Firstly why Rock-Hill, South-Carolina?
I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:
- City: Rock-Hill
- State: South-Carolina
- Population: 77,400 people
- Rock-Hill’s quick summary would be In Rock Hill, Winthrop University’s Coliseum stands out, and the revamped downtown features Fountain Park as a local favorite.
Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:
- How many people move-in: 7,000 annually
- While this many move-out: 7,000 annually
- Net Migration: 0 no real change annual change
- Non-Citizen Move-in: 400
- Number of Homeless people: 250
You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it offers affordable living and strong community ties attracting families
Perk #1: Rock-Hill Demographic Mix & Lifestyle
- The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 30%
- Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 65%
- Largest Local Ethnic Group is Black
- The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
- The median income is (and growing) $45,000
- Income Required to Live Comfortably in Rock-Hill is $51,000
- Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $6000 in positive cash flow
This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?
Perk #2: Housing & Rock-Hill’s Cost of Living
- Cost of Living Index: 75 (100 is the US average)
- Annual Property Tax Per House: $1,702
- Property Tax %: 1.16%
- Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $950
- Rent for an average house: $1,500
- Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Rock Hill
- Top 5 Growing Areas: Rock-Hill, Fort-Mill, York, Lake-Wylie, and probably could include Clover
- Avg. Age of Homes in Rock-Hill: 28 years
- The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 0.5%
If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.
Perk #3: Job Market & Rock-Hill’s Economy
- 3 Industries gaining traction in Rock-Hill are Manufacturing, Retail, and Services
- Rock-Hill Job Scene: growing job market centered on healthcare and retail
- The General Tech Scene: growing tech community with a focus on logistics and small business initiatives , ,
- Rock-Hill Resident’s pay $300 in City Tax alone!
- Local Sales Tax in Rock-Hill: 7%
- No. of Independent Businesses: 20 (excluding chains and corporates)
- Number of Local Branch Banks: 5
Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.
Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Rock-Hill
- Monthly Transportation Costs: $80 on average per person
- Freeway Access: I-77 runs through Rock Hill providing vital access to Charlotte
- Commute Time: 20 minutes (public & private)
- Main Evening Traffic Area: traffic congestion on I-77
- Transportation Score: 34 out of 100 described as Some Transit
- No. of Vehicles Registered in Rock-Hill: 40,000
- Cars registered per Person: 0.5
- No. of Car Washes: 4 in and around the city
- DMV Website for Rock-Hill: scdmvonline.com
- The Bike-Friendly Score: 60 of 100
- Local Airport: Charlotte Douglas International
Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.
Perk #5: Rock-Hill’s Weather & Natural Factors
- The Most Common Natural Disaster is Hurricanes
- General Weather in Rock-Hill is best described as has hot humid summers and mild winters with considerable rainfall
- Winter Weather in Rock-Hill i’d describe as mild and rainy
- Spring Weather in Rock-Hill can be described as warm with chance of rain
- Summer’s in Rock-Hill are mostly hot and humid
- Fall ( the nicest time) in Rock-Hill is usually mild and pleasant
- How many days in a row over 90°F: 18 days in summer
- Days in a row in Rock-Hill below Freezing: 4
- Average Annual Rainfall: 49 inches
- Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality supported by local environmental policies
- Rock-Hill Winter Air generally good air quality few pollution sources
Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.
Perk #6: Rock-Hill Education & Schools
- The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
- Number of Colleges and Universities in Rock-Hill 1
- While the number of trade schools inside Rock-Hills’s city limits are 1
- Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Rock Hill Public Library
If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.
Perk #7: Healthcare & Rock-Hill Stats
- Typical EMS Response Time: 9 minutes
- Registered Full-Time Rock-Hill only Doctors is about 30
- Local Hospitals here is 3
- Full-time Rock-Hill only Police Officers is about 240
- Crime Rate Index: 35/100
Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.
Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality
- Rock-Hill’s Monthly utility bill average is $80
- Rock-Hill’s Monthly Gym Membership: $35
- Rock-Hill’s Water Quality Score: 74
Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.
Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Rock-Hill
- Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 5 annually
- The General Local City Vibe: mid-sized city with a blend of family-friendly parks and activities
- You might enjoy live music at the Old Town Amphitheater
- Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Rock-Hill features local bars and dining options fostering a welcoming atmosphere for gathering in the community
If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.
Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Rock-Hill
- The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes local eateries and casual dining options
- The Number of Independent Restaurants are 30 scattered around Rock-Hill
- The Popular Sports Team is Rock Hill Bearcats
- Top Level Political Climate in Rock-Hill can be described as politically mixed area with strong community values
- Rock-Hill’s Longer standing religious establishment is Rock Hill Community Church
Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.
Perk #11: Rock-Hill Parks & Green Spaces
- Did you know Rock-Hill has 20 Parks?
- NarroWay Productions Park is Rock-Hill’s Green Space Center
- The local favorite Farmers Market is Rock Hill Farmers Market normally open Friday 4pm-7pm
- Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, biking, and parks
Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.
Perk #12: Rock-Hill Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity
- The Pace of Life in Rock-Hill can be described as steady suburban pace with emphasis on family and growth
- 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Rock-Hill exploring parks hiking nature trails community gatherings
- The Cities people commute to from Rock-Hill are Charleston 10 miles away Goose-Creek 15 miles away Hanahan 5 miles away
Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.
8 Drawbacks about Rock-Hill or are they?
No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.
- Traffic/Commute Issues
Maybe you read: traffic congestion on I-77. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts. - Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
Rock-Hill’s Hurricanes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up. - Pricey Neighborhoods
If Rock Hill is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Rock-Hill are Charleston 10 miles away Goose-Creek 15 miles away Hanahan 5 miles away. - Crime Rate Concerns
With a 35 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this. - Harsh Climate Contrasts
Rock-Hill has 4 days in a row below freezing and 18 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it. - Limited Extra Funds
After general costs of living here in Rock-Hill people have an average (positive or negative) $6000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here. - Homelessness or Social Challenges
250 homeless people living in Rock-Hill. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions. - Cultural/Political Mismatch
The general politically mixed area with strong community values could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Rock-Hill.
Retiree & Senior Life in Rock-Hill
- Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can can benefit from local programs that assist with property tax obligations
- The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Haven
- Rock Hill Senior Center hosts a variety of health programs social events and activities for older adults
If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.
Moving to Rock-Hill, South-Carolina?
If Rock-Hill, South-Carolina ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help
As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.
A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Rock-Hill, South-Carolina, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!