⚡ Featured Deal

Essentials for Your New Home

🛒 Shop This Deal Now

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Tier 3 Location

Ethel, WV Utility & Living Guide

Ethel is an Old English word meaning "noble", today often used as a feminine given name.

Last updated: June 26, 2026

Total Utilities$280/mo

1BR Rent$900/mo

Sales Tax6%

COL Index87 (-13% below national average)

Family Score7/10

Median Home$180,000

📷 Live Cameras — Ethel

Live · refreshing...

🌤️ Live Weather — Ethel

Loading weather...

⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Ethel

Loading hazard data...

💰 Budget Calculator

🔌 Utilities

🏠 Housing

📊 Cost of Living

💰 Taxes

👨‍👩‍👧 Families

🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$140/mo

Appalachian Power

🔥 Gas

—

N/A - Electric only

💧 Water

$50/mo

Boone-Raleigh Public Service District

🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Boone County Solid Waste

📶 Internet

$60/mo

Combined Average Overhead$280/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom	$900/mo
2 Bedrooms	$1200/mo
3 Bedrooms	$1800/mo
Median Home Price	$180,000
Property Tax Rate	0.65%
Avg Childcare/mo	$800

The housing market in Ethel is relatively affordable, with a range of options from older homes to newer constructions. Rentals are also available, though options may be limited. Overall, the market is stable, with some room for growth.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

US national avg = 100

vs National Avg

-13% below national average

Groceries

Transportation

Healthcare

105

Childcare/mo

$800

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax	6%
Property Tax Rate	0.65%
<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

Higher = safer

School Rating

5.5/10

GreatSchools avg

Avg Childcare

$800/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend

+2% (growing)

Political Climate

Red

Business Momentum

Moderate, with key industries in coal mining, healthcare, and small manufacturing

Top Local Concerns

Economic development, infrastructure improvement, environmental protection

🚌 Transit for Families

Ethel has limited public transportation, but the town is relatively walkable and bikeable, with some sidewalks and crosswalks

🎡 Top Kid Attractions

🎯
Kanawha State Forest
🎯
Charleston Civic Center
🎯
Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The area around the town center is popular for families, with its proximity to schools, parks, and community events. Other neighborhoods, such as those near the Kanawha State Forest, offer a more rural feel.

Household Budget Calculator

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

📰 Live Local News

Ethel has regulations regarding zoning, building permits, and environmental protection

Financial Tools

Calculators

Income Tax CalculatorEstimate take-home pay by state
Mortgage CalculatorMonthly payment estimator
Affordability CalculatorHow much home can you afford?
Childcare Cost EstimatorCompare daycare costs by city

Planning Tools

Retirement PlannerRetirement readiness check
Car Lease CalculatorMonthly lease payment estimator
Savings CalculatorGrow your emergency fund
City Comparison ToolCompare cities side by side

Find Another City Guide

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

📊 Ethel — Census & Demographic Data

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

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Ethel tend to be higher in the winter due to heating needs, with average bills increasing by 20-30% from December to February. In contrast, summer months see a slight decrease in utility costs as the temperature warms up.