Wake, VA Utility & Living Guide

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Wake, 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$290/mo
1BR Rent$1100/mo
Sales Tax5.3%
COL Index105 (+5% above national average)
Family Score7/10
Median Home$280,000
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🌤️ Live Weather — Wake
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Wake
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$140/mo

Dominion Energy
🔥 Gas

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$50/mo

Middlesex County Public Works
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Waste Management
📶 Internet

$70/mo

Combined Average Overhead$290/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1100/mo
2 Bedrooms$1400/mo
3 Bedrooms$1900/mo
Median Home Price$280,000
Property Tax Rate0.8%
Avg Childcare/mo$900

The housing market in Wake is relatively stable, with a mix of older and newer homes available. Rentals are limited, but affordable options can be found. Waterfront properties are highly sought after, driving up prices in those areas.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

105

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+5% above national average

Groceries

102

Transportation

98

Healthcare

100

Childcare/mo

$900

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax5.3%
Property Tax Rate0.8%
<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

60

Higher = safer
School Rating

7/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$900/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+2% (growing)
Political Climate
Purple description, with a mix of conservative and liberal views
Business Momentum
Moderate, with key industries including tourism, agriculture, and small manufacturing
Top Local Concerns
Traffic and parking, affordable housing, environmental conservation
🚌 Transit for Families

Public transit options are limited in Wake, but the town is relatively walkable and bike-friendly, with some stroller-friendly sidewalks and parks

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Deltaville Maritime Museum
  • 🎯
    Belle Isle State Park
  • 🎯
    Mathews County Public Library

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The historic district and waterfront areas are popular with families, offering a mix of old and new homes, as well as easy access to parks and outdoor recreation. The nearby town of Urbanna also offers a range of family-friendly amenities.

Household Budget Calculator

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

📰 Live Local News

Zoning laws and building permits are strictly enforced in Wake, with a focus on preserving the town’s historic character

Financial Tools

Calculators
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📊 Wake — Census & Demographic Data

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

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Wake tend to be higher in the summer months due to air conditioning usage, with average electric bills increasing by 20-30% from June to August. In the winter, heating costs are relatively low due to the mild climate.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The ZIP code 23176 has a property tax millage rate of 0.84, with no local surtaxes

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

6/10, with explanation: while Wake has some stroller-friendly sidewalks and parks, the town's historic district and waterfront areas can be challenging to navigate with a stroller due to uneven pavement and limited accessibility

📍 Wake City Stories

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