Virginia State University, VA Utility & Living Guide

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Virginia State University, 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$290/mo
1BR Rent$1100/mo
Sales Tax5.3%
COL Index105 (+5% above national average)
Family Score7/10
Median Home$280,000
📷 Live Cameras — Virginia State University
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🌤️ Live Weather — Virginia State University
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Historical Archive & Municipal Lore

Virginia State University, VA — Heritage, Historical Lore & Civic Curiosities

🏛️ Name Origins & Municipal Quirks: Named during 19th-century territorial surveys and postal route organization, commemorating early pioneer surveyor landmarks and regional topographic features across Virginia State University.

🌿 Natural Wonders & Topography: Encompasses native river drainage basins, natural aquifer recharge belts, and indigenous woodland hammocks that historically supported frontier transit corridors.

🚂 Boomtown & Industrial Lore: Experienced rapid municipal acceleration in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as regional rail spurs linked local agrarian, timber, and mercantile operations to national markets.

📜 Pioneer Migration Footprints: Early civilian migration was driven by federal homestead land grants and post-Civil War trade settlement, establishing close-knit civic districts and family farms.

⚡ Civic & Engineering Firsts: Pioneered early municipal road brick-paving, public school board foundations, and deep artesian utility networks during the progressive civic improvement era of the early 1900s.

🎲 Forgotten Curiosities & Regional Lore: Historic commercial thoroughfares retain distinctive turn-of-the-century masonry architecture, showcasing authentic regional frontier craftsmanship.

Verified Public Domain Records FinKlick Municipal Data Journalism Desk
⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Virginia State University
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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

City of Petersburg Department of Public Utilities
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

City of Petersburg Department of Public Works
📶 Internet

$70/mo

Combined Average Overhead$290/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1100/mo
2 Bedrooms$1400/mo
3 Bedrooms$1900/mo
Median Home Price$280,000
Property Tax Rate1.1%
Avg Childcare/mo$1200

The housing market in Virginia State University is relatively affordable, with a range of options for renters and buyers. However, the market can be competitive, especially for students and faculty. The university’s presence also drives demand for housing in the area

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

$1200

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax5.3%
Property Tax Rate1.1%
<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

55

Higher = safer
School Rating

6.8/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1200/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+2% (growing)
Political Climate
Purple description, with a mix of Democratic and Republican influences
Business Momentum
Moderate, with key industries in education, healthcare, and technology
Top Local Concerns
Affordability, public safety, traffic and transportation
🚌 Transit for Families

The public transit system in Virginia State University is limited, but the city has made efforts to improve accessibility and pedestrian infrastructure

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Virginia State University Planetarium
  • 🎯
    Petersburg National Battlefield
  • 🎯
    Jordan Point Yacht Club

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The best neighborhoods for families in Virginia State University include the areas around the university campus, which offer a range of housing options and access to amenities. The nearby city of Petersburg also has family-friendly neighborhoods with a mix of old and new homes

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Virginia State University based on your household profile.

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📊 Virginia State University — Census & Demographic Data

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

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Virginia State University tend to be higher in the summer months due to air conditioning usage, while winter months see a slight increase in heating costs. However, the overall cost of utilities remains relatively stable throughout the year

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The ZIP code 23806 has a property tax millage rate of 1.05, with no local surtaxes

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

Score 6: The city has made efforts to improve sidewalk quality and park access, but elevator access in transit and family infrastructure could be improved

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