Median Income
$112,437
50% higher than US avg
Home Value
$335,100
19% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
278/100K
27% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
65.0%
93% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,647
42% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
30.9%
4% lower than US avg
Unemployment
2.6%
28% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.9%
60% lower than US avg
How South Hill Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population6,805
Median Age20.1 yrs
Density1,153/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 65%
Veterans0.7%
Economy
A+
Median Income$112,437
Per Capita$21,876
Unemployment2.6%
Poverty4.9%
County GDP$7,966M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$335,100
Rent$1,647
Ownership62.1%
Zillow$287,579
Housing Units1,358
Rent Burden17.6%
Crime
F
Violent278/100K
Property3,347/100K
Health
Obesity30.9%
Uninsured5.6%
Smoking13.5%
Depression24.8%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain38.3 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,243 ft (379 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+65.0%
High School+98.0%
Graduate+42.0%
School Score5.85
Community
2024 VoteR 25% / D 75%
Commute17 min
Broadband96.2%
EV Stations69
Libraries6
Is South Hill a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, South Hill receives an overall livability score of 4.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population. South Hill stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in South Hill is $112,437, which is significantly higher than the national average / 50% above $75,149. This places South Hill among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.6%. Only 4.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in South Hill is $335,100, 19% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $1,647 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. At just 3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in South Hill is below the national average at 278 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,347 per 100,000, 71% above the national average.
Education
South Hill is a highly educated community / 65.0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 98.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
South Hill experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.3 inches, including 62.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
South Hill has a population of 6,805 with a density of 1,153 people per square mile, spread across 6.0 square miles. The median age is 20.1 years, 48% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55% female and 45% male. The city is predominantly White (64.6%), with 8.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 82.6% of residents, while 17.4% speak Spanish. 0.7% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 13.8% of residents have a disability. 93.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
20.1yrs
Median Age
48% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
South Hill vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
82.6%
5% above US avg
Spanish
17.4%
30% above US avg
Social Characteristics
South Hill vs U.S. Average
The median household income in South Hill is $112,437, which is 50% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $21,876 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,342. The unemployment rate is 2.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,766 business establishments, including 308 restaurants. The cost of living index is 107.9, slightly above the national baseline of 100. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 19.4% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: South Hill vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $112,437 |
| 50% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $21,876 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,342 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $84,199 |
| Gini Index | 0.495 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.6% |
| 28% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.9% |
| 60% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,766 |
| County GDP | $7,966M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 308 |
| Healthcare | 284 |
| Retail | 297 |
| Manufacturing | 90 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $10,596 |
| 203% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 107.90 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.16% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 50.2% |
| Public Transit | 2.7% |
| Work from Home | 19.4% |
The median home value in South Hill is $335,100, 19% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $287,579, lower than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 99.2% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,647 (42% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,315 for a one-bedroom to $1,579 for a two-bedroom apartment. 62.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,358 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1990. The average annual property tax is $10,596 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 17.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $335,100 |
| 19% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $287,579 |
| Median List Price | $175,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $175,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $165 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.2% |
| Price Drops | 16.7% |
| Inventory | 6 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,647 |
| 42% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 17.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,215 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,315 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,579 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,976 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,193 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 62.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 62.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 37.9% |
| Housing Units | 1,358 |
| Median Year Built | 1990 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $10,596 |
| 203% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.16% |
In South Hill, 30.9% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 10.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 30.9% have high blood pressure. 13.5% are current smokers. 17.2% report binge drinking. 22.7% are physically inactive. 24.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.8% experience frequent mental distress. 5.6% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,252. The dentist ratio is 1:1,663. 89.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: South Hill vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 30.9% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.9% |
| Asthma | 11.5% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.5% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.7% |
| Depression | 24.8% |
| Mental Distress | 17.8% |
| Physical Distress | 13.3% |
| Short Sleep | 36.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.2% |
| Uninsured | 5.6% |
| 35% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,252 |
| Dentists | 1:1,663 |
| Mental Health | 1:224 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.2% |
| Dental Visits | 60.2% |
| Premature Death | 5,563/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 89.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 284 |
South Hill has a violent crime rate of 278 per 100,000 residents, 27% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,347 per 100,000, 71% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, South Hill receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: South Hill vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 277.8/100K |
| 27% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,346.9/100K |
| 71% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
South Hill experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 38.3 inches. The area receives 62.9 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,243 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 46.3°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,243 ft (379 m) |
| Area | 6.0 sq mi (15.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,153/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.4103°N, 76.4921°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Tompkins County County |
| Nearest Airport | Ithaca Tompkins International (ITH) 6 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.3"
1% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.94"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 73.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 30.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 83.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.3. Most recent: M2.8 on Jun 10, 2025.
