Living in Rock Hill, SC
Rock Hill is the 509th-largest city in the US, home to about 76,000 people in 2025. It has grown 2.1% since 2020. Prices across the metro area run close to the national average (97.3 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population, 2025
- 75,911+2.1% since 2020
- Median home value
- $295,1004.3 years of median income
- Median rent
- $1,341/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $68,771median, per year
- Price level
- 97.3US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 52° / 90°lows 31° / 69°
- Average commute
- 25 min12% work from home
- State income tax
- 6%top rate, graduated
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County: York County
Time zone: Eastern Time (UTC-5, UTC-4 in summer)
Elevation: about 679 ft
Metro area: Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
Cost of living in Rock Hill
The median home in Rock Hill is worth $295,100 and the median household earns $68,771 a year, so a typical home costs about 4.3 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $1,341 a month, about 23% of the median household's income. BEA puts overall prices in the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC metro area at 97.3, with housing at 97.6 and goods at 96.6 (US = 100). In practice, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced place stretches about as far as $73,000 here. South Carolina taxes wages at a top rate of 6%. The average combined state and local sales tax in South Carolina is 7.49%.
What would my salary be worth in Rock Hill?
Rock Hill weather
Average highs run from 52°F in January to 90°F in July, and January nights average 31°F. It gets 42 inches of rain and melted snow a year and 1 inches of snow. Expect about 55 days a year at 90°F or hotter. Nights drop below freezing about 65 times a year. The most comfortable months are April to May and September to October.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Rock Hill
People and work
The median resident is 35.7 years old, and 35% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 54% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 25 minutes; 12% of workers work from home.
- Median age
- 35.7228th youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 35%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 54%of households
- People per sq mile
- 1,70644.5 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 1%3% walk, 0.3% bike
- Unemployment
- 5.8%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 12.6%of residents
- Typical home built
- 1994median year
Who moves to Rock Hill, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from Charleston (Charleston County), Suffolk County, NY and Horry County, SC. People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to Horry County, SC, Charleston (Charleston County) and Raleigh (Wake County). See the map and full lists
IRS county-to-county migration, 2022 to 2023 tax years. Where Americans are moving.
Natural hazards, home prices and air quality
Natural hazard risk
Relatively Moderate
FEMA rating for York County, scored against every US county. Biggest risks: ice storm, tornado, strong wind, lightning.
Home prices
+1.5% in a year
Up 50% over five years. FHFA house price index for the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC area, 2026 Q2.
Air quality, 2025
46% good days
0 days unhealthy at least for sensitive groups. EPA daily air quality index for the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC area (365 days measured).
FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025) combines expected losses from 18 natural hazards with how vulnerable and resilient the community is. It describes the county, not your street; check flood maps for a specific address at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
Parks and sights near Rock Hill
The best-known parks, museums, zoos and landmarks within about 35 miles. Tap Been or Want to add them to your city passport.
- Central Piedmont Community College 25 miles
- Winthrop University 9 miles
- Gardner-Webb University 33 miles
- Belmont Abbey College 20 miles
- Queens University of Charlotte 24 miles
- Johnson C Smith University 25 miles
Places from Wikidata (CC0), linked to each one's official site or Wikipedia article. Check hours and fees before you go.
Airports near Rock Hill
| Airport | Distance | Passengers boarding in 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte Douglas International Airport CLT | 20 mi | 28,523,822 |
| Concord Regional Airport USA | 38 mi | 132,000 |
| Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport GSP | 59 mi | 1,412,702 |
| Columbia Metropolitan Airport CAE | 73 mi | 654,460 |
Federal Aviation Administration, calendar year 2024 passenger boardings (enplanements) at commercial service airports. Straight-line distance.
Colleges in and near Rock Hill
| College | Distance | Undergrads | Net price a year | Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winthrop University | 9 mi | 3,523 | $16,375 | 52% |
| Belmont Abbey College | 20 mi | 1,276 | $25,416 | 50% |
| Queens University of Charlotte | 24 mi | 1,211 | $29,421 | 57% |
US Department of Education College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Net price is the average yearly cost after grants for students who get federal aid. Graduate: share finishing within 150% of normal time.
Frost dates and fall color in Rock Hill
Half the years, the last spring night at 32°F comes before March 31, so plant tender crops after that date or wait a week or two to be safer. Fall color depends on the trees, but the US Department of Agriculture says the brightest leaves come with warm, sunny days and cool nights, and that frost ruins vivid color. Here, cool 36°F nights usually start around October 26 and the first frost comes around November 4.
NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for Rock Hill York Co Airport, SC, median (50%) dates. All frost dates for Rock Hill.
Wildfire smoke in Rock Hill
From 2021 through 2025, a smoke plume covered Rock Hill on about 126 days a year, including about 17 days of medium or heavy smoke. Smoke high overhead can turn sunsets red without reaching the ground, so check the air quality reading before you change plans.
NOAA Hazard Mapping System smoke analysis, daily satellite plumes over the city center, 2021 to 2025. Smoke days for every city.
Home internet in Rock Hill
Census Bureau American Community Survey 2020-2024, table B28002, 31,307 households. Compare every city.
Public schools in Rock Hill
Downtown Rock Hill is in this district. Neighborhoods farther out may belong to a different one, so check the address with the district before you buy or rent.
| District | Grades | Students | Schools | Students per teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| York School District 1 | Pre-K to 12 | 4,946 | 9 | 13.1 |
Other districts within 10 miles: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (147,299 students), York School District 4 (18,445 students), York School District 3 (16,034 students), York School District 2 (9,038 students).
National Center for Education Statistics, school district boundaries and characteristics, 2024-25 school year.
Rock Hill's twin cities
Cities at least 250 miles away with the closest match to Rock Hill's weather month by month and its costs (price level, home values and rent).
- Norfolk, VA82% matchCompare
- Richmond, VA82% matchCompare
- Newport News, VA80% matchCompare
- Portsmouth, VA79% matchCompare
Find a twin that is cheaper, warmer or cooler
Stargazing near Rock Hill
The nearest certified International Dark Sky Places:
Designations by DarkSky International as recorded in Wikidata (CC0). All dark sky places.
Ski resorts near Rock Hill
- Appalachian Ski Mountain 86 miles
- Wolf Ridge Ski Resort 100 miles
- Cataloochee Ski Area 115 miles
- Ober Mountain Adventure Park & Ski Area 143 miles
Straight-line distance. All ski resorts.
Pros and cons of living in Rock Hill
Data points come from the official sources on this page. Points marked Local come from people who live here, are read by a person before they appear, and are ranked by readers.
Pros
- Nothing stands out in the data. Locals, what do you love about Rock Hill?
Cons
- Nothing stands out in the data. Locals, what should newcomers know?
Rock Hill report card from locals
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Rock Hill through locals' eyes
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Cities near Rock Hill
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gastonia, NC | 18 mi | 87,067 | $277,600 | 97.3 | Compare |
| Charlotte, NC | 26 mi | 964,784 | $385,700 | 97.3 | Compare |
| Concord, NC | 45 mi | 114,598 | $353,700 | 97.3 | Compare |
| Columbia, SC | 69 mi | 147,035 | $264,300 | 93.7 | Compare |
| Greenville, SC | 70 mi | 75,310 | $487,500 | 93.3 | Compare |
| Asheville, NC | 88 mi | 93,523 | $440,000 | 96.5 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
Rock Hill ranks 20th of 27 in our best suburbs of Charlotte ranking.
Cities with a similar profile
Closest match on climate, price level, size, income and median age, outside the immediate area.
Compare Rock Hill with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is Rock Hill a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show no standout advantages on cost or climate. Compare Rock Hill side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Rock Hill?
The Census Bureau estimates Rock Hill had 75,911 residents on July 1, 2025, compared with 74,345 in April 2020 (+2.1%).
How much do you need to earn to live in Rock Hill?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $73,000 in the Rock Hill area. The median household here earns $68,771.
When is the best time to visit Rock Hill?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, April to May and September to October are the most comfortable months. July averages 90°F and January 52°F for daytime highs.
What county is Rock Hill in?
Rock Hill is in York County, South Carolina. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Rock Hill in?
Rock Hill is on Eastern Time (UTC-5, or UTC-4 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Rock Hill?
About 679 feet above sea level at the city center. Elevation varies across the city.
Does South Carolina have a state income tax?
Yes. South Carolina has a graduated income tax with a top rate of 6% for 2026. Some cities add a local income tax, which is not included here.
Sources
Population: Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025). Income, housing, education and commuting: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates for the city of Rock Hill. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Rock Hill York Co Airport, SC station; snowfall from Gastonia, NC. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.