while mortgage costs average $1,013—counterintuitively higher than rent. This apparent gap suggests many homeowners carry larger loans relative to incomes, possibly reflecting higher home values and longer mortgage terms.

Renters find value; buyers should plan ahead

If you rent, Bedford offers reasonable affordability at $917 per month, with rent-to-income costs near the state average. Prospective homebuyers should note the premium $255,300 median home value and consider their long-term financial readiness before relocating here.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Bedford County

via IncomeByCounty

Bedford trails national income slightly

Bedford County's median household income of $62,197 falls about 17% below the national median of $74,755. The gap of $12,558 reflects economic patterns more typical of rural and small-town Tennessee than national averages.

A step above the state average

Bedford County earns 5% more than Tennessee's state median of $58,994, placing it in the upper-middle tier statewide. Per capita income of $29,468 is slightly below the state average of $31,458, suggesting more income concentration in fewer households.

Competitive with surrounding counties

Bedford's $62,197 sits between Anderson County ($63,171) and Cannon County ($58,092), making it a middle performer in the region. The county's higher median home value of $255,300 suggests pockets of affluence alongside rural areas.

Affordable housing despite higher home values

Bedford's rent-to-income ratio of 17.7% ranks among the healthiest in the state, well below the 30% affordability ceiling. Even with a median home price of $255,300, the county's income levels keep housing costs manageable for median earners.

Maximize local opportunities

Bedford households earning $62,197 should leverage the county's stable agricultural and light manufacturing sectors while building emergency savings. With favorable rent-to-income ratios, diverting even $200–300 monthly into investment accounts can grow meaningful wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Bedford County

via CrimeByCounty

Bedford County Maintains Strong Safety Score

The county achieves a safety score of 97.1 with a total crime rate of 1,834.5 per 100K. This remains significantly lower than the national total crime rate of 2,385.5.

A Steady Profile in Middle Tennessee

Bedford's crime rate is very close to the Tennessee average of 1,785.6 per 100K. Three local agencies provide the data that shapes this stable public safety landscape.

Bedford vs. Surrounding Counties

The county is notably safer than Bradley County, which sees over 2,500 crimes per 100K. It serves as a more secure alternative compared to some of the state's busier hubs.

Understanding the Violent Crime Gap

Violent crime in Bedford sits at 423.5 per 100K, which is higher than the national average of 369.8. However, property crime is much lower than the national benchmark, recorded at 1,411.0 incidents.

Hardening Your Home Against Crime

With violent crime rates slightly elevated, reinforced entry points and home alarm systems provide essential protection. Staying alert to neighborhood activity further enhances local security.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Bedford County

via HealthByCounty

Bedford slightly outpaces national health

Bedford County's 72.8-year life expectancy edges past the U.S. average of 71.4 years, though its 22.2% poor/fair health rate exceeds the national average of 21%. This suggests residents live a bit longer than average Americans but report more daily health struggles.

Bedford ranks middle-of-pack statewide

At 72.8 years, Bedford's life expectancy ranks slightly above Tennessee's 72.4-year state average, placing it in the healthier portion of Tennessee's 95 counties. However, its 12.9% uninsured rate exceeds the state average of 11.9%, meaning more residents here lack health coverage than typical Tennesseans.

Bedford faces provider challenges

With 29 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Bedford lags behind neighbor Anderson County (50) but outpaces Cannon County (21) in physician access. The county's 22.2% poor/fair health rate matches Cannon's exactly, suggesting both face similar underlying health challenges.

Fewer doctors, fewer insured residents

Bedford has just 29 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—well below the county's 22.2% poor/fair health rate, indicating limited preventive care availability. With 12.9% of residents uninsured, many lack even basic access to the healthcare system.

Explore coverage in Bedford County

One in every 8 Bedford County residents currently lacks health insurance, affecting their ability to see a doctor when needed. Visit TNCover.org or call 1-800-318-2596 to learn about Medicaid expansion, Marketplace plans, and local health resources.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Bedford County

via SchoolsByCounty

One Unified District for Bedford County

Bedford County operates as a single unified school district with 15 public schools serving 9,047 students. The infrastructure includes eight elementary schools and three middle and high schools each, providing a consistent educational path for local families.

Graduation Rates Exceed National Benchmarks

Students here achieve a 92.0% graduation rate, which is well above the national average of 87%. However, the county's per-pupil expenditure of $5,484 falls below the state average of $6,215 and is significantly lower than the national median of $13,000.

The Bedford County District at a Glance

The Bedford County district manages 100% of the public enrollment, with zero charter schools in operation. This centralized management oversees 9,047 students across the county's varied geographic landscapes.

A Blend of Rural and Town Campus Life

The county features a split between eight rural and seven town schools, with an average school size of 603 students. Shelbyville Central High School is the largest institution in the county, currently enrolling ,1553 students.

Family Living in a Growing School Community

With graduation rates outperforming national numbers, Bedford County offers a solid foundation for young learners. Consider local real estate options near Shelbyville or Cascade to benefit from the area's unified school system.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Bedford County

via RiskByCounty

Bedford County's Risk in National Context

Bedford County scores 69.24 on composite natural disaster risk, earning a Relatively Low rating that mirrors the national average. This moderate positioning suggests Bedford residents face manageable but real hazards requiring thoughtful preparation.

