FBI, WV Utility & Living Guide

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FBI, WV Utility & Living Guide

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

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$280/mo
1BR Rent$900/mo
Sales Tax7%
COL Index87 (-13% below national average)
Family Score7/10
Median Home$180,000
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$140/mo

Mon Power
🔥 Gas

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$50/mo

City of Fairmont Water Department
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Republic Services
📶 Internet

$60/mo

Combined Average Overhead$280/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$900/mo
2 Bedrooms$1200/mo
3 Bedrooms$1600/mo
Median Home Price$180,000
Property Tax Rate0.8%
Avg Childcare/mo$800

The housing market in Fairmont is relatively affordable, with a range of options from historic homes to new constructions. However, the market can be competitive, especially for homes in desirable neighborhoods. Rentals are also available, but may be limited in certain areas.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

87

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

-13% below national average

Groceries

94

Transportation

88

Healthcare

105

Childcare/mo

$800

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax7%
Property Tax Rate0.8%
<p>State 6% + County 0.5% + City 0.5%</p>

West Virginia has a progressive income tax system, with rates ranging from 3% to 6.5%

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
7/10
Safety Index

55

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 in healthcare, education, and manufacturing
Top Local Concerns
Economic development, infrastructure, public safety
🚌 Transit for Families

Fairmont has a limited public transportation system, but the city is relatively walkable and bikeable, with some stroller-friendly sidewalks and parks.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Prickett's Fort State Park
  • 🎯
    Fairmont Marion County Park
  • 🎯
    Valley Falls State Park

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The best neighborhoods for families in Fairmont include the downtown area, which offers a range of amenities and community events, as well as the surrounding suburbs, which provide more space and a quieter atmosphere. Some popular neighborhoods include Fairmont Heights and Woodlawn Avenue.

Household Budget Calculator

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

📰 Live Local News

Fairmont has regulations in place for zoning, building permits, and business licenses, which can impact residents and business owners.

Financial Tools

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📊 FBI — Census & Demographic Data

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

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Fairmont can fluctuate significantly by season, with higher electricity bills in the summer due to air conditioning usage and higher gas bills in the winter due to heating usage. However, since Fairmont is an 'electric only' town, the gas bills are zero.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The ZIP code 26554 has a property tax millage rate of 20.5, with no local surtaxes

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

6, Fairmont has some stroller-friendly sidewalks and parks, but the city's infrastructure can be limited in some areas, with uneven sidewalks and lack of elevator access in some public buildings.

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