| Jun 29, 2024 |
14 km W of Ellisburg, New York |
M3.3 |
147 km |
| Feb 3, 2001 |
6 km W of Bath, New York |
M3.2 |
74 km |
| Jun 10, 2025 |
10 km NW of Forksville, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
95 km |
| Mar 15, 2022 |
5 km SSW of Warsaw, New York |
M2.6 |
139 km |
| Apr 11, 2007 |
6 km NNE of Sodus Point, New York |
M2.6 |
109 km |
| Jan 25, 1999 |
New York |
M2.5 |
117 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
145 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 12 fatalities, 60 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF3 |
95 km |
2 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
85 km |
1 |
| Jun 2, 1969 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 1955 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2018 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2014 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2014 |
EF2 |
95 km |
4 |
| Aug 21, 2011 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2011 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF2 |
31 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2009 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 1990 |
EF2 |
33 km |
0 |
| Oct 14, 1989 |
EF2 |
60 km |
2 |
| Aug 28, 1988 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DRY MARSH (1,018 ac, 2010).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2010 |
DRY MARSH |
1,018 |
67 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
2.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
24°F (-5°C) |
2.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
33°F (0°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (19°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
60°F (15°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.8 in |
|
South Hill has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 23°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (2.2").
Average costs for common services in South Hill. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$270 ($162–$432) |
| Specialist Visit |
$378 ($216–$593) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$216 ($108–$378) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,374 ($863–$5,395) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$140 ($81–$216) |
| Dental Filling |
$270 ($162–$432) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$49 ($27–$81) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$81 ($54–$129) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$324 ($162–$540) |
| Tire Rotation |
$43 ($22–$81) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$647 ($432–$1,079) |
| Battery Replacement |
$216 ($108–$378) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$108 ($65–$162) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$97 ($54–$151) |
| HVAC Repair |
$432 ($162–$863) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,553 ($4,316–$12,948) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,079 ($432–$2,158) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,711 ($5,935–$16,185) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,619 ($540–$3,777) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$16,185 ($5,395–$32,370) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,395 ($2,158–$10,790) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,619 ($863–$3,237) |
| Will Preparation |
$540 ($216–$1,079) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,698 ($1,079–$5,395) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$27 ($16–$49) |
| Women's Haircut |
$59 ($32–$108) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$162 ($81–$270) |
| Manicure |
$27 ($16–$49) |
| Pedicure |
$43 ($27–$70) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$86 ($54–$140) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.42 ($3.24–$5.93) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.78 ($2.70–$5.40) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$4.10 ($2.70–$5.93) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.86 ($3.24–$7.01) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.93 ($4.32–$8.09) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.08 ($0.65–$1.94) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$151 ($86–$270) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$76 ($32–$162) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$76 ($43–$129) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$76 ($43–$108) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$70 ($32–$108) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$92 ($54–$162) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$216 ($81–$540) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,158 ($1,295–$3,777) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$76 ($32–$140) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.63–$27) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$108 ($32–$270) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$32 ($16–$81) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,295 ($647–$2,698) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,079 ($540–$2,158) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$432 ($216–$755) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$54 ($27–$108) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,079 ($432–$2,698) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,488 ($5,395–$32,370) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$65 ($32–$108) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$108 ($54–$216) |
| Dog Grooming |
$65 ($32–$108) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$43 ($22–$81) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$324 ($162–$540) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$216 ($108–$432) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,251 |
| Toddler | $1,191 |
| Preschool | $1,104 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $866 |
| Toddler | $866 |
| Preschool | $857 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About South Hill
What is the population of South Hill?
South Hill has a population of 6,805 residents and is located in New York. The population density is 1,153 people per square mile, spread across 6.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 20.1 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55% female and 45% male.
Is South Hill expensive to live in?
South Hill is slightly more expensive than average, with a cost of living index of 107.9 compared to the national baseline of 100. The median household income is $112,437, 50% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $335,100 (19% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,647 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is South Hill safe?
South Hill is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 278 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,347 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, South Hill receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in South Hill?
South Hill has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.3 inches, with 62.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in South Hill?
The job market in South Hill is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,342. There are 2,766 business establishments in the area, including 308 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 19.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in South Hill?
The median home value in South Hill is $335,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $287,579. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,647. Fair market rent is $1,315 for a 1-bedroom and $1,579 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 62.1%. The average annual property tax is $10,596.
How are the schools in South Hill?
Schools in South Hill score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 65.0% of adults in South Hill hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 98.0% have completed high school. 42.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is South Hill?
The obesity rate in South Hill is 30.9% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 13.5% of adults are smokers. 22.7% are physically inactive. 24.8% of residents report depression. 5.6% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 89.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,252.
What is transportation like in South Hill?
The average commute in South Hill is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 50.2% of workers drive alone to work, 2.7% use public transit, and 19.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of South Hill?
The racial and ethnic makeup of South Hill is 64.6% White, 8.2% Black or African American, 1% Hispanic or Latino. 82.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 17.4% speak Spanish. 0.7% of the population are military veterans. 13.8% of residents have a disability. 93.2% have health insurance coverage.