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Blacksburg, VA Utility & Living Guide

Blacksburg is an incorporated town in Montgomery County, Virginia, United States, with a population of 44,826 at the 2020 census. Blacksburg and the surrounding county is dominated economically and demographically by the presence of Virginia Tech.

Last updated: June 26, 2026

Total Utilities$250/mo

1BR Rent$1100/mo

Sales Tax5.3%

COL Index105 (+5% above national average)

Family Score7/10

Median Home$340,000

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🌤️ Live Weather — Blacksburg

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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Blacksburg

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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

$30/mo

Blacksburg Water Department

🗑️ Garbage

$20/mo

Blacksburg Public Works

📶 Internet

$60/mo

Combined Average Overhead$250/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom	$1100/mo
2 Bedrooms	$1400/mo
3 Bedrooms	$1900/mo
Median Home Price	$340,000
Property Tax Rate	1.04%
Avg Childcare/mo	$1200

The housing market in Blacksburg is competitive, with a mix of older homes and new developments. Rentals are in high demand due to the presence of Virginia Tech. Home prices have been steadily increasing over the past few years.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

105

US national avg = 100

vs National Avg

+5% above national average

Groceries

102

Transportation

Healthcare

101

Childcare/mo

$1200

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax	5.3%
Property Tax Rate	1.04%
<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

Higher = safer

School Rating

7.5/10

GreatSchools avg

Avg Childcare

$1200/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 in technology, education, and healthcare

Top Local Concerns

Traffic, affordable housing, environmental sustainability

🚌 Transit for Families

Blacksburg has a limited public transportation system, but it is relatively stroller-friendly with accessible buses and sidewalks

🎡 Top Kid Attractions

🎯
Virginia Tech Museum of Natural History
🎯
Blacksburg Children's Museum
🎯
Smithfield Plantation

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The best neighborhoods for families in Blacksburg include Downtown, University Heights, and Prices Fork. These areas offer a mix of older homes, new developments, and easy access to amenities.

Household Budget Calculator

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

📰 Live Local News

Blacksburg has regulations in place for zoning, noise ordinances, and environmental protection

Financial Tools

Calculators

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Planning Tools

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📊 Blacksburg — Census & Demographic Data

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

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

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