CountyScore

Bedford County

Virginia · VA

#28 in Virginia
73.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Bedford County, Virginia

Bedford scores 52% above national median

Bedford County's composite score of 76.2 significantly outpaces the national median of 50.0, placing it among America's more livable mid-sized counties. This strong showing reflects a balanced profile of tax benefits and moderate housing costs.

Virginia's steady-performing neighbor

Bedford's score of 76.2 exceeds Virginia's state average of 70.3, making it a reliable choice for those seeking above-average livability within the Commonwealth. The county ranks solidly in the upper half of Virginia's livability spectrum.

Tax efficiency meets middle-class stability

Bedford earns a tax score of 89.4 with an effective rate of 0.457%, pairing low tax burden with a cost score of 76.9 for affordable homes averaging $276,600. Median household income of $77,644 provides solid middle-class purchasing power.

Income potential below county's peers

An income score of 34.1 trails some neighboring Virginia counties, with median household income lagging slightly behind counties with similar tax benefits. Data gaps remain on schools, health, safety, and environmental quality, limiting comprehensive livability assessment.

Solid fit for middle-class stability seekers

Bedford County works well for middle-income families prioritizing tax efficiency, affordable homeownership, and established communities. It's a steady, unflashy choice for those seeking balance between cost and opportunity.

Score breakdown

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

Tax89.4Cost76.9SafetyComing SoonHealth74.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome34.1Risk48.8WaterComing Soon
🏛89.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠76.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼34.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤74.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡48.8
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

Scott County
Arkansas
73.6
Median income: $45,955
Ontonagon County
Michigan
73.6
Median income: $51,844
Lake County
Minnesota
73.6
Median income: $75,621
Redwood County
Minnesota
73.6
Median income: $67,024
Putnam County
Missouri
73.6
Median income: $56,875

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 taxes significantly below national norm

At 0.457%, Bedford's effective tax rate is less than half the national median of 0.96%, placing it in the bottom 20% nationally. The median property tax of $1,265 is nearly 53% lower than the national median of $2,690.

Bedford ranks among Virginia's lowest

Bedford's 0.457% rate is notably lower than Virginia's state average of 0.671%, putting the county in the bottom third statewide. The median tax of $1,265 is also well below the state median of $1,960.

Competitive taxes in a moderate range

Bedford's 0.457% rate is lower than Bland (0.552%) and Botetourt (0.655%), but higher than Bath (0.405%) and Buchanan (0.442%). On a median home value of $276,600, Bedford offers reasonable tax burden for the region.

What homeowners pay annually

On Bedford's median home value of $276,600, the typical annual property tax bill is $1,265. Homeowners with mortgages pay $1,292, while those owning outright pay $1,227.

Review your assessment today

Bedford homeowners should verify that their property assessments reflect current market values, as many counties see significant assessment drift. Requesting a formal reassessment could result in substantial tax savings if your home is overvalued.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Bedford County

via CostByCounty

Bedford balances income and affordability well

Bedford County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.8% ranks among Virginia's best, and residents spend well under the 30% affordability threshold. At $77,644, the median household income exceeds the national average of $74,755, giving Bedford residents comfortable cushion against housing costs.

One of Virginia's best housing values

Bedford's 14.8% rent-to-income ratio beats the state average of 18.6% by nearly four percentage points, and its $955 median rent runs $185 below Virginia's state average. The county consistently ranks among the state's most affordable housing markets for renters and buyers alike.

Competitive rents with stronger income

Bedford's $955 rent matches nearby Botetourt County ($951) and beats Augusta County ($1,057), while offering a median income of $77,644. This combination—affordable rent plus above-average income—makes Bedford particularly attractive compared to rural neighbors like Bath County.

Nearly identical rent and mortgage costs

Renters pay $955 monthly while homeowners spend $935—essentially the same burden—on a median household income of $77,644. Both groups allocate roughly 14.8% to housing, making Bedford accessible for renters and achievable for first-time homebuyers eyeing the $276,600 median home value.

Bedford: the sweet spot in central Virginia

Relocating to Virginia's Piedmont region? Bedford County offers competitive rents ($955), solid local income ($77,644), and moderate home prices ($276,600) in a single package. Compare it against pricier northern counties or lower-wage southwestern areas to appreciate its balanced value proposition.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Bedford County

via IncomeByCounty

Bedford's income edges above the nation

Bedford County's median household income of $77,644 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by nearly $3,000 per year. This above-average standing reflects a stable, productive local economy that supports household financial growth.

