Cost of Living in South Hill, VA

Population 4,737 · Virginia · Data vintage 2023

70
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Under 25,000 residents gives South Hill a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $182,000.

South Hill is about 65 miles southwest of Richmond, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 44% lower than Richmond's $328,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 60
Rent 85

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in South Hill

The median home value in South Hill is $182,100 — 40% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,121/month, 15% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $58,633/year is 21% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.0%, below the national average of 4.8%. Virginia's top state income tax rate is 5.8% and the combined sales tax is 5.6%. The climate averages highs of 70.8°F and lows of 50.4°F. Overall, South Hill has a cost of living index of 70 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 30% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$182,100
40% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$210,195
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,121/mo
15% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
13.5x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
0.8%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$970
1 BR
$989
2 BR
$1,200
3 BR
$1,645
4 BR
$1,885
Owner-occupied 54.5%
Renter-occupied 45.5%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,121
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,735/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
21.1 min
22% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
5.5%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
89.7%
Carpooled
4.5%
Work from home
5.5%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 5.8%
Total Sales Tax 5.6%
State rate 4.3%
Avg local rate 1.3%
Property Tax 0.8%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$58,633
21% below avg
Per Capita Income
$42,017
Unemployment Rate
4.0%
18% below avg
Poverty Rate
19.7%
Labor Force Participation
57.0%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 11.4%
Graduate degree 12.5%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 43.1
Male median age 33
Female median age 56.9

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
70.8°F
Avg Low
50.4°F
30° 45° 60° 75° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 515462717886908782726254
Low °F 323440485866706862514135

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in South Hill, VA?

South Hill has a cost index of 70 (100 = national average). It is 30% below the national average.

What is average rent in South Hill, VA?

The median gross rent in South Hill is $1,121 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in South Hill?

The median home value in South Hill is $182,100 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in South Hill?

The median household income in South Hill is $58,633 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in South Hill, VA?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in South Hill is 5.6%. The Virginia state income tax top rate is 5.8%.

Is South Hill, VA affordable?

Yes, South Hill is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 70 — about 30% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in South Hill?

South Hill has average high temperatures of 70.8°F and average lows of 50.4°F. Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

South Hill at a Glance

Population
4,737
Median Income
$58,633
Home Value
$182,100
Median Rent
$1,121/mo
Unemployment
4.0%
Avg High Temp
70.8°F
Sales Tax
5.6%
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