Rock Hill
RANK #856 / 996 NAT · #22 / 24 SC · POP 282,987
1YR FORECAST: +0.2%
5YR OUTLOOK: +14%
York County, South Carolina, offers a blend of historical significance and natural beauty, with notable towns like Rock Hill and Fort Mill. The county is situated in the Piedmont region, bordered by the Broad and Catawba Rivers, and lies just south of Charlotte, North Carolina, making it part of the greater Charlotte metropolitan area. Commutes to Charlotte can range from 30 minutes to over an hour during peak times, depending on the specific location within York County. The Anne Springs Close Greenway in Fort Mill provides 2,100 acres with miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, alongside lakes and ponds for water activities. Lake Wylie also offers extensive opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water sports.
Life in York County appeals to families and those seeking a balance of community and access to urban amenities. The public school systems, including Fort Mill and Clover, are recognized for their quality. The economy is diversifying beyond its historical textile roots, with recent growth in sectors like advanced materials, manufacturing, and data centers. This economic activity contributes to job opportunities within the county, though some residents commute to Charlotte. The county maintains a mix of rural and urban lifestyles, with ongoing development of new neighborhoods.
Above national median (4.7x)
Prices declining
Moderate climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 5.4x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
QTS Data Center Campus (Project Cobra)
QTS Data Centers
|
$8,000M | Under Construction |
|
Silfab Solar Manufacturing Plant
Silfab Solar
|
$150M | Planned |
|
Main Street Tega Cay Mixed-Use Development
Unknown
|
$50M | Proposed |
|
Patriots Energy Group Natural Gas Compressor Station
Patriots Energy Group (PEG)
|
$50M | Operating |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
The data is not encouraging — York County scores just 13/100 on the Boom Town Index, ranking #856 of 996 counties. Job growth at +0.7% and median household income of $80,158 reflect an economy that has been contracting or stagnating relative to the rest of the country.
Housing in York County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $287,600 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.28, with rents averaging $1,204/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
York County's population is growing — up +2.3% YoY — while the job market is roughly flat (employment change of +0.7%). Home values shifted -1.6% over the past year. In-migration is outpacing local hiring, which often points to remote workers or retirees driving the headcount.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 2.55% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests York County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.