Ararat, VA Utility & Living Guide

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Tier 3 Location

Ararat, VA Utility & Living Guide

Living in Ararat, VA offers a peaceful and serene environment with easy access to outdoor activities and a strong sense of community.

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$250/mo
1BR Rent$900/mo
Sales Tax5.3%
COL Index95 (-5% below national average)
Family Score8/10
Median Home$280,000
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Ararat
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$130/mo

Dominion Energy
🔥 Gas

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$40/mo

Patrick County Public Service Authority
🗑️ Garbage

$20/mo

Patrick County Waste Management
📶 Internet

$60/mo

Combined Average Overhead $250/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$900/mo
2 Bedrooms$1200/mo
3 Bedrooms$1800/mo
Median Home Price$280,000
Property Tax Rate0.8%
Avg Childcare/mo$800

The housing market in Ararat is relatively affordable, with a range of options from single-family homes to apartments. The area is seeing some growth, with new developments and renovations underway. However, the overall pace of the market remains moderate.

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

$800

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax5.3%
Property Tax Rate0.8%
<p>State 4.3% + County 1%</p>

Virginia has a progressive income tax system, with rates ranging from 2% to 5.75%

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
8/10
Safety Index

70

Higher = safer
School Rating

7/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$800/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+2% (growing)
Political Climate
Red
Business Momentum
Moderate, with key industries in agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare
Top Local Concerns
Jobs, education, infrastructure
🚌 Transit for Families

Ararat has limited public transportation options, but the area is relatively walkable and bikeable, with some sidewalks and bike lanes

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Patrick County Recreation Center
  • 🎯
    Fairy Stone State Park
  • 🎯
    Blue Ridge Parkway

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The area around Fairy Stone State Park is popular for families, with plenty of outdoor activities and a strong sense of community. The town of Stuart is also a desirable area, with a range of amenities and services.

Household Budget Calculator

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

Local Briefing & Neighborhood Pulse

Live Local News

Patrick County has regulations regarding zoning, building permits, and environmental protection

Ararat is seeing an increase in remote workers and entrepreneurs, with a growing demand for coworking spaces and digital infrastructure. The local economy is also driven by agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism.

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📊 Ararat — Census & Demographic Data

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

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Summer months see an increase in electricity costs due to air conditioning usage, while winter months see a slight increase in water and sewage costs due to holiday gatherings and snowmelt. However, the overall fluctuation is relatively moderate compared to other areas.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The ZIP code 24053 has a property tax millage rate of 0.63, with no local surtaxes

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

6, with explanation: Ararat has some sidewalks and bike lanes, but the area is not highly developed for stroller-friendly infrastructure, and some roads lack pedestrian crossings and elevators in transit

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