Updated · Property tax data: Census ACS 2024 5-year estimates · Transfer tax verified April 2026 · Methodology · Editorial policy
Bedford County's 0.81% effective property tax rate falls in the middle 50% of US counties, close to the national median of 0.81%. Within Pennsylvania's 67 counties, it's the 1st lowest. On the county's median home value of $179,000, the typical homeowner pays $1,444 annually in property tax, close to the national median of $1,629. At closing, Pennsylvania's 2.00% combined real estate transfer tax adds roughly $3,580 on a median-priced home, split between buyer and seller.
Enter any purchase price to see the full cost breakdown for Bedford County.
Low flood risk. Flood insurance not typically required. Verify at msc.fema.gov for your specific property.
All figures are estimates for planning purposes only. Mortgage payment assumes a 30-year fixed rate of 7.28%, the Freddie Mac PMMS average for the week ending October 1, 2026. Your lender will confirm the actual rate. Closing costs vary by lender and transaction. Consult a licensed real estate attorney and lender before making any financial decisions.
Ways buyers in Bedford County may reduce their annual property tax. These programs apply statewide; verify county specifics with your local assessor.
Reduces taxable assessed value of an owner-occupied primary residence (and farmstead buildings on 10+ acres) for school tax purposes. Exclusion amount varies by school district, funded largely by gaming revenue. Application due March 1.
View official source →Rebate up to $1,000 for Pennsylvanians 65+, widow(er)s 50+, or disabled adults 18+ with household income ≤$48,110. 2025-claim deadline June 30, 2026.
View official source →Full real estate tax exemption on the primary residence for wartime-service veterans with 100% service-connected disability (or blind/paraplegic) demonstrating financial need.
View official source →Last verified April 2026. Exemption amounts and eligibility change frequently. Always confirm with your county assessor before claiming.
Answers to common questions about buying a home in Bedford County.
The effective property tax rate in Bedford County is 0.81%, calculated as the median annual property tax paid ($1,444) divided by the median home value ($179,000), using 2024 US Census ACS 5-year estimates. Your actual bill depends on your purchase price, homestead or senior exemptions, and any special assessments applied in your taxing district.
Pennsylvania's combined real estate transfer tax is approximately 2.00% of the purchase price. On the median Bedford County home value of $179,000, this adds roughly $3,580 at closing. State Realty Transfer Tax 1% + local (municipality + school district) 1% = 2% total most localities, split 50/50 by custom. Philadelphia local rate is 3.278%, total ~4.278% (also customarily split). Allentown increased to total 2.5% effective January 1, 2026.
Flood risk is relatively low. Only 4.6% of Bedford County's land falls within a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area. Flood insurance is not typically required, though individual properties near waterways may still be in a zone. Verify at msc.fema.gov.
Closing costs for a buyer in Bedford County typically run $3,580–$8,950 (2–5% of purchase price) on a median-priced home, including title insurance ($800–$2,000), appraisal ($400–$700), home inspection ($350–$600), recording fees ($100–$300), and loan origination (0.5–1.0% of the loan amount). Use the calculator above for a specific estimate at your purchase price.
Every county-specific figure on this page links to the exact public dataset it comes from. Verify the numbers yourself against the original source.
Source for the $1,444/yr median taxes paid (ACS 2024 5-year estimates, variable B25103_001E).
Source for the $179,000 median home value (variable B25077_001E). The 0.81% effective rate is median taxes paid divided by median home value.
Source for the transfer tax used in the calculator (buyer 1.00%, seller 1.00%). Verified April 2026.
Source for the county's flood hazard exposure (coastal and inland flood exposure area as a share of county area).
The national dataset behind the county report, including its technical documentation and release notes.
Look up a specific property's flood zone and insurance rate map before making an offer on a home in Bedford County.
Closing cost line items are national ranges, not county data. The methodology lists each range's source and the calculator's assumptions (mortgage rate, insurance, PMI).
Pennsylvania property tax exemptions: official sources
Verified April 2026.
What every buyer should read before making an offer.
An HOA capped rentals at 10 of 50 homes and grandfathered the existing landlords. How to find rental restrictions before closing, and what they cost you.
Read the guide →A buyer closed on a house and only then found out about ongoing HOA lawsuits. Six checks you can run yourself before your contingencies expire.
Read the guide →HOA special assessment not on the disclosure? One buyer got a $15,000 bill the day after closing. How to catch it before, and what to do after.
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