Big Island City Housing

Big Island, near Bedford, VA, features predominantly single-family homes, with median home values around $215,000 as of 2024. Homeownership rates exceed 70%, while median rents are about $850 per month. The property market remains stable, with a 3% annual appreciation. Popular neighborhoods include Big Island and surrounding rural areas, offering both historic and newer homes. Property taxes are moderate, averaging 0.69% of assessed value. The area provides a mix of affordable housing options in a quiet, small-town setting, appealing to families and retirees alike.

Education in Big Island City

Big Island, located near Bedford, VA, is served by the Bedford County Public Schools district, with area students typically attending Liberty High School (approx. enrollment: 900; graduation rate: 88%). There are no colleges directly in Big Island, but residents access bachelor’s programs at nearby colleges in Lynchburg. Bedford County has 21 public schools, average test scores around the national mean, and offers adult education through the Bedford Science and Technology Center. School safety ratings are above state averages, and programs include Advanced Placement and career/technical courses.

Transportation in Big Island City

Big Island, an unincorporated community near Bedford, VA, features predominantly car-based commuting, with over 90% of residents driving alone per U.S. Census data. Average commute times for Bedford County are approximately 27 minutes. Public transit options are limited; the county lacks fixed-route buses, with only regional paratransit services available. Most households (95%) own at least one vehicle, reflecting limited alternatives. Major employment hubs include the city of Bedford, Lynchburg, and Roanoke, with US Route 501 and US Route 460 as key transportation corridors. Walking and cycling infrastructure is minimal in Big Island itself.

Big Island City Demographics

As of 2020, Big Island, an unincorporated community in Bedford County, VA, had a population of approximately 306. The median age was about 44.5 years. The gender split was close, with 163 males and 143 females. Racially, Big Island was predominantly White (over 92%), with African Americans accounting for roughly 4.5%, and the remaining population identifying as other races or multiracial. Hispanic or Latino residents made up about 1.6% of the community.

Big Island City Healthcare

Big Island, part of Bedford County, VA, relies on access to nearby hospitals such as Centra Bedford Memorial Hospital (104 beds) in Bedford city and Carilion Roanoke Memorial (703 beds) in Roanoke. Local healthcare access includes community clinics and primary care providers in Bedford and Lynchburg. The area’s 2020 population is about 3,100, predominantly White (over 90%) and aging (median age 43). Common health issues include hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease. Approximately 89% of Bedford County residents are insured, with Medicare and private insurance prevalent. Provider shortages exist, reflecting broader rural healthcare challenges.

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