Chilhowie, VA Utility & Living Guide

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Chilhowie, 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$250/mo
1BR Rent$900/mo
Sales Tax5.3%
COL Index94 (-6% below national average)
Family Score8/10
Median Home$280,000
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$130/mo

American Electric Power
🔥 Gas

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$40/mo

Town of Chilhowie Water Department
🗑️ Garbage

$20/mo

Smyth County Garbage Collection
📶 Internet

$60/mo

Combined Average Overhead$250/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$900/mo
2 Bedrooms$1100/mo
3 Bedrooms$1400/mo
Median Home Price$280,000
Property Tax Rate0.85%
Avg Childcare/mo$800

The housing market in Chilhowie is relatively affordable, with a range of older and newer homes available. Rental options are limited, but prices are competitive. The town has seen some new development in recent years, including new subdivisions and commercial properties.

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 state income tax 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 including agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism
Top Local Concerns
Economic development, infrastructure, public safety
🚌 Transit for Families

Chilhowie has limited public transportation, but the town is relatively walkable and bikeable, with some sidewalks and bike lanes

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    South Holston Lake
  • 🎯
    Mount Rogers National Recreation Area
  • 🎯
    Chilhowie Park

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods offer a charming small-town feel, with tree-lined streets and historic homes. The area around South Holston Lake is also popular for families, with plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities.

Household Budget Calculator

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

📰 Live Local News

The Town of Chilhowie has regulations regarding zoning, building permits, and business licenses

Financial Tools

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📊 Chilhowie — Census & Demographic Data

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

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Chilhowie 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, with average electric bills decreasing by 10-20% from December to February.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The ZIP code 24319 has a property tax millage rate of 0.85, with no local surtaxes

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

6, Chilhowie has some sidewalks and bike lanes, but the town's infrastructure is not particularly stroller-friendly, with some rough roads and limited accessibility features

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