Median Income
$43,478
42% lower than US avg
Home Value
$84,100
70% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
583/100K
53% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.0%
58% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$920
21% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
45.1%
40% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.4%
33% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
22.1%
78% higher than US avg
How South Rosemary Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,522
Median Age46.5 yrs
Density412/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 32%
Veterans6.7%
Economy
B
Median Income$43,478
Per Capita$26,277
Unemployment2.4%
Poverty22.1%
County GDP$1,936M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$84,100
Rent$920
Ownership69.7%
Zillow$115,378
Housing Units1,352
Rent Burden33.6%
Crime
F
Violent583/100K
Property6,589/100K
Health
Obesity45.1%
Uninsured15.7%
Smoking23.0%
Depression25.2%
Heart Disease8.0%
Climate
Avg Temp61°F (16°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Sunny Days318/yr
Elevation206 ft (63 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.0%
High School+73.6%
Graduate+1.0%
School Score4.18
Community
2024 VoteR 41% / D 59%
Commute19 min
Broadband77.6%
EV Stations5
Libraries6
Is South Rosemary a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, South Rosemary receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. South Rosemary has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in South Rosemary is $43,478, 42% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.4%. The poverty rate of 22.1% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in South Rosemary is $84,100, 70% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $920 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 583 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 6,589 per 100,000, 236% above the national average.
Education
14.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 73.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.2/10.
Climate & Weather
South Rosemary enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F. Winters average 41°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. With 318 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
South Rosemary has a population of 2,522 with a density of 412 people per square mile, spread across 6.1 square miles. The median age is 46.5 years, 20% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.1% female and 44.9% male. The city is predominantly Black (64.8%), with 31.8% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 6.7% of the population are veterans. 25.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
46.5yrs
Median Age
20% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
South Rosemary 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 Rosemary vs U.S. Average
The median household income in South Rosemary is $43,478, which is 42% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,277 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $905, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 22.1% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,094 business establishments, including 99 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 22.2% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: South Rosemary vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $43,478 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,277 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $905 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $54,123 |
| Gini Index | 0.492 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.4% |
| 33% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 22.1% |
| 78% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,094 |
| County GDP | $1,936M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 99 |
| Healthcare | 132 |
| Retail | 211 |
| Manufacturing | 31 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,220 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.83% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 71.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 22.2% |
The median home value in South Rosemary is $84,100, 70% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $115,378, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $920 (21% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $981 for a one-bedroom to $1,161 for a two-bedroom apartment. 69.7% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,352 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1987. The average annual property tax is $3,220. 33.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $84,100 |
| 70% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $115,378 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $920 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 33.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $932 |
| 1 Bedroom | $981 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,161 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,499 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 69.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 69.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 30.3% |
| Housing Units | 1,352 |
| Median Year Built | 1987 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,220 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.83% |
In South Rosemary, 45.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 16.7% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 8.0% of residents, above the national average. 45.1% have high blood pressure. 23.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 12.7% report binge drinking. 36.5% are physically inactive, above the national average. 25.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.8% experience frequent mental distress. 15.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,099. The dentist ratio is 1:3,190. 51.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: South Rosemary vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 45.1% |
| 40% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 16.7% |
| Heart Disease | 8.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 45.1% |
| Asthma | 13.1% |
| COPD | 10.9% |
| Cancer | 5.8% |
| Stroke | 5.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 23.0% |
| 64% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 12.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 36.5% |
| Depression | 25.2% |
| Mental Distress | 21.8% |
| Physical Distress | 17.2% |
| Short Sleep | 42.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.5% |
| Uninsured | 15.7% |
| 83% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,099 |
| Dentists | 1:3,190 |
| Mental Health | 1:570 |
| Checkup Rate | 80.1% |
| Dental Visits | 45.5% |
| Premature Death | 15,815/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 51.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 132 |
South Rosemary has a violent crime rate of 583 per 100,000 residents, 53% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 6,589 per 100,000, 236% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 14 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, South Rosemary receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: South Rosemary vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 583.3/100K |
| 53% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 6,588.9/100K |
| 236% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 14 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
South Rosemary enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F (16°C). Winters average 41°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. The area gets 318 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 206 feet.
Temperature
41°F Jan (5°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 60.6°F |
| 12% above US avg |
| January Average | 41°F (5°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 318 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 206 ft (63 m) |
| Area | 6.1 sq mi (15.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 412/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.4534°N, 77.7134°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Halifax County County |
| Nearest Airport | Halifax/Northampton Regional (RZZ) 10 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.69"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 72.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 93.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 21.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
No Rating |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
12 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M3.0 on May 6, 2025.
