Bluefield, WV Utility & Living Guide

⚡ Amazon Prime Day 2026

Exclusive Deals for Your New Home

🛒 Shop Prime Day Deals Now

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Tier 3 Location

Bluefield, WV Utility & Living Guide

Living in Bluefield, West Virginia offers a unique blend of small-town charm and outdoor recreation opportunities in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$250/mo
1BR Rent$800/mo
Sales Tax6%
COL Index87 (-13% below national average)
Family Score5/10
Median Home$180,000
🌤️ Live Weather — Bluefield
Loading weather...
📷 Live Cameras — Bluefield
Live camera
Live · refreshing...
⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Bluefield
Loading hazard data...
💼 Calculate Your Future Retirement Income

Moving Your Assets to Bluefield?

Moving to Bluefield? 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

$130/mo

Appalachian Power
🔥 Gas

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$40/mo

City of Bluefield Water Department
🗑️ Garbage

$20/mo

City of Bluefield Sanitation Department
📶 Internet

$60/mo

Combined Average Overhead $250/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$800/mo
2 Bedrooms$1000/mo
3 Bedrooms$1400/mo
Median Home Price$180,000
Property Tax Rate0.8%
Avg Childcare/mo$900

The housing market in Bluefield is relatively affordable, with a range of options from historic homes to modern apartments. However, the market can be limited, and prices may vary depending on the location and condition of the property. Rentals are also available, but may be scarce in certain areas

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

87

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

-13% below national average

Groceries

95

Transportation

88

Healthcare

105

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
5/10
Safety Index

55

Higher = safer
School Rating

5.5/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$900/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
-10% (declining)
Political Climate
Red
Business Momentum
Low, with key industries including healthcare, education, and manufacturing
Top Local Concerns
poverty, population decline, lack of job opportunities
🚌 Transit for Families

Bluefield has a limited public transportation system, but the city is relatively walkable and bikeable, with some sidewalks and bike lanes

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Bluefield City Park
  • 🎯
    Bluefield River Trail
  • 🎯
    Mercer County 4-H Camp

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods, such as Oakwood and Graham, offer a mix of historic homes and modern amenities, and are popular with families. However, some areas of the city may have higher crime rates or limited amenities

Household Budget Calculator

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

Local Briefing & Neighborhood Pulse

Live Local News

Residents are subject to city ordinances and zoning regulations, and must obtain permits for certain activities such as building construction or home-based businesses

Bluefield's economy is experiencing growth in the healthcare and education sectors, with major employers including Bluefield Regional Medical Center and Bluefield State College. However, the city still faces challenges related to poverty and population decline

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.

📊 Bluefield — Census & Demographic Data

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

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Bluefield can fluctuate significantly by season, with higher electricity bills in the summer due to air conditioning and higher gas bills in the winter due to heating. However, since most homes in Bluefield are electric-only, the impact of seasonal fluctuations may be less pronounced

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The property tax millage rate in Bluefield is 12.5 mills, with no local surtaxes

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

4/10, due to limited sidewalk quality and park access in some areas, although the city is relatively flat and easy to navigate

🏠 Planning Your Move?

Shop moving supplies, storage solutions and home essentials

🛒 Shop on Amazon — Prime Day Deals

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.