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Rocky Mount, VA Utility & Living Guide

Utilities, housing, taxes, cost of living, and local insights — everything residents and families need.

Last updated: June 26, 2026

Total Utilities$280/mo

1BR Rent$900/mo

Sales Tax5.3%

COL Index94 (-6% below national average)

Family Score7/10

Median Home$280,000

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🌤️ Live Weather — Rocky Mount

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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Rocky Mount

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💰 Budget Calculator

🔌 Utilities

🏠 Housing

📊 Cost of Living

💰 Taxes

👨‍👩‍👧 Families

🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$140/mo

Dominion Energy

🔥 Gas

—

N/A - Electric only

💧 Water

$50/mo

Town of Rocky Mount Public Works

🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Town of Rocky Mount Public Works

📶 Internet

$60/mo

Combined Average Overhead$280/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom	$900/mo
2 Bedrooms	$1200/mo
3 Bedrooms	$1600/mo
Median Home Price	$280,000
Property Tax Rate	0.85%
Avg Childcare/mo	$800

The housing market in Rocky Mount is relatively affordable, with a range of options from historic homes to new constructions. The town has seen steady growth in recent years, with new developments and renovations underway. However, the market can be competitive, especially for families and first-time homebuyers.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

US national avg = 100

vs National Avg

-6% below national average

Groceries

Transportation

Healthcare

105

Childcare/mo

$800

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

$800/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend

+2% (growing)

Political Climate

Red

Business Momentum

Moderate, with key industries in manufacturing, healthcare, and tourism

Top Local Concerns

Economic development, education, public safety

🚌 Transit for Families

The town has a limited public transportation system, but sidewalks and parks are generally stroller-friendly

🎡 Top Kid Attractions

🎯
Smith Mountain Lake
🎯
Rocky Mount Elementary School playground
🎯
Franklin County Recreation Center

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods offer a mix of historic homes and new constructions, with easy access to schools, parks, and local amenities. The area around Smith Mountain Lake is also popular for families, with plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities.

Household Budget Calculator

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

📰 Live Local News

The town has regulations in place for zoning, building permits, and environmental protection

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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📊 Rocky Mount — Census & Demographic Data

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

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Summer months bring higher electricity bills due to air conditioning usage, while winter months see increased costs for heating. However, the town's mild climate means that utility costs remain relatively stable throughout the year.