Median Income
$73,676
2% lower than US avg
Home Value
$265,700
6% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
501/100K
32% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.4%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
19.0%
428% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How South Mills Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population294
Median Age29.6 yrs
Density164/mi²
Male / Female74% / 26%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans62.6%
Economy
B
Median Income$73,676
Per Capita$27,045
Unemployment19.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$226M
Housing
A+
Home Value$265,700
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$407,686
Housing Units230
Rent Burden23.7%
Crime
F
Violent501/100K
Property4,383/100K
Health
Obesity34.4%
Uninsured8.4%
Smoking12.6%
Depression23.6%
Heart Disease4.8%
Climate
Avg Temp62°F (17°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain51.3 in/yr
Sunny Days299/yr
Elevation4 ft (1 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+83.8%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score6.40
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 24%
Broadband90.0%
EV Stations6
Libraries1
Is South Mills a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, South Mills receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment. South Mills offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in South Mills is $73,676, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. At 19.0%, unemployment is notably high. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in South Mills is $265,700, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. A price-to-income ratio of 3.6x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 501 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,383 per 100,000, 124% above the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.8% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
South Mills enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F. Winters average 43°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. With 299 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 51.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
South Mills has a population of 294 with a density of 164 people per square mile, spread across 1.8 square miles. The median age is 29.6 years, 24% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 26.2% female and 73.8% male. The city is predominantly White (95.9%), with 4.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 62.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.1% of residents have a disability. 86.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
29.6yrs
Median Age
24% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
South Mills vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
South Mills vs U.S. Average
The median household income in South Mills is $73,676, which is 2% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,045 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $957, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 19.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 235 business establishments, including 12 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: South Mills vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $73,676 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,045 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $957 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,818 |
| Gini Index | 0.351 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 19.0% |
| 428% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 235 |
| County GDP | $226M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 12 |
| Healthcare | 9 |
| Retail | 18 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,093 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.16% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in South Mills is $265,700, 6% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $407,686, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 100.3% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Fair market rent ranges from $981 for a one-bedroom to $1,161 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 230 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1983. The average annual property tax is $3,093. 23.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.6x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $265,700 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $407,686 |
| Median List Price | $327,166 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $327,166 |
| $/Sq Ft | $176 |
| Homes Sold | 9 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 100.3% |
| Price Drops | 57.1% |
| Inventory | 14 |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $932 |
| 1 Bedroom | $981 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,161 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,499 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 230 |
| Median Year Built | 1983 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,093 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.16% |
In South Mills, 34.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 4.8% of residents, below the national average. 32.0% have high blood pressure. 12.6% are current smokers. 18.5% report binge drinking. 19.5% are physically inactive, below the national average. 23.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.4% experience frequent mental distress. 8.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,417. 62.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: South Mills vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.4% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 4.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.0% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 5.2% |
| Cancer | 6.9% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.6% |
| 10% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.5% |
| Depression | 23.6% |
| Mental Distress | 16.4% |
| Physical Distress | 10.8% |
| Short Sleep | 34.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 86.9% |
| Uninsured | 8.4% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:5,417 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,856 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.5% |
| Dental Visits | 65.0% |
| Premature Death | 9,189/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 62.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 9 |
South Mills has a violent crime rate of 501 per 100,000 residents, 32% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,383 per 100,000, 124% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, South Mills receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: South Mills vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 501.1/100K |
| 32% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,382.8/100K |
| 124% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
South Mills enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F (17°C). Winters average 43°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. The area gets 299 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 51.3 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 4 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
43°F Jan (6°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 62.3°F |
| 15% above US avg |
| January Average | 43°F (6°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 299 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 4 ft (1 m) |
| Area | 1.8 sq mi (4.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 164/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.4379°N, 76.3307°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Camden County County |
| Nearest Airport | Elizabeth City Cg Air Station/Regional (ECG) 15 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
51.3"
35% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
5.51"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 2.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 71.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.9. Most recent: M2.9 on Feb 11, 2014.
