Blackwater, VA Utility & Living Guide

⚡ Featured Deal

Essentials for Your New Home

🛒 Shop This Deal Now

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Tier 3 Location

Blackwater, 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$900/mo
Sales Tax5.3%
COL Index94 (-6% below national average)
Family Score7/10
Median Home$280,000
📷 Live Cameras — Blackwater
Live camera
Live · refreshing...
🌤️ Live Weather — Blackwater
Loading weather...
⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Blackwater
Loading hazard data...
💼 Calculate Your Future Retirement Income

Moving Your Assets to Blackwater?

Moving to Blackwater? Find out how much retirement income you could generate based on your current savings, age, and goals. Calculate Your Retirement Income → Free · Takes 2 minutes · No personal data required
💰 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

Lee County Public Service Authority
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Lee County Landfill and Recycling
📶 Internet

$70/mo

Combined Average Overhead$290/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$900/mo
2 Bedrooms$1200/mo
3 Bedrooms$1600/mo
Median Home Price$280,000
Property Tax Rate0.85%
Avg Childcare/mo$800

The housing market in Blackwater is relatively affordable, with a range of options from apartments to single-family homes. However, the selection may be limited due to the small population size. Rentals are also available, though prices may vary based on location and amenities.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

94

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

-6% below national average

Groceries

95

Transportation

88

Healthcare

105

Childcare/mo

$800

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax5.3%
Property Tax Rate0.85%
<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

60

Higher = safer
School Rating

7.2/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$800/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+2% (growing)
Political Climate
Red
Business Momentum
Moderate, with key industries including tourism, agriculture, and small manufacturing
Top Local Concerns
Job opportunities, infrastructure development, environmental conservation
🚌 Transit for Families

Blackwater has limited public transportation, but the area is generally stroller-friendly due to its small size and walkability

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
  • 🎯
    Lee County Recreation Center
  • 🎯
    Blackwater River

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The area around Blackwater River and the town center are popular for families due to their proximity to parks, schools, and community facilities. However, options are limited, and families may need to consider nearby towns for more variety.

Household Budget Calculator

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

📰 Live Local News

Zoning laws and building permits are managed by Lee County, and residents should be aware of these regulations when planning any construction or renovation projects.

Financial Tools

Calculators
Planning Tools

Find Another City Guide

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

📊 Blackwater — Census & Demographic Data

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

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

During the summer, utility costs in Blackwater may increase due to air conditioning usage, while winter months see a rise in heating costs. However, the overall cost of utilities remains relatively stable throughout the year due to the mild climate.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The ZIP code 24221 has a property tax millage rate of 0.85%, with no local surtaxes

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

6 - Blackwater has good sidewalk quality and park access, but elevator access in transit is limited, and family infrastructure, such as dedicated bike lanes, could be improved.

📰 Latest VA Stories
Virginia Living Report — July 27, 2026

Virginia Living Report — July 27, 2026

With a population of roughly 8.6 million residents, Virginia stands as a state of stark contrasts: where the...

Read more →
Virginia Living Report — July 26, 2026

Virginia Living Report — July 26, 2026

With a population of over 8.6 million and a median age of 38.7, Virginia occupies a unique middle...

Read more →
Virginia Living Report — July 25, 2026

Virginia Living Report — July 25, 2026

Virginia has steadily grown into one of the most sought-after destinations in the Mid-Atlantic, drawing a mix of...

Read more →
Virginia Living Report — July 24, 2026

Virginia Living Report — July 24, 2026

Finding the right place to call home is an exercise in balancing lifestyle with logistics. For those considering...

Read more →
Amazon

Get your home essentials, storage, and moving supplies delivered.

Shop Moving Essentials

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.