Paw Paw, WV Utility & Living Guide

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Paw Paw, WV Utility & Living Guide

Paw Paw is a town in Morgan County, West Virginia, United States. The population was 410 at the 2020 census. The town is known for the nearby Paw Paw Tunnel. Paw Paw was incorporated by the Circuit Court of Morgan County on April 8, 1891, and named after pawpaw, a wild fruit that grows in abundance

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$280/mo
1BR Rent$900/mo
Sales Tax6%
COL Index105 (+5% above national average)
Family Score8/10
Median Home$220,000
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Paw Paw
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$140/mo

Potomac Edison
🔥 Gas

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$50/mo

Paw Paw Public Service District
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Morgan County Solid Waste
📶 Internet

$60/mo

Combined Average Overhead$280/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$900/mo
2 Bedrooms$1200/mo
3 Bedrooms$1800/mo
Median Home Price$220,000
Property Tax Rate0.8%
Avg Childcare/mo$800

The housing market in Paw Paw is relatively affordable, with a mix of older and newer homes available. Rentals are scarce, and most residents own their homes. The area is attracting some new residents due to its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

105

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+5% above national average

Groceries

102

Transportation

98

Healthcare

100

Childcare/mo

$800

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax6%
Property Tax Rate0.8%
<p>State 6% + County 0% + City 0%</p>

West Virginia has a progressive state income tax with rates ranging from 3% to 6.5%, depending on income level.

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 description
Business Momentum
Moderate with key industries in agriculture, tourism, and small manufacturing
Top Local Concerns
Economic development, infrastructure maintenance, environmental conservation
🚌 Transit for Families

Paw Paw has limited public transportation, but its small size and walkability make it relatively accessible for families with strollers.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Cacapon State Park
  • 🎯
    Paw Paw Creek
  • 🎯
    Morgan County Fairgrounds

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The area around the town center offers a charming, small-town feel with easy access to local amenities. The outskirts of town provide more rural settings with larger properties and scenic views.

Household Budget Calculator

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

📰 Live Local News

Paw Paw has zoning regulations to preserve its rural character and protect the environment, with specific rules for land use, building permits, and waste management.

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📊 Paw Paw — Census & Demographic Data

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

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Paw Paw tend to be higher in winter due to heating needs, with average electric bills increasing by 20-30% from December to February. In contrast, summer months see a moderate increase in electric costs due to air conditioning usage.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The ZIP code 25434 has a property tax millage rate of 12.5, with no local surtaxes.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

Score 6/10: while Paw Paw has sidewalks and parks, its rural nature and limited public transportation options can make it challenging for families with strollers to get around without a car.

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