Van, WV Utility & Living Guide

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Van, WV Utility & Living Guide

A van is a type of road vehicle used for transporting goods or people. There is some variation in the scope of the word across the different English-speaking countries. The smallest vans, microvans, are used for transporting either goods or people in tiny quantities. Mini MPVs, compact MPVs, and MPV

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$280/mo
1BR Rent$800/mo
Sales Tax6%
COL Index95 (-5% below national average)
Family Score7/10
Median Home$180,000
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Van
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💰 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 Authority
📶 Internet

$60/mo

Combined Average Overhead$280/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$800/mo
2 Bedrooms$1100/mo
3 Bedrooms$1400/mo
Median Home Price$180,000
Property Tax Rate0.8%
Avg Childcare/mo$900

The housing market in Van is relatively affordable, with a range of options from older homes to newer constructions. Rentals are also available, though options may be limited. Home prices have been steady in recent years.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

95

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

-5% below national average

Groceries

105

Transportation

92

Healthcare

110

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
-2% (declining)
Political Climate
Red
Business Momentum
Low with key industries in coal mining and healthcare
Top Local Concerns
Economic development, infrastructure, public services
🚌 Transit for Families

Public transit options are limited in Van, but the town is relatively small and walkable, 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 Van Elementary School is considered a good neighborhood for families, with relatively new homes and a strong sense of community. Other neighborhoods, such as those near the town center, offer a mix of older and newer homes.

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📊 Van — Census & Demographic Data

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

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Van tend to fluctuate with the seasons, with higher electricity bills in the summer due to air conditioning and higher gas bills in the winter for heating. However, since most homes in Van use electric heat, the winter utility bills may not be as high as in other areas.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The ZIP code 25206 has a property tax millage rate of 12.5 mills, with no local surtaxes

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

4/10: while Van has some sidewalks and crosswalks, the town's infrastructure is not particularly stroller-friendly, with limited elevator access in public buildings and uneven sidewalk quality

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