Everything You Should Know Before Moving to South Hill, WA
Considering a move to South Hill, WA? This growing community of 67,000 offers a suburban vibe with a median home price of $517,000 and typical rents around $2,000. Residents enjoy relatively low violent crime (226 per 100K), a solid household income, and access to respected schools like Emerald Ridge High. The area sees mild weather, with rainy winters and warm summers, and boasts strong owner-occupied housing. With a 32-minute average commute, excellent healthcare facilities, and proximity to Tacoma, South Hill is a great choice for families seeking comfort and convenience in the Puget Sound region.
Demographics - South Hill, WA
Demographics - South Hill, WA
South Hill is a vibrant, suburban community of around 67,000 residents, featuring a balanced gender ratio and a median age of 36.8. The area is moderately diverse, with about 34% of the population identifying as non-White, and nearly one in five residents speaking a language other than English at home. Its comfortable population density offers a blend of community connection and personal space.
Population:
67,000
Density:
3,900 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.8
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
18.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
66.0%
Black:
6.0%
Asian:
11.5%
Others:
16.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in South Hill, WA?
Living in South Hill comes with a cost of living index of 114.5, slightly above the national average, mainly due to housing where the median home value is $517,000 and average rents are around $2,000 per month. Utilities and groceries are moderately priced, and state taxes range from 0% to 9%. Overall, residents can expect a comfortable lifestyle with costs reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.
Median House Value:
$517,000
Gross Rent:
$2,000
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,350
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$700
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
114.5
Grocery:
109.2
Housing:
128.5
Utilities:
93.0
Transportation:
115.0
Health Care:
108.3
Miscellaneous:
103.0
Crime
Is South Hill, WA a safe place to live?
South Hill enjoys relatively low violent crime, with just 226 incidents per 100,000 residents, offering a sense of safety for families. Property crime is more common, with a 1 in 45 chance, but overall crime rates remain comparable to similar suburban areas. The community maintains an active focus on safety and neighborhood well-being.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
226
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,210
Crime Index:
2,436
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 443
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 45
Weather
What is the weather like in South Hill, WA year-round?
South Hill experiences a mild Pacific Northwest climate, with winter lows in the mid-30s and summer highs averaging 77°F. The city gets about 41 inches of annual rainfall, and roughly 44% of days are sunny, making for comfortable, temperate seasons. This weather supports lush greenery and a range of year-round outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
34°F
Max:
46°F
Spring
Min:
44°F
Max:
64°F
Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
77°F
Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
64°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
41.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
44%
Neighbors
Residents of South Hill enjoy a strong sense of community, supported by a median household income of $104,000 and a low poverty rate of 6.7%. Most adults have completed high school, and nearly 28% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The area is family-friendly, with a typical commute of about 33 minutes and low unemployment.
Median Income:
$44,000
Household Income:
$104,000
Family Income:
$112,500
Per Capita Income:
$36,000
Income Male:
$55,000
Income Female:
$45,000
Poverty Rate:
6.7%
Non English Speakers:
18.2%
Rent:
$2,000
Unemployment Rate:
4.8%
Public Transport Usage:
1.9%
Commute Time:
32.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
94.1%
Bachelors or More:
27.5%
Education
How are the schools in South Hill, WA?
South Hill offers access to well-regarded public and private schools, including Emerald Ridge High and Ballou Junior High, both known for their strong academic environments. Families can also choose from local private options and benefit from nearby colleges such as Pierce College Puyallup, just 3 miles away. The area’s educational opportunities make it appealing for students of all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Emerald Ridge High School
Street:
12405 184th St E
Phone:
253-435-6300
Students:
1,700
Student Teacher Ratio:
22:1
Name:
Ballou Junior High
Street:
9916 136th St E
Phone:
253-841-8729
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
20:1
Private Schools
Name:
Cascade Christian Schools - Puyallup Elementary
Street:
601 9th Ave SE
Phone:
253-845-5722
Students:
350
Colleges
Name:
Pierce College Puyallup
City:
Puyallup
State:
WA
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
6,000
Name:
University of Washington Tacoma
City:
Tacoma
State:
WA
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
5,400
Healthcare
South Hill residents have convenient access to quality healthcare, including MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital offering emergency and surgical services nearby. The community benefits from an above-average physician availability and a 95% health insurance coverage rate. Healthcare services are rated positively, supporting a healthy and active population.
Major Hospitals
Name:
MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital
Address:
401 15th Ave SE, Puyallup, WA 98372
Phone:
(253) 697-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.1%
Health Care Index:
74.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in South Hill, WA?
The South Hill housing market is robust, with a median home price of $517,000 and 74% of homes owner-occupied. Home values have appreciated by nearly 4% over the past year, and rental options are available with a modest 4% vacancy rate. The area sees stable demand and steady new construction, making it attractive for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$517,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,000
Owner Occupied Rate:
74.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.7%
New Construction Rate:
2.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Local DMV services are managed by the Washington State Department of Licensing, with easy access to offices and online resources. Residents can handle vehicle registration, licensing, and other driving-related tasks conveniently through the state’s Olympia office or website. The process is designed to be user-friendly and efficient for South Hill residents.
State:
Washington
Department:
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address:
405 Black Lake Blvd SW, Olympia, WA 98502
Phone:
360-902-3900
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.