Rural Retreat, VA Utility & Living Guide

⚡ Amazon Prime Day 2026

Exclusive Deals for Your New Home

🛒 Shop Prime Day Deals Now

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Tier 3 Location

Rural Retreat, VA Utility & Living Guide

Living in Rural Retreat, VA offers a peaceful and serene environment with a strong sense of community

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$280,000
🌤️ Live Weather — Rural Retreat
Loading weather...
📷 Live Cameras — Rural Retreat
Live camera
Live · refreshing...
⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Rural Retreat
Loading hazard data...
💼 Calculate Your Future Retirement Income

Moving Your Assets to Rural Retreat?

Moving to Rural Retreat? 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
🔥 Gas

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$30/mo

Rural Retreat Public Works
🗑️ Garbage

$20/mo

Waste Management
📶 Internet

$60/mo

Combined Average Overhead $250/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$900/mo
2 Bedrooms$1200/mo
3 Bedrooms$1800/mo
Median Home Price$280,000
Property Tax Rate0.85%
Avg Childcare/mo$800

The housing market in Rural Retreat is relatively affordable, with a mix of older and newer homes available. Rentals are also available, but options may be limited. The town has seen some growth in recent years, but it remains a small, close-knit community.

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% + County 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
Red
Business Momentum
Moderate, with key industries including tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing
Top Local Concerns
Economic development, infrastructure, public safety
🚌 Transit for Families

Rural Retreat has limited public transportation options, but the town is relatively small and walkable

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Grayson Highlands State Park
  • 🎯
    Mount Rogers National Recreation Area
  • 🎯
    Wytheville Community Center

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods offer a charming, small-town feel, with easy access to local amenities and outdoor recreation opportunities. The town also has several newer subdivisions with more modern homes.

Household Budget Calculator

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

Local Briefing & Neighborhood Pulse

Live Local News

Rural Retreat has zoning ordinances and building codes in place to regulate development and ensure public safety

Rural Retreat is seeing growth in its tourism industry, with visitors drawn to its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. The town is also investing in infrastructure improvements to support its growing population.

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.

📊 Rural Retreat — Census & Demographic Data

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

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Rural Retreat tend to be higher in the summer months due to air conditioning usage, while winter months see increased costs for heating. However, the town's mild climate means that extreme temperature fluctuations are rare.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The ZIP code 24368 has a property tax millage rate of 0.85, with no local surtaxes

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

6, Rural Retreat has some sidewalks and crosswalks, but they can be limited in some areas, and park access is generally good, but elevator access in transit is not available

🏠 Planning Your Move?

Shop moving supplies, storage solutions and home essentials

🛒 Shop on Amazon — Prime Day Deals

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.