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Is South Hill a Good Place to Live? South Hill, Washington: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
South Hill ranks #801 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #341 of 524 smaller cities and #23 of 26 in Washington. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($113,130, #112 of 524) and low poverty (7.2%, #118 of 524), and trails on long commutes (33.9 min, #486 of 524) and high rents ($2,088/mo, #426 of 524).
South Hill by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with South Hill's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
No crime figure is shown for South Hill: no police agency reports to the FBI for it alone. See Is South Hill safe?
What is the cost of living in South Hill?
South Hill's cost of living index is 111.1, 11% above the US level of 100 and #1132 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,088/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $543,600.
| Measure | South Hill | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 111.1#1132 of 1,308 | 107 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $543,600#1018 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $2,088/mo#1131 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 4.8x#802 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 22.1%#689 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). Washington 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.
Is South Hill safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for South Hill alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a South Hill crime rate or rank it on safety. Washington as a whole records 284 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What do people earn in South Hill?
The median household in South Hill earns $113,130, 36% above the US figure of $83,163 and 14% above Washington ($99,389). 7.2% of residents live below the poverty line.
| Measure | South Hill | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $113,130#203 of 1,312 | $99,389 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 7.2%#254 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
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). Washington is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in South Hill?
The median resident of South Hill is 35.3 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 32.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #690 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 70.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | South Hill | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 35.3 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 32.9%#690 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 70.5% | 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 South Hill's schools and health?
We have too few school records for South Hill to describe its public schools. 36.5% of adults are obese and 9.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | South Hill | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 36.5%#912 of 1,311 | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 9.6%#319 of 1,311 | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 18.5%#951 of 1,311 | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 8%#372 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). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
What are the commute and weather like in South Hill?
The average commute in South Hill is 33.9 minutes (Washington 27.2); 1.3% of workers take transit and 15.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index South Hill scores 8.5 of 20 (below average walkable), #933 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 62.5°F and winters 39.8°F, with 45.1 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | South Hill | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 33.9 min#1247 of 1,312 | 27.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 16%#1242 of 1,312 | 9.3% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 74.8% | 65.1% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.3% | 4.2% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 0.9% | 3.3% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.1% | 0.8% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 15.1% | 16.4% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 8.5#933 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). Washington 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 | 46.1 | 33.3 | 6.1 |
| Feb | 48 | 33.1 | 4.3 |
| Mar | 52.4 | 35.7 | 4.8 |
| Apr | 57.3 | 38.7 | 3.9 |
| May | 64.3 | 44.5 | 3 |
| Jun | 69 | 49 | 2.3 |
| Jul | 75.7 | 52.4 | 0.9 |
| Aug | 76.5 | 52.6 | 0.9 |
| Sep | 69.6 | 48.2 | 1.8 |
| Oct | 59.1 | 41.7 | 4.1 |
| Nov | 50.3 | 36.1 | 7.1 |
| Dec | 45 | 32.9 | 6 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Mcmillin Rsvr.
| Measure | South Hill | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 50.5°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 62.5°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 39.8°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 45.1 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 Mcmillin Rsvr.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in South Hill?
Pierce County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 73% 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 Pierce County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, volcanic activity, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.23% of building value, higher than 80% of US counties.
| Measure | South Hill | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 44#571 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% | 0.23%#1005 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 Pierce County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Pierce County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.13% | 98% of counties |
| Volcanic activity | 0.0017% | 97% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.067% | 32% 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 South Hill compare with similar-size cities?
South Hill is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #341 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 68,025.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Hill, WAPop. 68,025 | #801 | 53.3 | $113,130 | $2,088/mo | no data | 33.9 min |
| Grand Junction, COPop. 68,142 | #730 | 54.5 | $70,080 | $1,142/mo | 536 | 15.8 min |
| Gary, INPop. 68,113 | #1312 | 31.1 | $38,731 | $1,012/mo | 1,393 | 25.9 min |
| Eagan, MNPop. 68,000 | #162 | 65.7 | $108,690 | $1,679/mo | 130 | 21.2 min |
| Delray Beach, FLPop. 67,979 | #475 | 58.5 | $82,041 | $1,961/mo | 292 | 23 min |
| Madera, CAPop. 67,831 | #1230 | 43.6 | $63,933 | $1,353/mo | 432 | 25.7 min |
| Idaho Falls, IDPop. 67,725 | #448 | 59.0 | $73,110 | $1,075/mo | 301 | 18.9 min |
| Haverhill, MAPop. 67,698 | #444 | 59.1 | $88,326 | $1,668/mo | 330 | 27.4 min |
| Rockville, MDPop. 67,671 | #40 | 71.4 | $128,649 | $2,274/mo | 108 | 30.7 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 South Hill compare with the rest of Washington?
