South CarolinaPop. 75,259Smaller cities
Is Rock Hill a Good Place to Live? Rock Hill, South Carolina: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Rock Hill ranks #989 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #416 of 524 smaller cities and #13 of 20 in South Carolina. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on low graduation rates (73.9%, #410 of 437) and high unemployment (5.2%, #385 of 476).
Rock Hill by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Rock Hill's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Rock Hill?
Rock Hill's cost of living index is 97.3, 3% below the US level of 100 and #556 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,341/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $323,886, 6% above the typical South Carolina home ($306,323).
| Measure | Rock Hill | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 97.3#556 of 1,308 | 93.7 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $323,886#446 of 1,187 | $306,323 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,488/mo#328 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $295,100#518 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,341/mo#582 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 4.3x#667 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 23.4%#820 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). South Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Rock Hill housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Rock Hill is in the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC metro.
South Carolina housing market →Is Rock Hill safe?
Rock Hill recorded 394 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 20% above the US rate of 328 and 2% above South Carolina's 388. That ranks #705 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #313 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Rock Hill Police Department. Property crime runs 2,190 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Rock Hill | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 394#705 of 1,085 | 388 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 2,190#757 of 1,085 | 1,676 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). South Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Rock Hill?
The median household in Rock Hill earns $68,771, 17% below the US figure of $83,163 and 5% below South Carolina ($72,350). Unemployment is 5.2% (US 4.3%). 12.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Rock Hill | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $68,771#841 of 1,312 | $72,350 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 5.2%#878 of 1,058 | 4.5% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 12.6%#700 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.2%#538 of 1,132 | +1.5% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). South Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Rock Hill?
The median resident of Rock Hill is 35.7 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 35.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #603 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 54.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Rock Hill | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 35.7 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 35.1%#603 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 54.2% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Rock Hill's schools and health?
Rock Hill's 22 public schools graduate 73.9% of students in four years (South Carolina 83.8%), with 14.7 students per teacher and $15,501 spent per pupil. 40.6% of adults are obese and 13% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Rock Hill | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 73.9%#998 of 1,063 | 83.8% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 14.7#405 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $15,501#516 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 40.6%#1148 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 13%#950 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 18%#857 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 11.7%#847 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). South Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 15,018 students are enrolled in Rock Hill's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Rock Hill?
The average commute in Rock Hill is 25 minutes (South Carolina 26.3); 0.5% of workers take transit and 11.6% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Rock Hill scores 8.8 of 20 (below average walkable), #866 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 78.2°F and winters 43.6°F, with 42.4 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Rock Hill | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 25 min#782 of 1,312 | 26.3 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 6.6%#788 of 1,312 | 7.8% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 75.8% | 74.9% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.5% | 0.3% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 2.6% | 1.6% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 11.6% | 12.3% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 8.8#866 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). South Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 52.4 | 30.9 | 3.5 |
| Feb | 56.5 | 33.7 | 3.2 |
| Mar | 64.2 | 40.4 | 3.8 |
| Apr | 73.5 | 48 | 3.6 |
| May | 80.3 | 57 | 3.2 |
| Jun | 87.2 | 65.6 | 4 |
| Jul | 90.4 | 69.1 | 4 |
| Aug | 88.6 | 68.2 | 4 |
| Sep | 82.8 | 61.9 | 3.4 |
| Oct | 73.3 | 49.4 | 3 |
| Nov | 62.8 | 39 | 3.3 |
| Dec | 55.1 | 33.3 | 3.6 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Rock Hill York Co Airport.
| Measure | Rock Hill | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 61°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 78.2°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 43.6°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 42.4 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Rock Hill York Co Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Rock Hill?
York County's air had a median air quality index of 43, and 77% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts York County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, earthquake, and hurricane, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 81% of US counties.
| Measure | Rock Hill | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 43#494 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.11%#291 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for York County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, York County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Ice storm | 0.0057% | 88% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0045% | 63% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.0016% | 55% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0077% | 46% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.076% | 44% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Rock Hill compare with similar-size cities?
Rock Hill is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #416 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 75,259.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rock Hill, SCPop. 75,259 | #989 | 50.3 | $68,771 | $1,341/mo | 394 | 25 min |
| Pawtucket, RIPop. 75,893 | #549 | 57.3 | $68,310 | $1,208/mo | 224 | 25.6 min |
| Iowa City, IAPop. 75,752 | #437 | 59.3 | $58,546 | $1,094/mo | 257 | 17.3 min |
| Bismarck, NDPop. 75,556 | #311 | 61.8 | $78,387 | $999/mo | 241 | 15.6 min |
| Apple Valley, CAPop. 75,473 | #1260 | 41.4 | $69,882 | $1,444/mo | 485 | 41.1 min |
| Bowling Green, KYPop. 75,388 | #954 | 50.8 | $48,873 | $998/mo | 187 | 17.8 min |
| Ellicott City, MDPop. 75,257 | #14 | 74.3 | $156,964 | $2,061/mo | no data | 28.2 min |
| Poinciana, FLPop. 75,068 | #1281 | 39.4 | $68,015 | $1,965/mo | no data | 46.8 min |
| Appleton, WIPop. 75,023 | #257 | 63.0 | $80,483 | $1,030/mo | 189 | 19.3 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Rock Hill compare with the rest of South Carolina?
