Cairo, WV Utility & Living Guide

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Tier 3 Location

Cairo, WV Utility & Living Guide

Cairo is a town in Ritchie County, West Virginia, United States, along West Virginia Route 31, the North Fork of the Hughes River, and the North Bend Rail Trail. The population was 174 at the 2020 census.

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$250/mo
1BR Rent$800/mo
Sales Tax6%
COL Index90 (-10% below national average)
Family Score7/10
Median Home$180,000
📷 Live Cameras — Cairo
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🌤️ Live Weather — Cairo
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Cairo
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$140/mo

Mon Power
🔥 Gas

—

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$30/mo

Cairo Public Works
🗑️ Garbage

$20/mo

Ritchie County Solid Waste
📶 Internet

$60/mo

Combined Average Overhead$250/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$800/mo
2 Bedrooms$1100/mo
3 Bedrooms$1500/mo
Median Home Price$180,000
Property Tax Rate0.8%
Avg Childcare/mo$900

The housing market in Cairo is relatively affordable, with a range of options from historic homes to newer constructions. Rentals are also available, though options may be limited. The town’s small size means that new listings can be scarce.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

90

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

-10% below national average

Groceries

95

Transportation

88

Healthcare

105

Childcare/mo

$900

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax6%
Property Tax Rate0.8%
<p>State 6% + County 0% + City 0%</p>

West Virginia has a progressive income tax system with rates ranging from 3% to 6.5%

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
7/10
Safety Index

70

Higher = safer
School Rating

5.5/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$900/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
-5% (declining)
Political Climate
Red
Business Momentum
Low, with key industries including tourism, agriculture, and small manufacturing
Top Local Concerns
Economic development, infrastructure maintenance, public services
🚌 Transit for Families

Public transit options are limited, but the town's small size makes it relatively easy to get around on foot or by bike

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    North Bend Rail Trail
  • 🎯
    North Bend State Park
  • 🎯
    Cairo Community Park

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods offer a mix of historic homes and newer constructions, with easy access to local amenities. Families may also consider the nearby town of Harrisville for its schools and community resources.

Household Budget Calculator

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

📰 Live Local News

Zoning laws and building codes are in place to preserve the town’s historic character and manage growth

Financial Tools

Calculators
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📊 Cairo — Census & Demographic Data

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

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Cairo tend to peak in winter due to heating needs, with average bills increasing by 20-30% from December to February. In contrast, summer months see lower utility bills, with a focus on minimal cooling needs.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The ZIP code 26337 has a property tax millage rate of 12.5 mills, with no local surtaxes

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

6, with explanation: while Cairo has some sidewalks and park access, the town's infrastructure can be challenging for strollers, particularly on older streets with limited pedestrian amenities

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