Marion, VA Utility & Living Guide

⚡ Featured Deal

Essentials for Your New Home

🛒 Shop This Deal Now

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Tier 3 Location

Marion, VA Utility & Living Guide

Marion is a town in and the county seat of Smyth County, Virginia, United States. It is positioned upon Interstate 81, in the Blue Ridge portion of the southern Appalachian Mountains in Southwest Virginia. The town is named for American Revolutionary War officer Francis Marion. Within the town limit

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$250/mo
1BR Rent$900/mo
Sales Tax5.3%
COL Index94 (-6% below national average)
Family Score7/10
Median Home$240,000
📷 Live Cameras — Marion
Live camera
Live · refreshing...
🌤️ Live Weather — Marion
Loading weather...
⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Marion
Loading hazard data...
💼 Calculate Your Future Retirement Income

Moving Your Assets to Marion?

Moving to Marion? Find out how much retirement income you could generate based on your current savings, age, and goals. Calculate Your Retirement Income → Free · Takes 2 minutes · No personal data required
💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$140/mo

American Electric Power (AEP)
🔥 Gas

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$30/mo

Town of Marion Public Works
🗑️ Garbage

$20/mo

Town of Marion Sanitation Department
📶 Internet

$60/mo

Combined Average Overhead$250/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$900/mo
2 Bedrooms$1100/mo
3 Bedrooms$1400/mo
Median Home Price$240,000
Property Tax Rate0.85%
Avg Childcare/mo$800

The housing market in Marion is relatively affordable, with a range of options from historic homes to new constructions. Rentals are also available, including apartments and single-family homes. However, the market can be competitive, especially for homes in the downtown area.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

94

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

-6% below national average

Groceries

95

Transportation

88

Healthcare

105

Childcare/mo

$800

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax5.3%
Property Tax Rate0.85%
<p>State 4.3% + Local 1%</p>

Virginia has a progressive income tax system, with rates ranging from 2% to 5.75%

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
7/10
Safety Index

70

Higher = safer
School Rating

7.2/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$800/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+2% (growing)
Political Climate
Purple description, with a mix of Republican and Democratic voters
Business Momentum
Moderate, with key industries including healthcare, education, and tourism
Top Local Concerns
Economic development, education, public safety
🚌 Transit for Families

Marion has a limited public transportation system, but the downtown area is walkable and stroller-friendly

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Linville Gorge Wilderness
  • 🎯
    Mount Rogers National Recreation Area
  • 🎯
    Hungry Mother State Park

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods, such as the historic district and the area around Lincoln Theatre, are popular with families. These neighborhoods offer a mix of old and new homes, as well as easy access to parks and community amenities.

Household Budget Calculator

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

Financial Tools

Calculators
Planning Tools

Find Another City Guide

Search by city name or ZIP code to find utility costs, housing data and cost of living guides.

📊 Marion — Census & Demographic Data

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

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Marion tend to be higher in the summer months due to air conditioning usage, with average electric bills increasing by 20-30%. In the winter, costs are lower, but may still be higher than in other parts of the country due to the town's mountainous location.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The ZIP code 24354 has a property tax millage rate of 0.85, with no local surtaxes

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

6, with good sidewalk quality and park access, but limited elevator access in transit and some areas with limited family infrastructure

📰 Latest VA Stories
Virginia Living Report — July 27, 2026

Virginia Living Report — July 27, 2026

With a population of roughly 8.6 million residents, Virginia stands as a state of stark contrasts: where the...

Read more →
Virginia Living Report — July 26, 2026

Virginia Living Report — July 26, 2026

With a population of over 8.6 million and a median age of 38.7, Virginia occupies a unique middle...

Read more →
Virginia Living Report — July 25, 2026

Virginia Living Report — July 25, 2026

Virginia has steadily grown into one of the most sought-after destinations in the Mid-Atlantic, drawing a mix of...

Read more →
Virginia Living Report — July 24, 2026

Virginia Living Report — July 24, 2026

Finding the right place to call home is an exercise in balancing lifestyle with logistics. For those considering...

Read more →
Amazon

Get your home essentials, storage, and moving supplies delivered.

Shop Moving Essentials

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.