Rock Hill ranks #13 of the 20 South Carolina cities we track, with a score of 50.3 against South Carolina's statewide 49. Its households earn 5% below the South Carolina median. Violent crime is 2% above the statewide rate. Homes are 6% above the typical South Carolina home.
| City | Rank in SC | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Mill, SCPop. 30,775 | #1 | 71.0 | $121,823 | $1,503/mo | 30 |
| Mount Pleasant, SCPop. 93,993 | #2 | 63.8 | $124,755 | $2,159/mo | 132 |
| Bluffton, SCPop. 33,157 | #3 | 63.6 | $111,281 | $2,256/mo | 62 |
| Greer, SCPop. 41,536 | #4 | 61.5 | $82,626 | $1,198/mo | 257 |
| Charleston, SCPop. 154,338 | #5 | 59.8 | $92,414 | $1,722/mo | 279 |
| Goose Creek, SCPop. 48,078 | #6 | 57.2 | $88,178 | $1,690/mo | 247 |
| Aiken, SCPop. 32,521 | #7 | 56.0 | $76,746 | $1,180/mo | 451 |
| Hilton Head Island, SCPop. 37,911 | #8 | 55.9 | $94,657 | $1,479/mo | no data |
| Greenville, SCPop. 72,935 | #9 | 55.7 | $71,472 | $1,312/mo | 466 |
| Summerville, SCPop. 51,654 | #10 | 52.7 | $81,046 | $1,526/mo | 307 |
| Columbia, SCPop. 139,643 | #11 | 50.4 | $55,529 | $1,204/mo | 791 |
| North Charleston, SCPop. 119,913 | #12 | 50.4 | $62,956 | $1,430/mo | 668 |
| Rock Hill, SCPop. 75,259 | #13 | 50.3 | $68,771 | $1,341/mo | 394 |
| Conway, SCPop. 27,263 | #14 | 48.5 | $56,650 | $866/mo | 324 |
| Anderson, SCPop. 30,051 | #15 | 46.7 | $46,933 | $975/mo | 581 |
| Carolina Forest, SCPop. 26,263 | #16 | 46.7 | $74,436 | $1,668/mo | no data |
| Florence, SCPop. 40,408 | #17 | 45.8 | $56,143 | $992/mo | 627 |
| Sumter, SCPop. 43,053 | #18 | 43.8 | $55,592 | $1,076/mo | 710 |
| Myrtle Beach, SCPop. 38,371 | #19 | 40.6 | $60,394 | $1,261/mo | 1,104 |
| Spartanburg, SCPop. 38,910 | #20 | 40.1 | $51,964 | $1,099/mo | 1,478 |
All 20 South Carolina cities we track, by overall score. South Carolina statewide: median income $72,350, violent crime 387.6 per 100,000.
How is Rock Hill's score calculated?
Rock Hill scores 50.3 out of 100, #989 of 1,312 (grade C, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with South Carolina's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Rock Hill. Similar-size median 55.5.
42.9 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Rock Hill's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
66.0 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Rock Hill. Similar-size median 58.9.
40.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Rock Hill's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
48.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Rock Hill's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
70.6 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Rock Hill. Similar-size median 56.1.
46.9 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Rock Hill. Similar-size median 42.4.
38.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Rock Hill. Similar-size median 50.0.
45.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Rock Hill's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
41.1 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
67.5 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Rock Hill's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Rock Hill has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Rock Hill
Is Rock Hill, SC a good place to live?
Rock Hill ranks #989 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #416 of 524 smaller cities and #13 of 20 in South Carolina. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on low graduation rates (73.9%, #410 of 437) and high unemployment (5.2%, #385 of 476).
What is the cost of living in Rock Hill?
Rock Hill's cost of living index is 97.3, 3% below the US level of 100 and #556 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,341/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $323,886, 6% above the typical South Carolina home ($306,323).
What is the crime rate in Rock Hill?
Rock Hill recorded 394 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 20% above the US rate of 328 and 2% above South Carolina's 388. That ranks #705 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #313 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Rock Hill Police Department. Property crime runs 2,190 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Rock Hill?
The median household in Rock Hill earns $68,771, 17% below the US figure of $83,163 and 5% below South Carolina ($72,350). Unemployment is 5.2% (US 4.3%). 12.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Rock Hill?
Median rent in Rock Hill is $1,341/mo (Census), #582 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,488/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 23.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Rock Hill?
The typical home value in Rock Hill is $323,886, down 1.7% in a year, against $306,323 for South Carolina and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $295,100.
How are the public schools in Rock Hill?
Rock Hill's 22 public schools graduate 73.9% of students in four years (South Carolina 83.8%), with 14.7 students per teacher and $15,501 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Rock Hill?
The average commute is 25 minutes, #782 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.3 minutes across South Carolina. 6.6% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Rock Hill?
Rock Hill averages 61°F over the year, 78.2°F in summer and 43.6°F in winter, with 42.4 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Rock Hill walkable?
Rock Hill scores 8.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #866 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Rock Hill at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts York County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, earthquake, and hurricane, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 81% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Rock Hill?
York County's air had a median air quality index of 43, and 77% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Rock Hill?
Rock Hill has 75,259 residents. The median resident of Rock Hill is 35.7 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 35.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #603 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 54.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Rock Hill compare with the rest of South Carolina?
Rock Hill ranks #13 of the 20 South Carolina cities we track, with a score of 50.3 against South Carolina's statewide 49. Its households earn 5% below the South Carolina median. Violent crime is 2% above the statewide rate. Homes are 6% above the typical South Carolina home.
What cities are similar in size to Rock Hill?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Rock Hill's population of 75,259 are Pawtucket, RI (#549 overall), Iowa City, IA (#437 overall), Bismarck, ND (#311 overall), Apple Valley, CA (#1260 overall), and Bowling Green, KY (#954 overall). Rock Hill is #989.