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Pilot, VA Utility & Living Guide

Living in Pilot, VA offers a tranquil and picturesque experience with easy access to outdoor recreation and a strong sense of community.

Last updated: September 16, 2026

Total Utilities$280/mo

1BR Rent$1100/mo

Sales Tax5.3%

COL Index105 (+5% above national average)

Family Score7/10

Median Home$280,000

📷 Live Cameras — Pilot

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🌤️ Live Weather — Pilot

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Pilot is experiencing steady growth, driven by its proximity to Blacksburg and Virginia Tech. The local economy is diversifying, with a focus on technology and healthcare.

📍 Live Local News & Briefing

⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Pilot

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💰 Budget Calculator

🔌 Utilities

🏠 Housing

📊 Cost of Living

💰 Taxes

👨‍👩‍👧 Families

🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$140/mo

American Electric Power (AEP)

🔥 Gas

—

N/A - Electric only

💧 Water

$50/mo

Montgomery County Public Services

🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Montgomery County Waste Management

📶 Internet

$60/mo

Combined Average Overhead$280/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom	$1100/mo
2 Bedrooms	$1400/mo
3 Bedrooms	$2000/mo
Median Home Price	$280,000
Property Tax Rate	0.85%
Avg Childcare/mo	$900

The housing market in Pilot is relatively stable, with a mix of older and newer homes available. Rentals are limited, but prices are competitive with surrounding areas. Homeowners can expect moderate property tax rates.

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

$900

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax	5.3%
Property Tax Rate	0.85%
<p>State 4.3% + Local 1%</p>

Virginia has a progressive income tax system with rates ranging from 2% to 5.75%

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score

7/10

Safety Index

Higher = safer

School Rating

7.2/10

GreatSchools avg

Avg Childcare

$900/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend

+2% (growing)

Political Climate

Purple description, with a mix of conservative and liberal views

Business Momentum

Moderate, with key industries in technology, healthcare, and education

Top Local Concerns

Traffic, education, public safety

🚌 Transit for Families

Public transit is limited, but the area is relatively flat and walkable, with some sidewalks and bike paths

🎡 Top Kid Attractions

🎯
Claytor Lake State Park
🎯
Montgomery County Parks and Recreation
🎯
Virginia Tech sports events

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The area around Claytor Lake is popular for families, with access to outdoor recreation and a sense of community. Other neighborhoods, such as the ones near the town center, offer a mix of older and newer homes.

Household Budget Calculator

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

📰 Live Local News

Zoning laws and building permits are managed by Montgomery County

Financial Tools

Calculators

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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
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📊 Pilot — Census & Demographic Data

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

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Summer months bring higher electric bills due to air conditioning usage, while winter months see moderate increases in heating costs. Overall, utility costs remain relatively stable throughout the year.