Bedford
Tennessee

What stands out

Three things set Bedford County apart from the other 3,142 counties: home internet speed is in the top 5% of American counties (297 Mbps), rainfall is in the top 6% of American counties (56 inches a year), and population growth is in the top 7% of American counties (+2.1% a year). Within Tennessee it ranks 14th of 95 counties for home internet speed.

Where you are

You live in Bedford County, Tennessee. 50,533 people live here with you. The population grew 2.1% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +863).

Tennessee has no income tax on wages, and its tax on interest and dividends was fully repealed in 2021. It has one of the highest combined sales-tax rates in the country and taxes groceries at a reduced rate. Nashville and the surrounding counties have had a decade of rapid growth and price increases; the rest of the state remains inexpensive. There is no estate or inheritance tax.

Money

The typical household here brings in $59,955 a year, lower than 51% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $53,753. Unemployment runs 3.4%, lower than 51% of American counties. 6% of workers work from home.

Tennessee has no state income tax, so none of that goes to the state.

Home

The median home costs $335K, pricier than 76% of American counties, about 3.1 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $805 a month. Property tax is 0.54% of home value, roughly $1,202 a year on that median home, lower than 83% of American counties. 70% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.4 per 1,000 residents, higher than 79% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 25 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 73.1 years, shorter than 80% of American counties. There are 24 active physicians in the county, about 4.7 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 4.0 of 5 stars. 15.1% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.68 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 89% of American counties. 85% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 56 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 55% of eligible voters turned out. Under Tennessee law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is banned with narrow exceptions, and marijuana is illegal.

Weather and risk

The year averages 61°F, highs near 72 and lows near 49, warmer than 69% of American counties. About 56 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 63 out of 100, riskier than 63% of American counties; the county has had 18 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 297 Mbps down, faster than 95% of American counties. There are 6 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.5 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.