countyscore
59.1
County Score
Property Tax 90.9Water Quality 86Income & Jobs 80.1

County Report Card

About Bedford County, Virginia

Bedford County Leads the National Median

With a composite score of 58.7, Bedford County sits well ahead of the national median of 50.0. This performance suggests a robust local economy and efficient public administration compared to the average U.S. county.

Exceeding the Virginia State Average

Bedford's score of 58.7 outpaces the state average of 50.9 by nearly eight points. It stands as a competitive option for Virginia residents looking for high income potential and low tax rates.

Fiscal Health and Income Stability

The county delivers a standout Tax Score of 90.0 and an Income Score of 81.1, reflecting its $77,644 median household income. It also maintains a strong Water Score of 86.0 and a solid Health Score of 71.8.

Addressing Schooling and Living Costs

Education is a notable area for growth, as the School Score currently sits at 39.3. Housing affordability is also a pressure point, evidenced by a Cost Score of 35.5 and a median home value of $276,600.

A Magnet for Career-Minded Homeowners

Bedford County is an excellent fit for established workers seeking to maximize their take-home pay through low taxes and high wages. It suits those who are focused on financial growth and are less reliant on the local school system scores.

2040608010090.937.65371.839.380.148.88672.9Tax90.9Cost37.6Safety53Health71.8Schools39.3Income80.1Risk48.8Water86Weather72.959.1/100
This county
National avg
5 above average2 below average

Bedford County DNA

Foverall

How Bedford County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Bedford County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (90.9/100) but notably weak in Schools (39.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
90.9+38.900000000000006
Cost
37.6-10.399999999999999
Safety
53
Health
71.8+21.799999999999997
Schools
39.3-14.700000000000003
Income
80.1+29.099999999999994
Risk
48.8
Water
86+28
Weather
72.9+16.900000000000006
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Compare mortgage rates in Bedford County

Whether buying or refinancing in Bedford County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$297,400

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$952/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$297,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$38,080/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $78,937/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

15.0

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Deep Dives

Bedford County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

Safety in Bedford County

via CrimeByCounty

Bedford County maintains a secure national standing

Bedford County's total crime rate of 1061.9 per 100,000 residents is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This performance earns the county a robust safety score of 98.3.

Outperforming Virginia's average safety metrics

The county's safety score of 98.3 sits comfortably above the Virginia state average of 97.3. Its total crime rate remains 38% lower than the state's average of 1728.8.

Consistent safety across local reporting

Three reporting agencies coordinate to keep Bedford County's crime rate at 1061.9, which is competitive with the safest counties in the region. Violent crime is particularly low here compared to state benchmarks.

Violent crime remains exceptionally rare

Bedford County reports only 121.6 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, nearly three times lower than the national average of 369.8. Property crime is the main contributor to local stats at 940.3.

Prioritizing property security at home

With property crime making up the bulk of local incidents, residents should focus on securing outbuildings and vehicles. Visible security systems and adequate lighting serve as effective deterrents.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Bedford County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer than the National Median

Bedford County maintains an annual average temperature of 57.0°F, placing it above the national median. The climate is characterized by generous precipitation, totaling 47.3 inches annually.

Topping the Virginia Average

The county’s 57.0°F average exceeds the state-wide average of 55.9°F. It represents the warmer profile typical of the Virginia Piedmont region.

Moderate Snowfall Compared to Highlands

Bedford receives 10.7 inches of snow per year, which is less than its mountainous neighbors to the west. However, its 47.3 inches of rain makes it wetter than the state average of 45.7 inches.

Defined Summer Heat Peaks

The county sees 19 days per year where temperatures reach or exceed 90°F. Summer averages hover around 74.5°F, while January stays above freezing at 37.3°F.

Plan for Humidity and Heat

With 19 extreme heat days, a reliable HVAC system is necessary for summer comfort. Residents should also prepare for frequent rain, as the county exceeds state precipitation norms.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Bedford County

via SoilByCounty

Bedford matches the state average

Bedford County's soil pH sits exactly at the Virginia average of 5.23, though it remains more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This typical Piedmont profile reflects a long history of weathering. While taxonomic data is limited, the chemical signature indicates a classic regional soil identity.

A sand-dominant soil structure

The county's soil is primarily composed of sand at 56.0%, much higher than its neighbors. With silt at 28.5% and clay at 15.5%, the ground is light and easily workable. This high sand content ensures that the soil warms up quickly in the spring, allowing for an early start to the growing season.

Low organic matter challenges growers

Bedford's organic matter stands at 1.74%, which is significantly lower than the state average of 2.90% and the national 2.0%. Despite this, the available water capacity of 0.140 in/in remains close to the state benchmark of 0.143. Gardeners will likely need to supplement the soil with compost to boost productivity.

Fast drainage across the county

With a soil score of 23.7, Bedford falls below the state average of 30.6, largely due to its low organic levels. The 56% sand content suggests rapid drainage, which is excellent for preventing root rot but can lead to nutrient leaching. Local management should focus on building soil structure to improve its overall rating.

Extended seasons in Zone 7b

In hardiness zone 7b, Bedford offers a long growing season for tomatoes, peppers, and melons. The sandy texture is ideal for root vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes. Adding organic amendments will help these heat-loving crops thrive in the local soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Bedford County

via LawnByCounty

Bedford County's Typical Virginia Lawn Profile

Bedford County earns a 52.8 difficulty score, which is nearly on par with the state average of 55.4. This Zone 7b county offers a slightly easier environment for homeowners than the national median of 50.0.

Moderate Heat and Generous Rain

The county receives 47.3 inches of rain annually, helping to manage 19 extreme heat days. This is cooler than the state average of 28 heat days, resulting in 3,955 growing degree days for your lawn.

Managing Sandy Soil for Growth

Bedford's soil is 56.0% sand, which provides excellent drainage but may lead to faster nutrient loss. The pH of 5.23 is acidic, meaning you will need regular lime to reach the ideal 6.0-7.0 range.

Navigating Severe Localized Drought

While 100% of the county is abnormally dry, 14.5% is currently facing severe drought. After 28 weeks of drought over the past year, using smart irrigation or rain barrels is essential for consistent green turf.

Planting Success in Zone 7b

Tall fescue is highly recommended for Zone 7b because its deep roots handle the sandy soil well. Aim to start seeding after the last frost on April 7 to maximize the long growing season.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bedford County's county score?
Bedford County, Virginia has a composite county score of 59.1 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 Virginia?
Bedford County ranks #26 among all counties in Virginia 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, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Bedford County is $1,285, with an effective tax rate of 0.43%. This earns Bedford County a tax score of 90.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Bedford County?
The median household income in Bedford County, Virginia is $78,937 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Bedford County earns an income score of 80.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Bedford County, Virginia a good place to live?
Bedford County scores 59.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #26 in Virginia. 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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