Established in 1754, Bedford County is the currently the fifth largest county by land area in the Commonwealth of Virginia, with a population of more than 80,000. The county has seen a 25 percent increase in population since 2000, according to census data. Bedford County is located centrally to the cities of Lynchburg (to the east) and Roanoke (to the west). While agriculture continues to be a powerhouse in the county's economy, the tourism and retail industries are flourishing as well, anchored by residential growth and scenic destinations such as the Peaks of Otter and Smith Mountain Lake. ----- Bedford County provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions (including lactation), or any other basis prohibited by Federal or State law.” This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, discipline, termination, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.