Bedford County
PA · Pop. 47,503 · Suburban County
Bedford County, Pennsylvania covers 1,012 square miles with a population of 47,503 and a density of 46.9 people per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on hay, corn, haylage. A median home price of $173,000 and an effective property tax rate of 0.81% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 6b with a 152-day growing season, average summer highs of 81.6°F and average winter lows of 19.6°F. Annual rainfall averages 39.2 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. UPMC Bedford is 3.8 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 82.8% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.81% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $173,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- UPMC Bedford, with an emergency room, is just 3.8 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A low poverty rate of 11% signals a relatively stable local economy.
Cons
- Flood risk is very high, so careful parcel siting and flood insurance are essential.
- A 152-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
At a glance
Bedford County, PA is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 75/100
- Median home price
- $173k
- Property tax
- 0.81%
- Growing season
- 152 days (zone 6b)
- Annual rainfall
- 39.2"
- Broadband
- 82.8%
- Nearest hospital
- UPMC Bedford, 3.8 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Bedford County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Bedford County?
- Bedford County is in USDA hardiness zone 6b with a 152-day growing season, average summer highs of 81.6°F, and average winter lows of 19.6°F. The established crops are hay, corn, haylage.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $173,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.81%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 82.8% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- UPMC Bedford is 3.8 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore Pennsylvania Resources
Partner links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
LandWatch
Browse rural land, farms, and ranches for sale across every state.
Lands of America
The largest listing site for rural property — farms, ranches, hunting land, and timberland.
AcreTrader
Invest in farmland online — vetted properties with passive income potential.
More counties in Pennsylvania
All Pennsylvania countiesNearby counties
The closest counties to Bedford County by distance, including across state lines.
Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
Your brand here — Reach our audience of professional directory owners and boost your sales.