South Hill, VA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
4,786
1.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$66,023/yr
12.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,607
5.8% year-over-year change

South Hill population

How many people live in South Hill

South Hill is home to 4,786 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.7% of South Hill locals are male, and 53.3% are female.

Total population
4,786
1.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.7%
2,234
Female
53.3%
2,552
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,234 46.7% -1.8%
Female 2,552 53.3% 3.6%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in South Hill is 47, with the population distributed as follows: about 10.2% are children under 15, then 12.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.1% of the population, while another 25.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 26.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
47.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
10.2%
15 to 24
12.1%
25 to 44
26.1%
45 to 64
25.4%
Over 65
26.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 490 10.2% -23.0%
15 to 24 579 12.1% 6.2%
25 to 44 1,251 26.1% -1.1%
45 to 64 1,215 25.4% 21.5%
Over 65 1,251 26.1% -3.1%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In South Hill, 91.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 48.7% of locals are Caucasian, 38.1% are African American and 4.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 4.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
91.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.9%
Non-citizens
4.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 4,366 91.2% 3.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 188 3.9% 1.6%
Non-citizens 232 4.8% -30.1%
Racial breakdown
White
48.7%
Black or African American
38.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
4.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4.7%
Other
3.9%
Value Percent
White 2,330 48.7%
Black or African American 1,824 38.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 18 0.4%
Asian 200 4.2%
Two or more races 226 4.7%
Other 188 3.9%

Households in South Hill

A peek inside South Hill households

South Hill has 2,314 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 53.7% are families, while the remaining 46.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,314
5.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,071
Family households
1,243
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,071 46.3% -2.7%
Family households 1,243 53.7% 12.7%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in South Hill

The housing landscape of South Hill

South Hill's housing consists of 2,607 units, with 65.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5.8% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 3.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,607
5.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,711 65.6%
1 unit, attached 152 5.8%
2 units 149 5.7%
3 or 4 units 118 4.5%
5 to 9 units 191 7.3%
10 to 19 units 91 3.5%
20 to 49 units 101 3.9%
50 or more units 5 0.2%
Mobile home 89 3.4%
Homes built since 2020
51
37.8% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in South Hill

In South Hill, the median construction year is 1980. About 5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 12.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 9.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 129 5% -11.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 187 7.2% 1.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 304 11.7% -1.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 351 13.5% -5.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 326 12.5% 3.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 280 10.7% 61.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 416 16% -9.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 317 12.2% 7.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 246 9.4% 43.0%
Built in 2020 or later 51 2% 37.8%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

South Hill occupancy rates

Out of the 2,314 occupied housing units in South Hill, 54.1% are owner-occupied, while 45.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 11.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,314
5.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,063
Owner occupied
1,251
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,063 45.9% 6.1%
Owner occupied 1,251 54.1% 4.1%
Unoccupied housing units
11.2%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

South Hill housing costs

Housing costs in South Hill come to a median of $1,078 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,132.

Median housing costs per month
$1,078/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in South Hill
$1,132/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in South Hill

South Hill education at a glance

About 36.8% of the population in South Hill went to high school, while 22.8% pursued college studies. Another 9.8% earned an associate degree and 11.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 14% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 192 4.8% 15.7%
High school diploma 1,458 36.8% -11.5%
College diploma 903 22.8% 10.8%
Associate degree 388 9.8% 16.5%
Bachelor's degree 471 11.9% 15.7%
Graduate degree 554 14% 24.8%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in South Hill

How much people earn in South Hill

The average annual household income in South Hill was $121,471 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +37.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $66,023, reflecting a +12.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in South Hill
$121,471/year
37.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in South Hill
$66,023/year
12.6% year-over-year change

South Hill income by age

In South Hill, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $98,682. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $97,685 overall. Overall, 85.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $98,682 2.8%
45 - 64 $97,685 26.8%
Over 65 $37,671 4.4%
Above poverty level
3,936
Below poverty level
668
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,936 85.5% 7.4%
Below poverty level 668 14.5% -19.5%

Average renter income in South Hill

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in South Hill, their median household income was $34,929 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 38.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$34,929
Rent-to-income ratio
38.9%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in South Hill

Workforce and job types in South Hill

The job market in South Hill is powered by 2,445 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 82.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 17.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5% run their own businesses, 67.6% are employed by private companies, and 19.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,445
10.7% year-over-year change
White collar
2,011
Blue collar
434
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,011 82.2% 20.0%
Blue collar 434 17.8% -18.6%
Employer type
Self employees
5%
Private companies
67.6%
Governmental workers
19.2%
Not for profit companies
8.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 122 5% -20.8%
Private companies 1,652 67.6% 9.5%
Governmental workers 469 19.2% 8.6%
Not for profit companies 202 8.3% 77.2%
Unemployment rate
2.6%
-29.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in South Hill stands at 2.6%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in South Hill

How people get around in South Hill

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 2,202 92.7% 13.5%
Bus or trolleybus 4 0.2% N/A
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in South Hill by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
23970 8,109 3,652 $65,170 $101,227

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FAQs about South Hill demographics 

What is the total population of South Hill?

South Hill has a total population of 4,786 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +1.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in South Hill?

The gender ratio in South Hill is as follows:
  • 46.7% males (2,234 residents)
  • 53.3% females (2,552 residents)

What is the median age in South Hill?

The median age in South Hill is 47.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in South Hill?

The age distribution in South Hill is as follows:
  • Under 15: 10.2% (490 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.1% (579 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.1% (1,251 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.4% (1,215 residents)
  • Over 65: 26.1% (1,251 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of South Hill?

The racial and ethnic makeup of South Hill is as follows:
  • White: 48.7% (2,330 residents)
  • Black or African American: 38.1% (1,824 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (18 residents)
  • Asian: 4.2% (200 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.7% (226 residents)
  • Other: 3.9% (188 residents)

What percentage of the population in South Hill are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 91.2% of the population in South Hill.

How many housing units are there in South Hill?

There are 2,607 housing units in South Hill, reflecting a +5.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in South Hill and what is the average household size?

South Hill has a total of 2,314 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in South Hill?

South Hill has a median household income of $66,023, representing a +12.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for South Hill?

The employment rate is 97.4% in South Hill, with a workforce of 2,445 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 82.2% (2,011 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 17.8% (434 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5% (122 residents)
  • Private companies: 67.6% (1,652 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 19.2% (469 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.3% (202 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025