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Forest Hill, 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$250/mo

1BR Rent$900/mo

Sales Tax6%

COL Index105 (+5% above national average)

Family Score7/10

Median Home$280,000

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🌤️ Live Weather — Forest Hill

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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Forest Hill

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💰 Budget Calculator

🔌 Utilities

🏠 Housing

📊 Cost of Living

💰 Taxes

👨‍👩‍👧 Families

🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$130/mo

Mon Power

🔥 Gas

—

N/A - Electric only

💧 Water

$40/mo

Forest Hill Public Service District

🗑️ Garbage

$20/mo

Republic Services

📶 Internet

$60/mo

Combined Average Overhead$250/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom	$900/mo
2 Bedrooms	$1200/mo
3 Bedrooms	$1800/mo
Median Home Price	$280,000
Property Tax Rate	0.8%
Avg Childcare/mo	$800

The housing market in Forest Hill is relatively affordable, with a mix of older and newer homes available. The area is popular with families and retirees, and the median home price is around $280,000. Rentals are also available, with prices starting from around $900 for a one-bedroom apartment.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

105

US national avg = 100

vs National Avg

+5% above national average

Groceries

102

Transportation

Healthcare

100

Childcare/mo

$800

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax	6%
Property Tax Rate	0.8%
<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

7/10

Safety Index

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 healthcare, education, and tourism

Top Local Concerns

Economic development, infrastructure, education

🚌 Transit for Families

Forest Hill has limited public transportation options, but the town is relatively small and walkable, making it easy to get around with a stroller.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions

🎯
New River Gorge Bridge
🎯
Appalachian Power Park
🎯
Kanawha State Forest

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The best neighborhoods for families in Forest Hill include the downtown area, which offers a mix of older and newer homes, and the surrounding rural areas, which provide a more peaceful and natural environment. The town also has several parks and playgrounds, making it a great place for kids to play and explore.

Household Budget Calculator

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

📰 Live Local News

Forest Hill has regulations in place to protect the environment and preserve the natural beauty of the area, including rules on zoning, land use, and waste management.

Financial Tools

Calculators

Income Tax CalculatorEstimate take-home pay by state
Mortgage CalculatorMonthly payment estimator
Affordability CalculatorHow much home can you afford?
Childcare Cost EstimatorCompare daycare costs by city

Planning Tools

Retirement PlannerRetirement readiness check
Car Lease CalculatorMonthly lease payment estimator
Savings CalculatorGrow your emergency fund
City Comparison ToolCompare cities side by side

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📊 Forest Hill — Census & Demographic Data

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

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Forest Hill tend to be higher in the winter months due to heating, with average electricity bills increasing by around 20% from December to February. In the summer, costs are relatively stable, with some residents using air conditioning to cool their homes.