How Bedford Ranks Among Tennessee Counties

Bedford County's 69.24 score exceeds Tennessee's state average of 52.45, placing it in the state's upper-risk tier. The county's tornado exposure (83.14) ranks among the highest in Tennessee, a critical vulnerability for central Tennessee communities.

Comparing Risk to Neighbors

Bedford County faces substantially higher risk than low-risk neighbors Cannon County (22.90) and Benton County (39.06), but matches Blount County (74.17) and Bradley County (73.41) across its eastern boundaries. The tornado risk differentiates Bedford from its western neighbors most significantly.

Your Biggest Natural Disaster Risks

Tornadoes (83.14) pose Bedford County's most acute threat, followed closely by earthquake risk (83.02) and moderate flood exposure (70.23). Spring severe weather and seismic activity represent the year-round hazard profile residents must acknowledge.

Protect Your Home in Bedford County

Bedford County homeowners should prioritize tornado-resistant construction, safe room installation, and comprehensive earthquake insurance given dual high-hazard exposure. Flood insurance is also recommended, particularly for properties in or near known flood zones or within 100-year floodplains.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Bedford County

via WeatherByCounty

High Heat and Heavy Rainfall

Bedford County is significantly warmer than the national median, averaging 59.6°F annually. Its 61.6 inches of annual precipitation makes it one of the wetter regions in the United States.

One of Tennessee's Warmest and Wettest

Bedford is 1.5 degrees warmer than the Tennessee state average of 58.1°F. It also receives nearly 6 inches more rainfall than the state average, marking it as a humid outlier.

Leading the Region in Precipitation

While it shares a 59.6°F average with Benton and Bradley counties, Bedford is notably wetter than both. It experiences more extreme heat than Cannon County, which sits just to its northeast.

Lengthy Summers with Minimal Snow

The county faces 49 days of extreme heat each year, with July temperatures averaging 78.8°F. Snow is a rarity here, with only 1.1 inches falling on average during the 41.3°F winters.

Prepare for a Long Cooling Season

With seven weeks of 90-degree weather, high-efficiency cooling is a must for local homeowners. The extreme 61-inch rainfall requires careful attention to foundation waterproofing and site drainage.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Bedford County

via SoilByCounty

Bedford’s High-pH Tennessee Soil

Bedford County records an average soil pH of 5.64, making it less acidic than the Tennessee average of 5.35. While still below the national 6.5 median, this profile offers a friendlier environment for a wide range of crops.

Silt-Heavy Foundation Supports Moisture

With 57.8% silt and 23.1% clay, this soil is exceptionally fine-textured and smooth. The low sand content of 17.0% means the ground holds onto water and nutrients tightly, though it may become compacted if worked while wet.

Consistent Water Storage for Agriculture

The organic matter content stands at 2.07%, trailing the state average of 2.44% but meeting national averages. A high available water capacity of 0.177 in/in ensures that crops have a steady reservoir of moisture during dry spells.

Awaiting Localized Drainage Data

Standardized drainage and hydrologic classifications are currently not recorded for this county's dominant soil types. Local farmers generally rely on traditional knowledge of the area's rolling limestone topography to manage runoff.

Gardening in the 7b Hardiness Zone

The 7b climate and silt-heavy soil favor hardy perennials and leafy greens. With a soil score of 45.9, Bedford outperforms the state average of 38.5, making it a prime spot for home cultivation.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Bedford County

via LawnByCounty

Bedford's Demanding Lawn Care Environment

With a difficulty score of 42.7, Bedford County is tougher for lawn care than both the state and national medians. Homeowners in this Zone 7b area must navigate specific climate stressors to maintain healthy turf year-round.

Tackling Humidity and High Rainfall

The county receives a heavy 61.6 inches of rain annually, which is significantly more than the ideal 30-50 inch range. Coupled with 49 extreme heat days, this moisture often leads to humidity-driven fungal issues if lawns are not properly aerated.

Preparing Bedford's Clay-Rich Soil

Soil here is somewhat acidic at 5.64, sitting below the 6.0-7.0 ideal threshold for nutrient uptake. Because the soil contains 23.1% clay, core aeration is highly recommended to prevent compaction and ensure water reaches the roots.

Conserving Water During Dry Windows

Bedford faced 10 weeks of drought in the last year and remains 100% abnormally dry today. Mulching grass clippings back into your lawn helps retain moisture and provides a natural barrier against the high evaporation rates seen on hot days.

Best Timing for Heat-Tolerant Turf

Heat-tolerant varieties like Zoysia are ideal for handling the 49 days of temperatures over 90 degrees. Plan your establishment between the final frost on April 7th and the first fall frost on October 29th.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bedford County's county score?
Bedford County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 40.8 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Bedford County rank among counties in Tennessee?
Bedford County ranks #87 among all counties in Tennessee on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Bedford County, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in Bedford County is $1,274, with an effective tax rate of 0.50%. This earns Bedford County a tax score of 85.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Bedford County?
The median household income in Bedford County, Tennessee is $62,197 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Bedford County earns an income score of 45.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Bedford County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Bedford County scores 40.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #87 in Tennessee. The best way to evaluate Bedford County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Bedford County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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