Short Creek, WV Utility & Living Guide

⚡ Featured Deal

Essentials for Your New Home

🛒 Shop This Deal Now

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Tier 3 Location

Short Creek, WV Utility & Living Guide

Short Creek is an unincorporated community in Brooke County, West Virginia, United States. Approximately 1/2 mile from the Ohio River, Short Creek flows from northern Ohio County into Brooke County. The creek, Short Creek, has two forks, North and South Fork. Both forks rise in the very western reac

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$280/mo
1BR Rent$800/mo
Sales Tax6%
COL Index88 (-12% below national average)
Family Score7/10
Median Home$180,000
📷 Live Cameras — Short Creek
Live camera
Live · refreshing...
🌤️ Live Weather — Short Creek
Loading weather...
⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Short Creek
Loading hazard data...
💼 Calculate Your Future Retirement Income

Moving Your Assets to Short Creek?

Moving to Short Creek? Find out how much retirement income you could generate based on your current savings, age, and goals. Calculate Your Retirement Income → Free · Takes 2 minutes · No personal data required
💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$140/mo

Mon Power
🔥 Gas

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$50/mo

Short Creek Public Service District
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Wetzel County Solid Waste Authority
📶 Internet

$60/mo

Combined Average Overhead$280/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$800/mo
2 Bedrooms$1100/mo
3 Bedrooms$1500/mo
Median Home Price$180,000
Property Tax Rate0.65%
Avg Childcare/mo$900

The housing market in Short Creek is relatively affordable with a mix of older and newer homes, and a limited number of rentals available. The area is attracting retirees and families looking for a quiet, rural lifestyle. New construction is limited, which can drive up prices for existing homes.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

88

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

-12% below national average

Groceries

95

Transportation

92

Healthcare

105

Childcare/mo

$900

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax6%
Property Tax Rate0.65%
<p>State 6% + County 0% + City 0%</p>

West Virginia has a progressive income tax with rates ranging from 3% to 6.5%

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
7/10
Safety Index

70

Higher = safer
School Rating

5.5/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$900/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
-2% (declining)
Political Climate
Red
Business Momentum
Low with key industries in agriculture, forestry, and tourism
Top Local Concerns
Economic development, infrastructure, and access to healthcare
🚌 Transit for Families

Public transit is limited in Short Creek, but the area is relatively flat and walkable, with some sidewalks and crosswalks

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Wetzel County 4-H Camp
  • 🎯
    New Martinsville Parks and Recreation
  • 🎯
    Tomlinson Run State Park

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The area around the Short Creek Public Service District and the Wetzel County 4-H Camp are popular with families, offering a mix of older and newer homes and a strong sense of community. The town's central area has a few shops and restaurants, and is within walking distance to the local park.

Household Budget Calculator

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

📰 Live Local News

Zoning laws and building permits are managed by the Wetzel County government, and there are specific regulations regarding septic systems and well water

Financial Tools

Calculators
Planning Tools

Find Another City Guide

Search by city name or ZIP code to find utility costs, housing data and cost of living guides.

📊 Short Creek — Census & Demographic Data

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

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Short Creek tend to be higher in the winter due to heating needs, with average electric bills increasing by 20-30% from December to February. In the summer, cooling costs are relatively low due to the area's moderate climate.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The ZIP code 26164 has a property tax millage rate of 12.5 mills, with no local surtaxes

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

4/10: while the area has some sidewalks and crosswalks, the lack of public transit and limited pedestrian infrastructure make it challenging to get around without a car

📰 Latest WV Stories
West Virginia Living Report — July 27, 2026

West Virginia Living Report — July 27, 2026

For anyone considering a move to West Virginia, the numbers tell a compelling story of affordability and quiet...

Read more →
West Virginia Living Report — July 26, 2026

West Virginia Living Report — July 26, 2026

Considering a move to West Virginia means stepping into a state defined by its rugged Appalachian beauty and...

Read more →
West Virginia Living Report — July 25, 2026

West Virginia Living Report — July 25, 2026

Moving to a new state often involves a trade-off between affordability and opportunity. West Virginia offers a starkly...

Read more →
West Virginia Living Report — July 24, 2026

West Virginia Living Report — July 24, 2026

Considering a move to West Virginia means reckoning with a state that offers an extremely low cost of...

Read more →
Amazon

Get your home essentials, storage, and moving supplies delivered.

Shop Moving Essentials

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.