South Hill ranks #23 of the 26 Washington cities we track, with a score of 53.3 against Washington's statewide 61.8. Its households earn 14% above the Washington median.
| City | Rank in WA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redmond, WAPop. 77,353 | #1 | 71.1 | $162,560 | $2,409/mo | 104 |
| Kirkland, WAPop. 92,621 | #2 | 70.3 | $150,414 | $2,401/mo | 67 |
| Bellevue, WAPop. 151,847 | #3 | 70.0 | $165,576 | $2,572/mo | 114 |
| Shoreline, WAPop. 61,431 | #4 | 64.9 | $112,751 | $1,985/mo | 138 |
| Sammamish, WAPop. 66,463 | #5 | 64.2 | $239,690 | $2,857/mo | part year |
| Seattle, WAPop. 754,195 | #6 | 61.1 | $123,860 | $2,030/mo | 706 |
| Richland, WAPop. 62,753 | #7 | 60.2 | $95,813 | $1,468/mo | 257 |
| Renton, WAPop. 105,317 | #8 | 59.1 | $100,432 | $1,998/mo | 258 |
| Lacey, WAPop. 57,737 | #9 | 59.0 | $90,625 | $1,870/mo | 220 |
| Marysville, WAPop. 73,002 | #10 | 58.8 | $103,974 | $1,997/mo | 168 |
| Kennewick, WAPop. 85,295 | … #19 | 54.3 | $73,576 | $1,240/mo | 318 |
| Spokane, WAPop. 230,293 | #20 | 53.8 | $70,064 | $1,215/mo | 613 |
| Federal Way, WAPop. 99,493 | #21 | 53.8 | $86,909 | $1,797/mo | 353 |
| Bellingham, WAPop. 93,438 | #22 | 53.8 | $66,755 | $1,577/mo | 263 |
| South Hill, WAPop. 68,025 | #23 | 53.3 | $113,130 | $2,088/mo | no data |
| Lakewood, WAPop. 62,937 | #24 | 47.9 | $74,720 | $1,525/mo | 514 |
| Tacoma, WAPop. 222,758 | #25 | 47.7 | $85,884 | $1,676/mo | 866 |
| Yakima, WAPop. 96,961 | #26 | 47.7 | $62,815 | $1,117/mo | 522 |
The top 10 of the 26 and the cities ranked either side of South Hill among the Washington cities we track, by overall score. Washington statewide: median income $99,389, violent crime 283.9 per 100,000.
How is South Hill's score calculated?
South Hill scores 53.3 out of 100, #801 of 1,312 (grade C+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 7 of 11 categories with local data; safety, education, growth, and outdoor access are left out rather than filled with Washington'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, some inputs missing · 24% of score
Median household income and unemployment in South Hill. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 55.5.
67.9 - HealthCity data · 19% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in South Hill. Similar-size median 58.9.
51.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 16% of score
South Hill's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
43.0 - Household financesCity data · 13% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in South Hill. Similar-size median 56.1.
76.2 - TransportationCity data · 11% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in South Hill. Similar-size median 50.0.
36.4 - WalkabilityCity data · 11% of score
The EPA's walkability index across South Hill's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
39.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 6% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
36.3 - SafetyNot scored
No FBI figures from a police agency serving South Hill alone.
— - EducationNot scored
Too few school records for South Hill.
— - GrowthNot scored
The Census does not estimate yearly population for South Hill.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: South 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 South 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 South Hill
Is South Hill, WA a good place to live?
South Hill ranks #801 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #341 of 524 smaller cities and #23 of 26 in Washington. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($113,130, #112 of 524) and low poverty (7.2%, #118 of 524), and trails on long commutes (33.9 min, #486 of 524) and high rents ($2,088/mo, #426 of 524).
What is the cost of living in South Hill?
South Hill's cost of living index is 111.1, 11% above the US level of 100 and #1132 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,088/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $543,600.
Is South Hill safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for South Hill alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a South Hill crime rate or rank it on safety. Washington as a whole records 284 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What is the median household income in South Hill?
The median household in South Hill earns $113,130, 36% above the US figure of $83,163 and 14% above Washington ($99,389). 7.2% of residents live below the poverty line.
How much is rent in South Hill?
Median rent in South Hill is $2,088/mo (Census), #1131 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 22.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in South Hill?
The Census median value of owner-occupied homes in South Hill is $543,600, #1018 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest).
How are the public schools in South Hill?
We have too few school records for South Hill to describe its public schools.
How long is the commute in South Hill?
The average commute is 33.9 minutes, #1247 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27.2 minutes across Washington. 16% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in South Hill?
South Hill averages 50.5°F over the year, 62.5°F in summer and 39.8°F in winter, with 45.1 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is South Hill walkable?
South Hill scores 8.5 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #933 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 South Hill at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Pierce County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, volcanic activity, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.23% of building value, higher than 80% of US counties.
How is the air quality in South Hill?
Pierce County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 73% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in South Hill?
South Hill has 68,025 residents. The median resident of South Hill is 35.3 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 32.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #690 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 70.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does South Hill compare with the rest of Washington?
South Hill ranks #23 of the 26 Washington cities we track, with a score of 53.3 against Washington's statewide 61.8. Its households earn 14% above the Washington median.
What cities are similar in size to South Hill?
The tracked cities in other states closest to South Hill's population of 68,025 are Grand Junction, CO (#730 overall), Gary, IN (#1312 overall), Eagan, MN (#162 overall), Delray Beach, FL (#475 overall), and Madera, CA (#1230 overall). South Hill is #801.