Breaks, VA Utility & Living Guide

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Tier 3 Location

Breaks, VA Utility & Living Guide

Living in Breaks, VA offers a tranquil and scenic experience surrounded by nature, with a strong sense of community in this small town of 5,000 residents.

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$280/mo
1BR Rent$900/mo
Sales Tax5.3%
COL Index94 (-6% below national average)
Family Score7/10
Median Home$220,000
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Breaks
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$140/mo

American Electric Power (AEP)
🔥 Gas

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$50/mo

Dickenson County Public Service Authority
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Dickenson County Waste Management
📶 Internet

$60/mo

Combined Average Overhead $280/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$900/mo
2 Bedrooms$1200/mo
3 Bedrooms$1800/mo
Median Home Price$220,000
Property Tax Rate0.85%
Avg Childcare/mo$800

The housing market in Breaks is relatively affordable, with a mix of older and newer homes available. Rentals are scarce, and most residents own their homes. The market is stable, with slow growth.

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% + County 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

70

Higher = safer
School Rating

5.5/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$800/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
-2% (declining)
Political Climate
Red
Business Momentum
Low, with key industries including coal mining, healthcare, and tourism
Top Local Concerns
Economic development, job creation, infrastructure improvement
🚌 Transit for Families

Breaks has limited public transportation, but the town is relatively small and walkable, with some sidewalks and crosswalks.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Breaks Interstate Park
  • 🎯
    Dickenson County Fairgrounds
  • 🎯
    Pine Mountain Trail

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods offer a charming and safe environment for families, with easy access to local amenities and outdoor recreation. The nearby town of Clintwood also offers some family-friendly options.

Household Budget Calculator

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

Local Briefing & Neighborhood Pulse

Live Local News

Zoning laws and building permits are strictly enforced to preserve the town’s natural beauty and character.

Breaks is experiencing slow but steady economic growth, driven by tourism and small businesses. However, the town faces challenges related to limited job opportunities and a declining population.

Financial Tools

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📊 Breaks — Census & Demographic Data

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

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

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

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The ZIP code 24607 has a property tax millage rate of 0.85%, with no local surtaxes.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

6, with explanation: Breaks has some sidewalks and crosswalks, but the town's infrastructure is not highly stroller-friendly due to limited accessibility and rough terrain in some areas.

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