| Aug 3, 1995 |
13 km N of Williamsburg, Virginia |
M2.9 |
111 km |
| Feb 11, 2014 |
7 km NW of Hobucken, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
130 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
21 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 3. Most recent: Dorian (2019, Cat 2).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 2 |
153 km |
| 2018 |
Florence |
Category 2 |
260 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 1 |
195 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 2 |
103 km |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
48 km |
| 2010 |
Earl |
Category 2 |
261 km |
| 2005 |
Ophelia |
Category 1 |
199 km |
| 2004 |
Alex |
Category 2 |
162 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 2 |
93 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 2 |
45 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 2 |
209 km |
| 1999 |
Dennis |
Category 2 |
275 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 2 |
81 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 3 |
254 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 2 |
197 km |
| 1993 |
Emily |
Category 3 |
151 km |
| 1991 |
Bob |
Category 3 |
164 km |
| 1986 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
48 km |
| 1985 |
Gloria |
Category 2 |
128 km |
| 1984 |
Diana |
Category 4 |
280 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
316 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 32 fatalities, 453 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 30, 2023 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 2020 |
EF3 |
79 km |
2 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF3 |
68 km |
12 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF3 |
86 km |
2 |
| Apr 28, 2008 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF3 |
85 km |
6 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF3 |
34 km |
2 |
| Sep 5, 1979 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1967 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 1952 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Aug 4, 2020 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2017 |
EF2 |
35 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 2014 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 2014 |
EF2 |
56 km |
1 |
| Aug 26, 2011 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2008 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 9, 2008 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| Oct 17, 1999 |
EF2 |
28 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ALLAN ROAD (110,696 ac, 1985).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1985 |
ALLAN ROAD |
110,696 |
83 km |
| 2008 |
EVANS ROAD |
41,560 |
83 km |
| 2011 |
PAINS BAY |
40,218 |
97 km |
| 2016 |
WHIPPING CREEK ROAD |
12,512 |
98 km |
| 2011 |
LATERAL WEST |
6,188 |
21 km |
| 2008 |
SOUTH 1 |
5,940 |
21 km |
| 2023 |
LAST RESORT |
4,974 |
78 km |
| 2009 |
2-2-1 ROANOKE MARSHES |
4,953 |
84 km |
| 2017 |
NCALR FY17 RX A 2.2 |
3,303 |
85 km |
| 2003 |
ROANOKE MARSH 2 2 5 A |
3,156 |
86 km |
| 2006 |
ROANOKE MARSHES - 2.2.5 |
3,139 |
85 km |
| 1999 |
NORTH RIVER |
3,055 |
32 km |
| 2009 |
SW MASHOES |
2,499 |
70 km |
| 2003 |
FIRST FIRE-CODE 1 |
2,319 |
96 km |
| 2008 |
MCPHERSON ROAD |
2,087 |
10 km |
| 2000 |
QUAD 2 1 2 |
2,068 |
79 km |
| 2022 |
FEREBEE ROAD |
1,954 |
86 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
1,877 |
86 km |
| 2014 |
NCMCR-FY14-RX-MIDDLE MARSH |
1,876 |
35 km |
| 2023 |
NCALR-HFR-FY23-RX-PRESCRIBED FIRE |
1,568 |
86 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
43°F (6°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| February |
42°F (6°C) |
3.6 in |
Coldest |
| March |
50°F (10°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| April |
58°F (15°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
66°F (19°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
5.5 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
5.4 in |
|
| September |
72°F (22°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| October |
62°F (16°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| November |
53°F (12°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| December |
45°F (7°C) |
3.3 in |
|
South Mills has a seasonal temperature swing of 38°F / from 42°F in February to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 48.4 inches, with July being the wettest month (5.5") and November the driest (3.0").
Average costs for common services in South Mills. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$236 ($141–$377) |
| Specialist Visit |
$330 ($189–$519) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$189 ($94–$330) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,075 ($754–$4,715) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$123 ($71–$189) |
| Dental Filling |
$236 ($141–$377) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($24–$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47–$113) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$283 ($141–$472) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$566 ($377–$943) |
| Battery Replacement |
$189 ($94–$330) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($57–$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47–$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$377 ($141–$754) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,601 ($3,772–$11,316) |
| Roof Repair |
$943 ($377–$1,886) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,487 ($5,187–$14,145) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,415 ($472–$3,301) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,145 ($4,715–$28,290) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,715 ($1,886–$9,430) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,415 ($754–$2,829) |
| Will Preparation |
$472 ($189–$943) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,358 ($943–$4,715) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28–$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($71–$236) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$123) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.87 ($2.83–$5.19) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.30 ($2.36–$4.72) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.58 ($2.36–$5.19) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.24 ($2.83–$6.13) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.19 ($3.77–$7.07) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.57–$1.70) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($75–$236) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$113) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47–$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$189 ($71–$472) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,886 ($1,132–$3,301) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$123) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.54–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28–$236) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,132 ($566–$2,358) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$943 ($472–$1,886) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$377 ($189–$660) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24–$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$943 ($377–$2,358) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,788 ($4,715–$28,290) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$57 ($28–$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47–$189) |
| Dog Grooming |
$57 ($28–$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$283 ($141–$472) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$189 ($94–$377) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $783 |
| Toddler | $761 |
| Preschool | $365 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $719 |
| Toddler | $632 |
| Preschool | $565 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About South Mills
What is the population of South Mills?
South Mills has a population of 294 residents and is located in North Carolina. The population density is 164 people per square mile, spread across 1.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 29.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 26.2% female and 73.8% male.
Is South Mills expensive to live in?
South Mills is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.3 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $73,676, 2% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $265,700 (6% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 3.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is South Mills safe?
The violent crime rate in South Mills is 501 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,383 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, South Mills receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in South Mills?
South Mills enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F (17°C). Winter temperatures average 43°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. The area receives 299 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 51.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in South Mills?
The job market in South Mills faces challenges, with unemployment at 19.0% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $957. There are 235 business establishments in the area, including 12 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in South Mills?
The median home value in South Mills is $265,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $407,686. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $3,093.
How are the schools in South Mills?
Schools in South Mills score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 0.0% of adults in South Mills hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.8% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is South Mills?
The obesity rate in South Mills is 34.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.6% of adults are smokers. 19.5% are physically inactive. 23.6% of residents report depression. 8.4% lack health insurance. 62.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,417.
What are the demographics of South Mills?
The racial and ethnic makeup of South Mills is 95.9% White, 4.1% Black or African American. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 62.6% of the population are military veterans. 13.1% of residents have a disability. 86.9% have health insurance coverage.