South Hill, VA
Population 4,737 · Virginia
About South Hill, VA
South Hill is a small town located in Virginia with a population of 4,737 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $58,633 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.1 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in South Hill features a median home value of $182,100, which is 26% below the national median of $244,900. This positions South Hill in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,121, 4% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,464 total housing units, 55% are owner-occupied (1,202 units) and 45% are renter-occupied (1,002 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in South Hill shows an unemployment rate of 4.0%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 19.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in South Hill have an average one-way commute time of 19.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
23.9% of South Hill residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 2.1% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, and 2.6% Asian residents, with 10.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in South Hill, VA
Compared to national averages, South Hill has a median household income of $58,633 (22% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $182,100, which is 26% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,121 is 4% below the US average of $1,163. Within Virginia, South Hill's income is 33% below the state average of $87,957, and home values are 44% below the state median of $327,514.
Why Live in South Hill, VA?
South Hill offers affordable housing with a median home value of $182,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,121/month, and short commute times averaging just 19.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($58,633) that falls below the national average. However, South Hill’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
South Hill has a population of 4,737 with a median age of 43.1 years. Compare South Hill with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Virginia.
Similar Cities Near South Hill
Cities in Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berryville | 4,667 | $100,547 | $537,700 | Compare |
| King George | 4,833 | $92,452 | $330,500 | Compare |
| Luray | 4,836 | $55,802 | $243,500 | Compare |
| Rocky Mount | 4,926 | $61,580 | $181,400 | Compare |
| Bethel Manor | 4,512 | $74,918 | $0 | Compare |
| Chamberlayne | 5,000 | $102,656 | $302,500 | Compare |
| Orange | 5,000 | $68,833 | $252,800 | Compare |
| Loch Lomond | 4,460 | $109,873 | $412,900 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Virginia
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare South Hill With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about South Hill
What is the population of South Hill, VA?
The population of South Hill, VA is 4,737 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Virginia.
What is the median household income in South Hill?
The median household income in South Hill, VA is $58,633 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in South Hill?
The median home value in South Hill, VA is $182,100, which is 26% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in South Hill?
The median monthly rent in South Hill, VA is $1,121, which is 4% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in South Hill?
The unemployment rate in South Hill, VA is 4.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is South Hill, VA a good place to live?
South Hill offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 4,737 and a median age of 43.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is South Hill, VA?
23.9% of residents in South Hill aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in South Hill?
Key cost-of-living indicators for South Hill, VA: median home value is $182,100 (26% below national), median rent is $1,121/month, and median household income is $58,633. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in South Hill?
The poverty rate in South Hill, VA is 19.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is South Hill, VA?
South Hill's population is 2.1% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, 2.6% Asian, and 41.9% two or more races. 10.9% of residents are foreign-born.