Martinsburg, WV Utility & Living Guide

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Martinsburg, WV Utility & Living Guide

Martinsburg is a city in Berkeley County, West Virginia, United States, and its county seat. The population was 18,773 at the 2020 census, making Martinsburg the largest city in the eastern panhandle of West Virginia and the sixth-most populous city in the state. It is a principal city of the Hagers

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$350/mo
1BR Rent$1100/mo
Sales Tax6%
COL Index105 (+5% above national average)
Family Score7/10
Median Home$240,000
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🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$140/mo

FirstEnergy
🔥 Gas

$60/mo

Mountaineer Gas Company
💧 Water

$50/mo

City of Martinsburg Water Department
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

City of Martinsburg Sanitation Department
📶 Internet

$70/mo

Combined Average Overhead$350/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1100/mo
2 Bedrooms$1400/mo
3 Bedrooms$1900/mo
Median Home Price$240,000
Property Tax Rate0.85%
Avg Childcare/mo$900

The housing market in Martinsburg is relatively affordable, with a mix of older and newer homes available. However, the market has seen some growth in recent years, driven by the area’s proximity to the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Renters can find a range of options, from apartments to single-family homes.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

105

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+5% above national average

Groceries

102

Transportation

96

Healthcare

105

Childcare/mo

$900

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax6%
Property Tax Rate0.85%
<p>State 6% + County 0% + City 0%</p>

West Virginia has a progressive income tax system, with rates ranging from 3% to 6.5%. Residents of Martinsburg are also subject to federal income tax.

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
7/10
Safety Index

55

Higher = safer
School Rating

7/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$900/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+2% (growing)
Political Climate
Purple description, with a mix of Democratic and Republican voters
Business Momentum
Moderate, with key industries including healthcare, education, and manufacturing
Top Local Concerns
Traffic, education, public safety
🚌 Transit for Families

Martinsburg has a limited public transportation system, but the downtown area is relatively walkable and stroller-friendly, with some sidewalks and crosswalks.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Martinsburg-Berkeley County Public Library
  • 🎯
    Martinsburg Mall
  • 🎯
    Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods, such as North Martinsburg and South Martinsburg, offer a mix of older and newer homes, with some walkability and access to amenities. The city also has some newer developments, such as the Foxcroft neighborhood, which offer more modern homes and amenities.

Household Budget Calculator

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📰 Live Local News

Martinsburg has regulations in place regarding zoning, building codes, and property maintenance. Residents are also subject to West Virginia state laws and regulations.

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📊 Martinsburg — Census & Demographic Data

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

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Martinsburg can fluctuate by season, with higher electricity costs in the summer due to air conditioning usage and higher gas costs in the winter due to heating usage. Residents can expect to pay around 10-20% more for utilities during these peak seasons.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The property tax millage rate in Martinsburg is around 20-25 mills, with some variation depending on the specific location and type of property. There are no local surtaxes specific to Martinsburg county.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

6/10, with some sidewalks and crosswalks in the downtown area, but limited accessibility in some neighborhoods and a lack of elevators in some public buildings

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