Bedford
Virginia

What stands out

Three things set Bedford County apart from the other 3,142 counties: homeownership is in the top 4% of American counties (84%) and the property tax rate is in the bottom 9% of American counties (0.47%). Within Virginia it ranks 14th of 133 counties for homeownership.

Where you are

You live in Bedford County, Virginia. 79,761 people live here with you. The population grew 1.0% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +1,085).

Virginia has a graduated income tax with a 5.75% top rate that begins at just $17,000 of income, so most residents pay near the top rate. It does not tax Social Security and allows an age deduction of up to $12,000 for residents 65 and over. Northern Virginia's federal and defense economy produces incomes closer to the Washington suburbs of Maryland than to the rest of the state. Localities levy annual property tax on vehicles.

Money

The typical household here brings in $74,773 a year, higher than 82% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $48,340. Unemployment runs 2.9%, lower than 70% of American counties. 9% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 24 minutes each way.

Virginia takes 5.4% of that median income in state income tax, about $4,042 a year.

Home

The median home costs $355K, pricier than 80% of American counties, about 3.0 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $850 a month. Property tax is 0.47% of home value, roughly $1,227 a year on that median home, lower than 91% of American counties. 84% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.6 per 1,000 residents, lower than 68% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 16 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 77.8 years, longer than 74% of American counties. There are 127 active physicians in the county, about 15.9 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 5.0 of 5 stars. 7.7% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.11 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 66% of American counties. 92% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 48 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 78% of eligible voters turned out. Under Virginia law you can get a concealed-carry permit on request, abortion is legal with limits, and marijuana is legal for adults.

Weather and risk

The year averages 57°F, highs near 68 and lows near 46, warmer than 56% of American counties. About 40 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 27 out of 100, safer than 73% of American counties; the county has had 28 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 244 Mbps down, faster than 71% of American counties. There are 7 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.6 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 3 breweries, 4 museums.