Solid earner among Virginia counties

At $77,644, Bedford exceeds Virginia's state median of $74,957 by about 3.6%. Bedford ranks as a strong-performing Virginia county, benefiting from diverse employment and a balanced cost of living.

Part of a prosperous central Virginia cluster

Bedford ($77,644) ranks just below Augusta ($79,972) and Botetourt ($80,467), three neighboring counties with remarkably similar incomes. This consistency across the region suggests shared economic strengths—including manufacturing, services, and rural stability.

Excellent housing affordability for the area

Bedford's rent-to-income ratio of 14.8% is among Virginia's best, leaving households substantial discretionary income after housing costs. A median home value of $276,600 is well within reach for median earners, supporting both ownership and long-term equity building.

Capitalize on Bedford's strong fundamentals

Solid income, low housing burden, and high per-capita income of $42,095 position Bedford residents to invest aggressively in long-term wealth. Focus on diversified investment portfolios, college savings plans, and business ownership opportunities to multiply financial advantage.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Bedford County

via HealthByCounty

Bedford outperforms national health benchmarks

Bedford County's life expectancy of 77.0 years exceeds the U.S. average of 76.4 years, and just 15.5% of residents report poor or fair health compared to the national rate of 18%. These metrics point to a population with strong underlying health status.

Well above Virginia's health average

At 77.0 years, Bedford County's life expectancy surpasses Virginia's 75.1-year average by 1.9 years. The county ranks among the healthier regions statewide, reflecting consistent access to preventive and primary care.

Regional leader in provider availability

Bedford County boasts the highest concentration of healthcare providers among nearby mountain counties, with 75 primary care and 125 mental health providers per 100,000 residents. This robust network—exceeding most peer counties—ensures residents can access both routine and specialized mental health services.

High coverage, abundant healthcare resources

With a 7.6% uninsured rate slightly above Virginia's average, most Bedford residents carry health insurance and can access care. The county's exceptional provider density—75 primary care and 125 mental health providers per 100,000—makes finding timely appointments highly feasible.

Maximize your coverage in open enrollment

Bedford's strong provider network is an asset—make sure your insurance plan taps into it. Visit healthcare.gov to compare plans and select one that connects you to the primary and mental health providers in your area.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Bedford County

via RiskByCounty

Bedford faces moderate-to-elevated disaster risk

Bedford County's composite risk score of 51.18 places it above the national average, though it earns a 'Relatively Low' overall rating. This moderate-elevation score reflects significant exposure to floods (68.26), hurricanes (73.01), and wildfires (66.63). The county sits in a sweet spot between low-risk mountain regions and high-risk coastal areas, but shouldn't be mistaken for truly safe ground.

Riskier than average Virginia county

Bedford's score of 51.18 substantially exceeds Virginia's state average of 33.27, placing it in the upper tier of state risk rankings. This means Bedford residents face hazard exposure comparable to or higher than most Virginians. The county's central location and varied terrain create a complex disaster risk profile.

Bedford's risks echo nearby Buchanan County

Buchanan County (50.60) shares nearly identical composite risk to Bedford, while Augusta County (68.61) to the north runs substantially higher. Bath County (5.38) and Bland County (13.04) represent a different risk universe entirely. Bedford sits in a moderate-risk corridor with notable flood and wildfire exposure compared to its mountain neighbors.

Flooding and hurricanes are primary concerns

Flood risk at 68.26 and hurricane risk at 73.01 represent Bedford's dominant hazards, with wildfire (66.63) also significant due to the county's mixed terrain. Earthquake risk (60.18) rounds out a respectable threat profile. These aren't rare events: Bedford's history includes notable flood damage during hurricane remnants and spring runoff events.

Comprehensive coverage protects your investment

Flood insurance deserves serious consideration given your 68.26 flood risk score, especially if you're near streams, rivers, or low-lying areas. Homeowners insurance should include adequate coverage limits, and consider umbrella liability protection given wildfire exposure (66.63). Work with a local agent familiar with Bedford's specific hazards and your property's individual risk factors.

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.