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Ashland, VA Utility & Living Guide

Utilities, housing, taxes, cost of living, and local insights — everything residents and families need.

Last updated: June 26, 2026

Total Utilities$290/mo

1BR Rent$1100/mo

Sales Tax5.3%

COL Index108 (+8% above national average)

Family Score7/10

Median Home$340,000

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🌤️ Live Weather — Ashland

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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Ashland

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💰 Budget Calculator

🔌 Utilities

🏠 Housing

📊 Cost of Living

💰 Taxes

👨‍👩‍👧 Families

🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$140/mo

Dominion Energy

🔥 Gas

—

N/A - Electric only

💧 Water

$50/mo

Town of Ashland Water Department

🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Central Virginia Waste Management

📶 Internet

$70/mo

Combined Average Overhead$290/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom	$1100/mo
2 Bedrooms	$1400/mo
3 Bedrooms	$2000/mo
Median Home Price	$340,000
Property Tax Rate	1.04%
Avg Childcare/mo	$1200

The housing market in Ashland is relatively stable, with a mix of older and newer homes available. The town has seen some new development in recent years, but prices remain competitive. Rentals are also available, particularly in the downtown area.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

108

US national avg = 100

vs National Avg

+8% above national average

Groceries

105

Transportation

Healthcare

102

Childcare/mo

$1200

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax	5.3%
Property Tax Rate	1.04%
<p>State 4.3% + County 1%</p>

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

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score

7/10

Safety Index

Higher = safer

School Rating

7.2/10

GreatSchools avg

Avg Childcare

$1200/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend

+2% (growing)

Political Climate

Purple description, with a mix of Democratic and Republican voters

Business Momentum

Moderate, with key industries including healthcare, education, and retail

Top Local Concerns

Traffic, parking, and preserving the town's historic character

🚌 Transit for Families

Ashland has a limited public transit system, but the downtown area is relatively walkable and stroller-friendly

🎡 Top Kid Attractions

🎯
Ashland Library
🎯
Randolph-Macon College
🎯
and the Ashland Farmers Market

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods, such as Henry and Carter Streets, are popular with families due to their walkability and proximity to schools and amenities. The nearby neighborhoods of Oak Hill and Windsor Estates also offer a range of housing options.

Household Budget Calculator

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

📰 Live Local News

Ashland has regulations in place to preserve its historic downtown area and protect the environment, including rules on signage and waste management

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

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📊 Ashland — Census & Demographic Data

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

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

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