Bedford County, Virginia

Bedford County, Virginia
Seal
Location in the state of Virginia
Virginia's location in the U.S.
Founded	1754
Seat	Bedford
Area  - Total  - Land  - Water	769 sq mi (1,992 km²) 754 sq mi (1,953 km²) 15 sq mi (39 km²), 1.92%
Population  -  Density	68,676 80/sq mi (31/km²)
Website	www.co.bedford.va.us

Bedford County is a county located in the U.S. state of the Commonwealth of Virginia. As of 2010, the population was estimated to be 68,676. Its county seat is the city Bedford and is part of the Lynchburg Metropolitan Statistical Area. As an independent city, Bedford is not a part of Bedford County, despite being the county seat. On September 14, 2011, the Bedford City Council voted to transition into a town, ending its independent city status. The supervisors of Bedford County also voted to accept the town of Bedford as part of the county when it loses city status. The transition is expected to begin in July 2013.

History

The Piedmont area had long been inhabited by indigenous peoples. At the time of European encounter, mostly Siouan-speaking tribes lived in this area.

Bedford County was established by European Americans on December 13, 1753 from parts of Lunenburg County. The county is named for John Russell, the fourth Duke of Bedford, who was a Secretary of State of Great Britain. In 1782, Campbell County was formed from parts of Bedford County. Also in 1786, Franklin County was formed from Bedford County.

Attractions

• Smith Mountain Lake
• Peaks of Otter
• National D-Day Memorial
• Poplar Forest
• Beale ciphers The key to a supposed treasure buried somewhere in the county, and which has attracted hunters since the 19th Century.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 769 square miles (1,991.7 km²), of which 754 square miles (1,952.9 km²) is land and 15 square miles (38.8 km²) (1.92%) is water.

Adjacent counties and city

• Rockbridge County - north
• Amherst County - northeast
• Lynchburg, Virginia - east
• Campbell County - southeast
• Pittsylvania County - south
• Franklin County - southwest
• Roanoke County - west
• Botetourt County - northwest

National protected areas

• Blue Ridge Parkway (part)
• Jefferson National Forest (part)

Demographics

Historical populations
Census	Pop.		%±
1790	10,531		—
1800	14,125		34.1%
1810	16,148		14.3%
1820	19,305		19.6%
1830	20,246		4.9%
1840	20,203		−0.2%
1850	24,080		19.2%
1860	25,068		4.1%
1870	25,327		1.0%
1880	31,205		23.2%
1890	31,213		0%
1900	30,356		−2.7%
1910	29,549		−2.7%
1920	30,669		3.8%
1930	29,091		−5.1%
1940	29,687		2.0%
1950	29,627		−0.2%
1960	31,028		4.7%
1970	26,728		−13.9%
1980	34,927		30.7%
1990	45,656		30.7%
2000	60,371		32.2%
2010	68,676		13.8%

As of the census of 2000, there were 60,371 people, 23,838 households, and 18,164 families residing in the county. The population density was 80 people per square mile (31/km²). There were 26,841 housing units at an average density of 36 per square mile (14/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 92.18% White, 6.24% Black or African American, 0.20% Native American, 0.43% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.20% from other races, and 0.74% from two or more races. 0.74% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 28.2% were of American, 15.6% English, 11.0% German and 9.6% Irish ancestry according to Census 2000.

There were 23,838 households out of which 32.50% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.40% were married couples living together, 7.50% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.80% were non-families. 20.20% of all households were made up of individuals and 7.30% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.52 and the average family size was 2.89.

In the county, the population was spread out with 24.00% under the age of 18, 5.80% from 18 to 24, 29.90% from 25 to 44, 27.50% from 45 to 64, and 12.80% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 99.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.50 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $43,136, and the median income for a family was $49,303. Males had a median income of $35,117 versus $23,906 for females. The per capita income for the county was $21,582. About 5.20% of families and 7.10% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.30% of those under age 18 and 10.50% of those age 65 or over.

Economy

Historically, Bedford County was an agricultural economy. While agriculture is still an important factor in the county's economy, Bedford County has significant residential development to serve Lynchburg, Roanoke, and Smith Mountain Lake. Tourism and retail are also becoming more significant.

Politics

Presidential election results

Year	GOP	DEM	Others
2008	68.2% 24,420	30.7% 11,017	1.1% 393
2004	69.8% 21,925	29.0% 9,102	1.2% 377
2000	65.9% 17,224	31.2% 8,160	2.9% 765
1996	54.1% 11,955	35.2% 7,786	10.7% 2,368
1992	50.6% 10,496	32.7% 6,792	16.7% 3,468
1988	65.3% 10,702	33.0% 5,406	1.7% 274
1984	68.2% 10,371	31.2% 4,754	0.6% 92
1980	55.8% 6,608	39.9% 4,721	4.3% 511
1976	45.3% 4,189	51.5% 4,766	3.1% 291
1972	73.4% 5,286	20.9% 1,501	5.7% 412
1968*	35.8% 2,807	20.1% 1,574	45.1% 3,459
1964	48.1% 3,806	51.5% 4,076	0.4% 32
1960	47.9% 2,911	51.8% 3,150	0.2% 20

*Bedford voted for George Wallace, an Independent for President in 1968.

Communities

• Big Island
• Chamblissburg
• Forest
• Goode
• Hardy
• Huddleston
• Moneta
• Montvale
• New London
• Stewartsville
• Thaxton

See also

• National Register of Historic Places listings in Bedford County, Virginia

External links

• Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce's website
• Bedford County government's website
• Bedford Genealogical Society's website