Herndon, VA Utility & Living Guide

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Herndon, VA Utility & Living Guide

Utilities, housing, taxes, cost of living, and local insights — everything residents and families need.

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$350/mo
1BR Rent$1800/mo
Sales Tax6%
COL Index146 (+20% above national average)
Family Score8/10
Median Home$540,000
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Herndon
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$140/mo

Dominion Energy
🔥 Gas

$60/mo

Washington Gas
💧 Water

$50/mo

Town of Herndon Water Department
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

American Disposal Services
📶 Internet

$70/mo

Combined Average Overhead$350/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1800/mo
2 Bedrooms$2200/mo
3 Bedrooms$2800/mo
Median Home Price$540,000
Property Tax Rate1.23%
Avg Childcare/mo$1200

The housing market in Herndon is highly competitive, with a mix of older and newer homes, and a strong demand for rentals. The town has implemented initiatives to increase affordable housing options, but prices remain relatively high. New developments and renovations are ongoing, offering a range of choices for buyers and renters.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

146

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+20% above national average

Groceries

105

Transportation

102

Healthcare

98

Childcare/mo

$1200

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax6%
Property Tax Rate1.23%
<p>State 4.3% + County 1% + No City tax</p>

Virginia has a progressive income tax system, with rates ranging from 2% to 5.75%, and Herndon residents are subject to these state taxes.

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
8/10
Safety Index

60

Higher = safer
School Rating

8/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1200/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+10% (growing)
Political Climate
Purple, with a mix of Democratic and Republican voters
Business Momentum
High, with key industries in tech, healthcare, and aerospace
Top Local Concerns
Traffic, affordable housing, public transportation
🚌 Transit for Families

Herndon has a relatively stroller-friendly public transit system, with accessible buses and a commuter rail station, but sidewalks and pedestrian infrastructure can be limited in some areas.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Reston Zoo
  • 🎯
    Clemyjontri Park
  • 🎯
    Herndon Community Center

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The downtown area, with its shops and restaurants, is a popular choice for families, while the surrounding neighborhoods offer a range of housing options and community amenities. The town's parks and trails are also a major draw for outdoor enthusiasts.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Herndon based on your household profile.

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📊 Herndon — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Summer months bring higher electricity bills due to air conditioning usage, while winter months see increased gas bills for heating. Residents can expect to pay around 10-20% more for utilities during these peak seasons.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The 20170 ZIP code has a property tax millage rate of 1.23, with no local surtaxes, while the surrounding Fairfax County has a tax rate of 1.15.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

7, with wide sidewalks and accessible parks, but some areas lack elevators in transit stations and have limited family infrastructure, such as changing tables and nursing rooms.

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