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Lake, 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$270/mo

1BR Rent$900/mo

Sales Tax6%

COL Index105 (+5% above national average)

Family Score7/10

Median Home$280,000

📷 Live Cameras — Lake

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🌤️ Live Weather — Lake

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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Lake

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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

$50/mo

Lake Public Service District

🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Republic Services

📶 Internet

$60/mo

Combined Average Overhead$270/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 Lake is relatively affordable, with a mix of older and newer homes available. Rentals are also available, but may be limited. The area is attracting new residents due to its natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities.

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 tourism, healthcare, and manufacturing

Top Local Concerns

Job opportunities, infrastructure development, environmental conservation

🚌 Transit for Families

Public transit in Lake is limited, but the area is relatively walkable and bikeable, with some sidewalks and bike lanes available

🎡 Top Kid Attractions

🎯
Stonewall Jackson Lake State Park
🎯
North Bend Rail Trail
🎯
WV State Wildlife Center

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The area around Stonewall Jackson Lake is popular for families, offering scenic views and outdoor recreation opportunities. Other desirable neighborhoods include the historic district and areas with newer developments.

Household Budget Calculator

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

📰 Live Local News

Residents are subject to local ordinances regarding zoning, noise, and waste disposal

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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📊 Lake — Census & Demographic Data

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

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Lake tend to be higher in winter due to heating needs, with average electric bills increasing by 20-30% during the colder months. In contrast, summer months see lower utility costs, with average electric bills decreasing by 10-20%.