Is South Hill Safe, Pros and cons of living in South Hill
South Hill, Washington, offers a blend of suburban comfort and convenient access to the greater Puget Sound region. This Census-Designated Place (CDP) in Pierce County is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and proximity to natural attractions, making it a desirable location for many. Its strategic position allows residents to enjoy a quieter lifestyle while remaining connected to urban centers like Tacoma and Seattle.
The community boasts a growing population and a diverse demographic makeup, reflecting its increasing appeal. With a variety of housing options and a generally pleasant climate, South Hill presents a compelling picture for those considering a move to the Pacific Northwest. The following sections will delve into the specifics of living in South Hill, covering safety, cost of living, employment, education, and more.
Is it Safe to Live in South Hill?
South Hill’s safety profile is a mixed bag, with some sources indicating higher crime rates than national averages, while others point to specific areas being safer. Overall crime rates in South Hill are reported to be 26% higher than the national average (according to AreaVibes). However, violent crimes are noted as being 13% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). One analysis suggests that South Hill ranks in the 29th percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than only 29% of U.S. cities (according to CrimeGrade.org).
Your chance of being a victim of crime in South Hill varies by neighborhood, with some areas offering a lower risk than others. For instance, residents generally consider the southeast part of the city to be the safest, with a chance of being a victim of crime ranging from 1 in 22 in the north to 1 in 60 in the southeast (according to CrimeGrade.org). Despite the overall crime rate, the cost of crime per resident in South Hill is reported to be $420 per year, which is less than the national average and Washington’s state average (according to CrimeGrade.org).
Cost of Living in South Hill
The cost of living in South Hill is generally considered to be comparable to the state average for Washington, with some aspects being more affordable. Housing costs, in particular, are noted as being lower than average, making homeownership and renting more accessible for many. The median home value in South Hill is around $543,600 (according to Data USA), and the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,400 to $2,088 per month, depending on the source and specific details (according to Home.LLC and HotPads).
To comfortably live in South Hill and rent, an annual income of about $48,000 is suggested, while purchasing a home would require an estimated annual income of $70,000 (according to Home.LLC). The median household income in South Hill was $113,130 in 2024 (according to Data USA), which is significantly higher than these estimated living costs. This suggests that for many residents, the cost of living is manageable, especially when considering the median income levels.
Housing Market
South Hill’s housing market presents a dynamic picture for both buyers and renters. The median listing price for a home in South Hill is approximately $599,300, with homes selling after an average of 33 days on the market (according to realtor.com® and Redfin). This indicates a somewhat competitive market where properties are generally moving, though potentially at a slightly slower pace than in previous periods.
For renters, the median rent is around $2,088 per month (according to HotPads). Rent prices have seen some fluctuations, with a month-over-month increase of 4.41% but a year-over-year decline of 19.26% (according to realtor.com®). This suggests that while demand may be steady, there could be more favorable pricing for renters compared to the previous year.
Income and Employment
The average annual household income in South Hill is approximately $133,714, with a median household income of $113,130 (according to the U.S. Census Bureau and Data USA). The employment rate in South Hill is robust, standing at 93.88% (according to BestNeighborhood.org), with the majority of residents driving alone to work, and an average commute time of 33.9 minutes (according to Data USA).
Key employment sectors in South Hill include Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Educational Services (according to Data USA). The broader Pierce County area, which includes South Hill, sees major employers such as MultiCare Health System and the Puyallup School District (according to Home.LLC). The average salary in South Hill is around $48,223 annually, though this figure can vary significantly based on occupation and experience (according to ZipRecruiter).
Climate in South Hill
South Hill experiences a Mediterranean climate with warm summers and cool, wet winters. The average annual temperature is around 53.26°F, which is slightly lower than the U.S. average (according to WorldWeatherOnline and Data USA). Summers are generally warm and pleasant, with average high temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to the mid-70s Fahrenheit. August is typically the warmest month, with average highs around 79°F.
Winters are characterized by overcast skies, rain, and cooler temperatures, with average lows in the mid-30s Fahrenheit. December is usually the coldest month, with average lows around 35°F. The area receives a significant amount of precipitation, with an average of about 43-44 inches annually (according to Livability.com and Home.LLC), with November being the wettest month. Snowfall is minimal, averaging around 5-6 inches per year, mostly occurring in the winter months (according to Livability.com and Home.LLC).
Education in South Hill
South Hill is served by several school districts, with the Puyallup School District and Sumner-Bonney Lake School District being prominent. Niche.com provides ratings for various schools in the area, with institutions like Sumner Middle School receiving a high rating of 4.67 out of 5, and Ridgecrest Elementary School earning a perfect 5 out of 5 rating (according to Niche.com). Emerald Ridge High School, part of the Puyallup School District, has a rating of 3.78 out of 5 based on numerous reviews (according to Niche.com).
The quality of education in South Hill is generally considered good, with a focus on providing a solid academic foundation for students. The Puyallup School District is recognized as one of the better districts in Washington State, reflecting a commitment to educational excellence within the community. Overall, families can find a range of well-regarded public schools catering to different age groups.
Demographics of South Hill
South Hill is home to a population of approximately 68,025 residents as of 2024 (according to Data USA). The median age in South Hill is around 35.3 years (according to Data USA and Wikipedia). The population is fairly balanced in terms of gender, with slightly more males than females reported in some datasets (according to Data USA).
The racial makeup of South Hill is predominantly White, accounting for about 61.25% of the population, followed by other groups including Two or more races (18.48%), Black or African American (7.77%), and Asian (7.5%) (according to Data USA). A significant portion of the residents are U.S. citizens, with over 95% holding citizenship (according to Data USA). The poverty rate in South Hill is reported at 7.16%, which is lower than the national average (according to Data USA).
Major Employers and Economic Landscape
South Hill and the surrounding Pierce County area benefit from a diverse employment landscape. Major employers in the vicinity include MultiCare Health System, a prominent healthcare provider, and the Puyallup School District, a significant employer of educators and staff (according to Home.LLC). Other notable employers in the broader region include retail giants like Costco and Walmart, as well as construction and manufacturing firms (according to Tacoma News Tribune).
The economy of Pierce County (East Central)–Puyallup City & South Hill PUMA, WA, employs a substantial workforce, with key industries being Construction, Elementary & Secondary Schools, and Restaurants & Food Services (according to Data USA). The area also sees high-paying industries such as Other health care services and Securities, commodities, funds, trusts & other financial investments, indicating a varied economic base.