| Oct 21, 1998 |
13 km S of Dillwyn, Virginia |
M3.8 |
126 km |
| Mar 15, 1991 |
7 km NNW of Goochland, Virginia |
M3.8 |
145 km |
| May 5, 2003 |
Virginia |
M3.6 |
132 km |
| May 22, 2014 |
15 km ENE of Cumberland, Virginia |
M3.1 |
124 km |
| May 6, 2025 |
8 km S of Dillwyn, Virginia |
M3.0 |
131 km |
| Aug 3, 1995 |
13 km N of Williamsburg, Virginia |
M2.9 |
138 km |
| Jan 14, 2025 |
1 km NNE of Wyndham, Virginia |
M2.8 |
140 km |
| Mar 13, 2017 |
6 km ENE of Goochland, Virginia |
M2.6 |
139 km |
| Feb 26, 2015 |
4 km NNE of Goochland, Virginia |
M2.5 |
141 km |
| Sep 23, 2019 |
3 km WNW of Wyndham, Virginia |
M2.5 |
140 km |
| Sep 3, 2001 |
Virginia |
M2.5 |
112 km |
| Apr 29, 2000 |
3 km N of Glen Allen, Virginia |
M2.5 |
140 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
19 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Isaias (2020, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2020 |
Isaias |
Category 1 |
293 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 2 |
236 km |
| 2018 |
Florence |
Category 2 |
240 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 1 |
249 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 2 |
201 km |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
159 km |
| 2005 |
Ophelia |
Category 1 |
250 km |
| 2004 |
Alex |
Category 2 |
252 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 2 |
28 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 2 |
292 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 2 |
117 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 2 |
167 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 3 |
165 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 2 |
162 km |
| 1993 |
Emily |
Category 3 |
270 km |
| 1991 |
Bob |
Category 3 |
274 km |
| 1986 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
162 km |
| 1985 |
Gloria |
Category 2 |
226 km |
| 1984 |
Diana |
Category 4 |
274 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
323 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 36 fatalities, 778 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 6, 1993 |
EF4 |
87 km |
4 |
| Sep 27, 2024 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 2024 |
EF3 |
92 km |
1 |
| Jul 19, 2023 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 2020 |
EF3 |
97 km |
2 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF3 |
80 km |
12 |
| Nov 15, 2008 |
EF3 |
80 km |
1 |
| Apr 28, 2008 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1990 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Oct 14, 1986 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1984 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF3 |
91 km |
2 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF3 |
58 km |
6 |
| May 22, 1983 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1978 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1972 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Mar 24, 1969 |
EF3 |
99 km |
1 |
| Nov 8, 1957 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 1953 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Aug 4, 2020 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
6 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: OLD STAGE ROAD (2,238 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
OLD STAGE ROAD |
2,238 |
62 km |
| 2008 |
LYNCH ROAD |
1,824 |
31 km |
| 2008 |
POCAHONTAS ROAD |
1,146 |
41 km |
| 2008 |
SYCAMORE SHORES |
1,044 |
24 km |
| 2008 |
HIGHWAY 1 |
766 |
76 km |
| 2017 |
VAGDR FY17 RX DGIF SUPPORT |
674 |
77 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
41°F (5°C) |
3.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
42°F (5°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| March |
49°F (10°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| April |
58°F (14°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| May |
66°F (19°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
4.7 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| September |
71°F (22°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
60°F (15°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| November |
51°F (10°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
42°F (6°C) |
3.3 in |
|
South Rosemary has a seasonal temperature swing of 38°F / from 41°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 44.3 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.7") and October the driest (3.0").
Average costs for common services in South Rosemary. 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 | $755 |
| Toddler | $560 |
| Preschool | $479 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $618 |
| Toddler | $546 |
| Preschool | $512 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About South Rosemary
What is the population of South Rosemary?
South Rosemary has a population of 2,522 residents and is located in North Carolina. The population density is 412 people per square mile, spread across 6.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.1% female and 44.9% male.
Is South Rosemary expensive to live in?
South Rosemary 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 $43,478, 42% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $84,100 (70% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $920 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is South Rosemary safe?
The violent crime rate in South Rosemary is 583 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 6,589 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, South Rosemary receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in South Rosemary?
South Rosemary enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F (16°C). Winter temperatures average 41°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 318 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in South Rosemary?
The job market in South Rosemary is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $905. There are 1,094 business establishments in the area, including 99 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 22.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in South Rosemary?
The median home value in South Rosemary is $84,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $115,378. For renters, the median monthly rent is $920. Fair market rent is $981 for a 1-bedroom and $1,161 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 69.7%. The average annual property tax is $3,220.
How are the schools in South Rosemary?
Schools in South Rosemary have an average test score of 4.2 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 14.0% of adults in South Rosemary hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 73.6% have completed high school. 1.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is South Rosemary?
The obesity rate in South Rosemary is 45.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 23.0% of adults are smokers. 36.5% are physically inactive. 25.2% of residents report depression. 15.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 51.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,099.
What is transportation like in South Rosemary?
The average commute in South Rosemary is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 71.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 22.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of South Rosemary?
The racial and ethnic makeup of South Rosemary is 31.8% White, 64.8% Black or African American, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 6.7% of the population are military veterans. 25.9% of residents have a disability. 92.5% have health insurance coverage.