Rock Hill, SC Homes For Rent

Homes for Rent in Rock Hill, SC: What You Need to Know

Rock Hill, South Carolina, is the fifth-largest city in the state. It’s located just 15 miles below the North Carolina border and 25 miles south of downtown Charlotte, and that’s why it’s a part of the Charlotte metro area.

Local History

In 1852, the crew building the Charlotte-Columbia-Augusta Railroad line named a flinty hill in the area Rock Hill. It became the name of the village upon the establishment of a post office that year. Rock Hill was incorporated in 1892. During the civil rights movement, the city was thrust into the spotlight. On Jan. 31, 1961, nine students from Friendship Junior College were arrested for sitting at a lunch counter for whites. The students chose to serve 30 days in the county jail instead of paying $100 fines. Their action, dubbed “jail, no bail,” inspired other civil rights groups to adopt the tactic.

Cost of Living

Rockville (population: 75,048) is a smart choice for people who want to be close to the economic opportunities in Charlotte without living there. Rock Hill’s cost of living rate, food, and housing costs are 9.1%, 17.6%, and 23.8% lower than the national average, respectively. The median gross rent in the city is $928. Under South Carolina’s progressive tax system, a resident pays 0% to 7% in income tax. The top rate of 7% is among the highest in the country. The state collects 6% to 9% in sales tax.

Know Your Neighborhoods

Planning to rent? Rock Hill is a popular choice; 48% of all residents are renters. The City Center neighborhood offers an array of studios, two-bedroom apartments, and single-family homes. Other top relocation destinations within York County include Fort Mill and Tega Cay for their above-average schools. Lake Wylie in Tega Cay is also a major draw. 

Weather and Climate

Rock Hill receives about 44 inches of rain annually, more than the U.S. average of 38 inches, and just three inches of snow per year. The exception was on Feb. 26, 2004, when the city experienced an unprecedented blizzard that brought almost 22 inches of snow. Rock Hill typically enjoys 212 sunny days annually compared with the national average of 205 sunny days.

Schools and Higher Education

There are 23 colleges within 50 miles of Rock Hill and one four-year university in the city: Winthrop University (5,183 students). In primary and secondary education, Rock Hill has 28 public schools with a total enrolment of 17,776 students. Northwestern High School and Rock Hill High School are among the city’s top-ranked schools.